England: Anna Racine (“We’re not in Madison Anymore” moment)

I had a “we’re not in Madison anymore” moment right away when I arrived in London. It was when I tried taking the underground trains for the first time. I had never been on an underground train before this moment, so it was completely new to me. Reading the maps was overwhelming at first, but I slowly started to get the hang of it. Now taking the underground trains is easy, and even relaxing, for me! This was a big transition because in Madison I am able to just walk to class and at home in Minnesota, I have a car I use to get around. It was a big culture shock having to learn how to navigate the underground train system.

Something surprising I found out about London is how diverse their culinary scene is. Because London is such a diverse city, there are so many different options of food to try. I have really enjoyed this because it’s not as easy to try new types of food back at home. One of my favorite spots in London is Chinatown. It has so many different cool restaurants and the authentic Chinese food is delicious. I will miss it. I will also miss the British fish and chips from a restaurant near my place.

Anna Racine 

Hometown: Hugo, Minnesota

Major: Accounting

Program: IES Direct Enrollment – City St George’s, University of London