University of Wisconsin–Madison

England & Netherlands : Janiessa Grady (New Experiences in London)

New Experiences in London

In a small venue with a reddish light, a person plays guitar on a stage next to large speakers.
Live band playing at The Spice of Life in London

As most people felt, I was so excited but nervous about what my experience would be in a foreign country. One of my first memories of London was actually in the Heathrow Airport grocery market. I looked for some familiar comfort food since I had a few hours of waiting in the airport to look forward to, and had just gotten off the plane. However, I was met with different names for things like prawn and mayo sandwiches (shrimp and mayo), making sure I was buying still and not sparkling water, and a lack of snacks that I would generally get for travel. That is when it hit me that I really am in another country.

After about a week of settling into the city, I realized that I loved London! The thriving music scene, unapologetic street fashion, and kind people made this city easy to love. I met people from all walks of life there, people from all over the world. I also found it easy to fall in love with a city when you have amazing people to explore it with. Anajli, Shruthi, Isabella and I easily spent hours wandering the city, trying new restaurants, and listening to live music. Our favorite places to eat generally offered asian cuisine, or “America” food. Beans and toast was not on my bucket list of things to try, but some of my friends actually enjoyed it. Overall, I really found my experience in London extremely eye opening. The history behind the city, along with the melting pot of people there made my experience there such a wonderful time!

 

Janiessa smiles in front of a lake that is reflecting the reddish-purple glow of the sunset.

Janiessa Grady

Major: Global Health

Hometown: Sheboygan Falls, Wisconsin

Program: CIEE Summer Comparative Public Health Systems [London + Amsterdam]

One professional goal I have for this program is being able to expand my perspective of public health. Through this program, I will be able to examine the different approaches to public health in two different countries. Being able to visit two countries all under one program is so cool! This aspect of the program really stood out to me, and I’m excited for the unique opportunities I will have because of it.