England: Liam Grabel (My First Year of College Abroad)

Program: UW Global Launch in London

Originally when I interviewed for this program my academic hopes were focused on engaging in a new culture and experiencing what it could be like to one day live and work abroad. The concept of not only moving my life away from the city where I grew up but the entire continent was a scary one, but I was prepared to do it for a chance to throw myself head first into new ways of learning. Studying and my classes here in London have shown a new perspective on learning and allowed me to see through a different lens when reflecting on my culture and practices back in the U.S. I was expecting my thinking to shift in a way similar to this before my departure but not to the degree that I feel I’ve reached. Global perspective has taught me new ways of approaching topics, specifically in a less biased sense where understanding both sides is crucial. I think the transfer of this skill to when I return to campus will improve my writing and ability to engage in taught content. Additionally the added responsibility from living alone in another country has helped me grow as a person and I feel I will adjust much easier when returning home. Overall this experience has led me to grow in areas that I expected but also in ways I hadn’t considered and I am looking forward to the rest of my semester.