England: Natalie Elliot (My First Year of College Abroad)

Program: UW Global Launch in London

My first interest in the Global Launch program sparked in tandem with my passion for my major, English. I thought that living in London, I would have so many opportunities to study my favorite authors closely and observe the settings for so many iconic books. I was absolutely correct in that respect-in so many of the classes that I was able to choose, we went on extracurricular trips that were everything I had dreamed of doing. A Sherlock Holmes tour, a Harry Potter filming locations and inspired areas morning, and we even got to see A Christmas Carol live. London is also such a lively and interesting city, offering so much inspiration for me to infuse into writing that I like to do in my free time.

One of the most important aspects of being a college student that I have been able to learn during my time in London is observation and the ability to live in the moment. When our classes are walking tours as opposed to a few kids sitting in a classroom, you cannot spend every second writing notes. You have to really take in your surroundings and encode the information that you learn from the guide or the atmosphere. Though there is definitely importance in, and a place for, note-taking, in the context of ‘in-the-field’ learning, being present is paramount.

I’ve also learned the value of independence. As a first-year student in a different country, there was an even bigger adjustment I had to make when I left for college. I couldn’t just hop home for a weekend or call my parents whenever I needed advice, I had to grow and make decisions on my own. In high school, I texted my mom after every inconvenience. With the six hour time difference, I was lucky if she replied before I went to sleep. I definitely developed skills I will exercise in the future, and I think that if I hadn’t done this program, it would’ve taken me longer to mature.