Wow, I cannot believe it is the end. I can confidently say that I have learned a lot about myself. This was a challenging experience, but very rewarding. I think I do have a unique perspective, as I was already an international student, yet London’s culture is very different from that of the United States and Jamaica. London is very diverse, and I got to meet so many people from various backgrounds at the same time. I also was able to meet people with similar experiences to mine. I love the laid-back approach to life, but I have gained a great appreciation for the fast-paced lifestyle. I appreciated Londoners’ friendliness and genuineness, as well as the ability to strike up brief conversations with strangers.I enjoyed the conversations while grabbing tea and going to the pub. British humor is remarkable, and it is something I will truly miss.
Of course, not everything is perfect. When settling somewhere, one has to accept that there will be things they do not understand. For example, everyone is very vague with what they want. I had to adjust to a climate I had never been in before. I can be a bit standoffish due to the culture I was raised in, and then someone breaks the ice with a joke while riding the tube. In the end, it was the small things or moments that you appreciated.I think someone from London would say that I did have the true London experience. I could have done more and explored more, but at the same time I settled in quite nicely, and I mimicked the London behavior and mindset. I realized that Londoners walk very quickly and are bothered by someone walking slowly. although it was a bit sheltered as I went to classes with Americans. I had the opportunity to meet locals and befriend them.
Additionally, I think these reflections are helpful for someone who will be doing the same program and is unsure what the experience may be like. I would say to take my experience with a grain of salt, as your experience could be very different from mine. I think what is most important is being open-minded and understanding that there will be many things or ideologies that you are not used to. For example, it is common to speak about politics or what is going on in the world. To my knowledge, in America and Jamaica, this is not normal, and typically the conversation is directed away from those topics. I would also say that the work culture is more relaxed and informal in London. I would say that if you are used to corporate America, this might be a bit frustrating. Nevertheless, you will appreciate that your co-worker actually cares and sees you as a friend outside of work. Moreover, I think everyone should study abroad. It will help you grow and learn more about yourself and another country. It will be challenging, but it will be so worth it, and the memories you make will last a lifetime. Thank you, London.