Living in the United Kingdom was extremely different than living in the United States. The first thing that stood out to me was how much the United States attempted to change small aspects of life so that they were opposite of those within the United Kingdom. The first of these was that they drove on the left side of the road instead of the right. This was very confusing at first, especially when I was attempting to cross the street because I was used to always looking left to see if cars were coming, but here I had to look right. Over time I got used to this change and did not think much of it. I did realize once I got back to the United States that I often was so accustomed to being on the left side of the road while in the United Kingdom that I would walk on the left side of the sidewalk.
The housing within the United Kingdom is also very different from the United States. There are not very many modern homes and almost all of the buildings I saw within the small city of Lancaster looked as if they had not been renovated in the slightest in years. I found this interesting because it debuts just how much the United States values change and modernization in regard to our building as well.
I also learned how to communicate effectively with people of many other cultures. Since within my housing assignment I was exposed to an abundance of new cultures worldwide, I was forced to adapt my communication style to match those of who I lived with. I also learned a lot about other countries and just how different they were from the United States.
I think the biggest thing I learned in the United Kingdom was how important it is to adapt in any situation you’re faced with, even if it is not ideal. There were many times during my trip to the United Kingdom that I felt overwhelmed by just the sheer fact that things they do are different from my everyday lifestyle. I think I learned much more about adapting within a different country than I would have in a semester at Rollins and I am very thankful for the opportunity to do so.