University of Wisconsin–Madison

England: Emily Swanson

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

Emily’s major: Marketing

Emily stands next to a bright red telephone booth with the large Big Ben clocktower in the background on a clear day.
Had to do a photo with a phone booth. Big Ben was just a bonus.

What is your most memorable experience from your program?

My absolute favorite part of London was definitely the West End where you can see amazing musicals. There is nothing quite like it. When the lights dim and the first note sounds, there is this charge of excitement in the air. It’s a place where I found the most joy and amazement while abroad, and I would love to return to London just to see more shows! A show I definitely recommend is Wicked. What beautiful costumes, set designs, and singing!

It was important to me that I was able to share my passions and values with others and also learn those passions and values from those I met.

What is your advice for someone considering your program?

Get involved in something outside of the study abroad world. This will help you meet people outside of university. A way to help foster connections can be to find an organization whose interests align with your own. My faith is an important aspect of my life, so with a help of a friend, I was able to get involved with the Catholic Newman Centre for college students in London. There I met some wonderful and kind people who I had great conversations with. They made me feel more comfortable in the city while also giving me some great suggestions on what to spend time exploring with my three months.

Emily crouches next to a giant gnome statue wearing a gray and red striped hat in an alleyway with shops with mint green trim.
Headed to the Cotswolds’ for a day. Spent some time strolling beautiful streets filled with little shops and if you’re lucky – I guess – a gnome!

How will your experience benefit you in the future? How might it affect your future career or studies?

My time in London challenged me in a variety of ways, but most impactfully in my communication/people skills. Not only do you meet new people every day, but you have to find ways to navigate the country’s cultural norms. It was important to me that I was able to share my passions and values with others and also learn those passions and values from those I met. I feel that these things are the heart of that person, and I so loved learning more about my acquaintances. I know that being able to validate feelings and discover motives are valuable skills, especially in a career as you get to know those you work alongside. Engaging well with those you work with creates a safe space for you to inquire, challenge and even produce change.