England: Aidan Dalby
Program: UW Experience in Principles of Global Business: England, Summer
Aidan’s Major: Finance, Investment, and Banking
How were your program academics similar or different from taking classes at UW-Madison?
I think the course rigor was pretty similar to a class at UW-Madison. We still had the same amount of work every week and a lecture to watch so it took a similar amount of time and work as a regular class. However, when we were in Cambridge it was a lot more unique. The class I was with only had 11 kids including me so it was a much smaller class than what I’m used to. This allowed for more collaboration and participation within the lectures, activities, and business visits. I think I was able to explore more and learn more from it being a smaller setting.
What is your most memorable experience from your program?
I think the most memorable moment from the trip was the second night we were there. The Professor had his office hours at a restaurant in Cambridge. The entire class ended up showing it. We talked a little bit about the class and what we learned, but it ended up turning into us playing cards with each other and truly getting to know each other. I think by the end of that night, we all were a lot closer and made the rest of the program better.
I’m a pretty shy person and going into this I was nervous because I didn’t know anyone else doing this program. Once I first arrived and went to the welcome dinner I tried to put myself out there and meet the other people that would be abroad with me.
What challenges or barriers did you face as you prepared to go abroad and/or during your time abroad? How did you work through them?
One of the main challenges I faced was stepping out of my comfort zone. I’m a pretty shy person and going into this I was nervous because I didn’t know anyone else doing this program. Once I first arrived and went to the welcome dinner I tried to put myself out there and meet the other people that would be abroad with me. Professor Misey also helped by asking us questions and forcing us to share with the group which allowed us to get to know each other better.
How will your experience benefit you in the future? How might it affect your future career or studies?
I think the experience will benefit me greatly in the future. I made several new friends and got a lot closer with my professors that I can feel I can reach out to if I need anything. I also think the connections I made with the students from UW in the program and the students from Cambridge that I met will help me in the future. For my future career I think it will help me get a job and meet the right people. I stepped out of my comfort zone and was able to meet lots of new people which will help me meet the right people for my career.