This semester abroad has been an eye-opening experience in so many ways. Transitioning from life in the United States to life in the United Kingdom has been amazing, but also challenging. A cultural aspect that took some adjusting to was the difference in apparel worn. In the United States, athletic wear is a very popular genre of clothing worn by almost everyone from all demographics and ages. Upon my arrival in the United Kingdom, I realized that this norm I had grown so accustomed to in the States was indeed not a norm here. The UK tends to dress up much more than the US, and I was met with some odd stares upon my arrival here. Never one to back down from a full cultural immersion, I started to adjust my fashion style in an attempt to assimilate best with the UK’s more formal culture.
My perspective from this semester abroad was mixed. There were parts I really enjoyed, and parts I did not. I very much enjoyed the geographic location of London, as I was able to travel to several countries much easier than if I was still stateside. Immersing myself in European culture in nations like The Netherlands, France, and Portugal was an incredible opportunity I will not soon forget. However, I did not find all aspects of my time here necessarily enjoyable. As laughable as it may seem, I did not enjoy the cold weather, and lack of daylight past 5 pm. These were two very difficult adjustments to make as I am used to sunshine and warmth in my native home of South Florida, USA. While not necessarily a cultural issue, the geographical conditions of my time abroad were both a positive and a negative.
Someone from my host culture would probably view my experiences very similar to how I do. Taking advantage of the opportunities in front of me while abroad was key to the success and cultural immersion I achieved this semester. Perhaps just as important, though, was my ability to adjust to some aspects of life that were different from what I was used to and that I may not have enjoyed as much as the other experiences I had abroad.
These experiences have prepared me in many ways for future cultural misunderstandings and conflicts. Not all of my time spent abroad has been especially enjoyable, however, this semester has taught me how best to take advantage of the opportunities in front of me, while simultaneously managing aspects of my life that are not meeting my general standards of enjoyment and happiness.
This semester abroad has been one I will not forget. There have been so many historical events that have taken place while I was here. From the Queen’s death (may she Rest In Peace), to tube strikes, to parliamentary changes, I can honestly say it has been a roller coaster since the day I arrived. As with any rollercoaster, I had my highs and lows. I believe what is important is that I was able to enjoy the highs to their fullest, and learn how to manage the lows. See you soon, London!