2023-2024 Cohort
Students
Andrea Chavez-Lazaro
Major: Psychology
Hometown: Verona, Wisconsin
A goal of mine for this program is to expand my cultural awareness and understanding of people. Every culture has a unique lifestyle that plays into individual personality and mental processes. Gaining this understanding will provide a way to connect my own knowledge of culture to my newly introduced one beyond a surface level which will benefit me later on as a psychologist.
What do you most look forward to learning about London?
In London, I am most looking forward to learning about the range in cultures within the city. I want to try traditional foods from all around the world and appreciate the variety of languages spoken. I am excited to see how the city embraces its diversity.
Blog posts
Emmalyn Bergman
Major: Political Science and International Studies
Hometown: Oconomowoc, WI
I am planning to reconnect with my extended family! My grandparents immigrated to the US in the late 1960s, but many of my aunts, uncles, and cousins, still live throughout England. This program gives me the opportunity to get to know them through more than just emails and cards.
Another goal for myself is to visit Jane Austen’s home in Chawton! Pride and Prejudice is one of my all time favorite novels (second only to The Count of Monte Cristo) and inspired a lasting love of classic literature. I’m also hoping to visit some of the filming locations for the movie (The 2005 version, of course).
What are you most looking forward to learning about London?
I am so excited to explore all the museums London has to offer! I’ve always been a history buff, and I’m looking forward to learning as much of the city’s centuries of knowledge, artifacts, and stories as I can.
Blog posts
Emmie Corbin
Major: Anthropology and sociology
Hometown: Lannon, Wisconsin
I would like to gain a broader understanding of diversity and humanity. By spending time in an international city, I want to seek out new perspectives and engage in meaningful conversations. Educating myself about different cultures, backgrounds, and experiences will help me foster a deep sense of respect and inclusivity in all areas of my life.
What do you most look forward to learning about in London?
In London, I am looking forward to learning about Britain’s rich and complex history. In addition, I feel that I will be able to gain great insights into contemporary British culture, from its uniquely diverse population to its thriving arts, music, and culinary scenes.
Blog posts
Gwendolyn (Gwenna) Mlsna
Major (or intended major): Psychology and Spanish
Hometown: Mount Horeb, Wisconsin
I look forward to challenging myself as an independent adult for the first time and learning in a completely new and busy environment. My goal is to incorporate the life lessons and skills that I acquire during this program into the way I treat the rest of my undergrad years. I believe that this program is going to reshape the way I approach education by keeping me focused, on my toes, and will set me up for a successful college experience with an added global perspective.
What do you most look forward to learning about London?
I am fascinated by the prospect of learning the “other side of the story”. Since I grew up reading American literature and learning history from the American perspective, it will be an amazing opportunity to learn British history from within the cultural and social heart of the UK. I am very excited to experience the rich cultural diversity of such an international city!
Blog posts
Kinzie Carlson
Major: Political Science & History
Hometown: Owatonna, Minnesota
I hope to be able to engage in local government and learn how the parliament works in the United Kingdom. As a political science major, learning about other governments and being able to compare them to the American system is fascinating. Maybe I’ll learn of ways we can improve our government when I come back to Madison!
What do you most look forward to learning about London?
I am ecstatic to have the opportunity to explore various museums, monuments, and historically significant locations. I adore history, so being able to learn about the centuries of history in London, especially the monarchy, hands-on, is something I couldn’t be more excited about.
Blog posts
Lilly Marto
Major: Political Science
Hometown: Green Bay, Wisconsin
Throughout this program I hope to gain a deeper global understanding by constantly making connections between my experiences in and outside of the classroom. As a political science major, I’m passionate about examining the various aspects of culture and history that shape a political climate, and I look forward to exploring these both through my coursework and my time as a member of the London community.
What do you most look forward to learning about London?
I most look forward to immersing myself in a culture and lifestyle that is different from my own as well as having the opportunity to learn about London’s history by exploring its museums and landmarks.
Blog posts
Lily Bloch
Majors: International Studies and Spanish
Hometown: Madison, Wisconsin
The main goal I hope to achieve throughout this experience abroad is to push myself out of my comfort zone when learning about different cultural identities in London that are not prominent in Wisconsin. There is a pronounced South Asian presence that affects much of the culture, and it would be an honor to get to report on different cuisines, experience cultural celebrations, and take a deeper look into South Asian attributes to modern London artwork and trends. To start, I’ve heard there’s a great Thai place just down the block from our housing. I pride myself on having an open mind, but the only way to truly claim such a trait is to be persistent in improving and expanding your worldview through immersive opportunities and conversation.
What do you most look forward to learning about London?
Seeing the contrast between American societies versus English societies is something I think will be very interesting. There will be significant differences between living in a country that uses Democracy to govern in comparison to the United Kingdom, which runs under a Constitutional Monarchy. The comparison between the United States and the United Kingdom is fascinating, considering the history between both countries and the growth of each country post-Revolutionary War.
Blog posts
Mariah Justice
Major: Undecided
Hometown: Madison, Wisconsin
I am aiming to push myself to make as many connections as possible. This being within and outside of the London Global Launch program through joining social groups at Imperial college, and other groups/activities in the community.
What do you most look forward to learning about London?
I am highly anticipating learning more about the historical background and relevance of different structures in London. As well as the social differences from what I am accustomed to and the norm here.
Blog posts
Stella Newman
Major: International Studies and Spanish
Hometown: Middleton, Wisconsin
I hope to enrich my academic experience through this program. I am so excited to learn firsthand about British politics, food, culture, art, and so much more.
What do you most look forward to learning about London?
I look forward to learning about London’s Diversity and Global ties. London is an epicenter for international happenings and as an international studies major, I hope to learn more about the complex city of London.