University of Wisconsin–Madison

England: Libby Spier (Learning on excursion)

A teapot and teacup with dainty, painted flowers on them on a marble table.
my delicious food and tea from our class excursion to afternoon tea at Roast

Coming into my study abroad experience, it was my goal this semester to not take any classes that were within my major. I really wanted to take this opportunity to explore other pathways academically and take other classes I would not take back in Madison. With this in mind, I enrolled in a Food and Cultures class here in London. The first excursion we took in the class was my absolute favorite, our class excursion was to afternoon tea. We went to this restaurant called Roast right inside Borough Market, and we got to enjoy and participate in a proper afternoon tea.

A three-tiered platter filled with different pastries and small sandwiches.

This excursion was so delicious and felt like my first real taste of British culture (no pun intended). In the class before this excursion, we learned all about the history of tea here in the UK, when to drink tea, and how it became such a significant part of British culture. So when we were educated on it, it was truly such a lovely, enjoyable, and educational afternoon. This experience was a highlight of the class and also my study abroad academic experience. It would not have been possible without the promise I made to myself to explore classes outside of my normal comfort zone.

 

Libby smiles on a stone pathway in front of palm trees, with the ocean in the background.

Libby Spier

Hometown: Austin, Texas

Major: Biology

Program: UW in London