2026-2027 Cohort
Students
Iris Bastiaens
Major: History
Hometown: Wayzata, Minnesota
A goal that I have for this program is to step outside my comfort zone and fully immerse myself in London’s culture and history. I hope that by allowing myself to have a variety of different opportunities, I can learn from people with different backgrounds and perspectives from across Europe. I believe that these experiences will not only help me grow as a person but become a better history professor as well.
I am most looking forward to visiting Shakespeare’s Globe in London. As silly as it may sound, I am a long-term fan of Shakespeare’s work, so getting to see performances there would be amazing. I hope to see Much Ado About Nothing and As You Like It in the Fall. Seeing Shakespeare performed in this setting will help me connect the history I love studying to the culture of London.
Blog posts
- Coming soon!
Elizabeth Braun
Major: Psychology
Hometown: Horicon, Wisconsin
By studying through the Global Launch London program I am looking forward to gaining a new perspective on the world and even daily life alongside learning so much history about the city that’s played as a centerstage for many major events throughout the eras. Through the courses offered I hope to grow my writing capabilities.
I’m looking forward to being surrounded by the rich history that comes with a city such as London and the vibrant lifestyle that big cities offer. It will be amazing just walking through the streets and seeing the amazing architecture along with visiting notable landmarks.
Blog posts
- Coming soon!
Vanessa Correa
Major: Political Science
Hometown: Chicago, Illinois
My academic goal is to deepen my understanding of political science and global issues while preparing for a future career in law or public service. I know this experience will help me become a more informed and engaged student.
I am most looking forward to meeting people from diverse backgrounds and learning from their perspectives. I’m excited to explore London, experience a new culture, and create meaningful friendships while growing both academically and personally.
Blog posts
- Coming soon!
Annelise Eichholz
Major: International Studies
Hometown: Milwaukee, Wisconsin
As I hope to pursue international studies as a major and a career in the international field, I hope that studying abroad in London will greatly grow my perspective on global issues and increase my understanding of how to get involved professionally. Even though I won’t be taking major-specific courses while abroad, I believe that my experiences will help lay the groundwork for future success in my field of study.
While there are so many aspects of studying abroad in London that excite me, I am most looking forward to immersing myself in the culture of the United Kingdom. Whether it’s through taking advantage of the experiential learning opportunities, traveling in my free time, or just going about my daily life in Kensington, I want to experience all of the richness London has to offer.
Blog posts
- Coming soon!
Charleigh Huenink
Major: Political Science
Hometown: Appleton, Wisconsin
I am very excited about the specific classes the Global Launch in London program has to offer, as I am very interested in 20th century history! I hope to challenge myself this year by balancing academics and all the amazing activities London has to offer.
I look forward to meeting as many different people as I can! London has such a diverse culture with citizens from all over the world, which is very different from where I’m from in Appleton.
Blog posts
- Coming soon!
Tullah Kelly
Major: Human Development & Family Studies and Psychology
Hometown: Minneapolis, Minnesota
I intend to study psychology, and I would love to explore another culture to see how different it is from the one I know. I also want to be able to use my knowledge and education so far to make positive change in the world.
I am most looking forward to the chance to try out some new things in a new setting! I love being able to have new experiences and meet new people, and I know I will get lots of that in London.
Blog posts
- Coming soon!
Samira Lababidi
Major: Legal Studies and International Studies
Hometown: Fitchburg, Wisconsin
My goal is to build a strong academic foundation while challenging myself in an international environment. As someone who has always been curious about different cultures and world events, I’m excited to learn in a city as globally connected as London. I hope to broaden my understanding of global issues, strengthen my communication skills and gain experience that will prepare me for my future career.
I am excited to step outside of my comfort zone while still having the familiarity of living in an English-speaking country. I can’t wait to wander through London’s museums, discover hidden cafes and bookstores, watch the city come alive, and meet people from around the world. I’m also looking forward to using weekends and breaks to explore other parts of Europe and create memories that I’ll carry with me for the rest of my life.
Blog posts
- Coming soon!
Jonas Tangen
Major: Public Policy and Economics
Hometown: Madison, Wisconsin
I am excited to learn about the evolving system of British governance and take classes with peers who grew up with a different perspective on the world than I do. The courses offered by the UW Global Launch program are especially interesting to me because they touch on topics at the forefront of both US and UK politics. Debates about the best solutions to immigration issues, climate change, political representation, and social government policy overlap in both our countries; I hope that I will learn new ways to see these issues while studying abroad.
Generally, I look forward to having new experiences, making new friends, and learning new things. If I had to choose just one thing I’m most looking forward to, it would definitely be living steps away from the Natural History Museum. I’m also really excited to learn about London’s history and go running around the beautiful parks and neighborhoods in South Kensington.
Blog posts
- Coming soon!