Hello! This is Hana again. Since my first week in London, my time abroad has been just as exciting and fulfilling as I hoped. I came here hoping to gain real-world experience in an international business environment, and through my internship at The Edwardian Hotel, I’ve been learning a lot—especially about AI search and its impact on business success. I’ve seen how businesses now have to think beyond traditional marketing and focus on how they appear in AI-driven search results, how to optimize their digital presence, and how to anticipate customer behavior. Being in a global city like London has made this feel very real, and it’s strengthened my interest in international and intercultural marketing.
Outside of work, I feel like I’ve built a strong sense of community. I’ve continued going to run club, started taking pilates and workout classes with friends I’ve made, and have been talking more with all of my coworkers. I’ve found my favorite cafés and restaurants, and daily routines that make London feel like home. In public, I feel like I fit in, which has helped me feel more comfortable and confident as I navigate the city. It has helped having friends here because we often go together to try new restaurants, cafes, London pop-ups, and events. There is always something going on here, which has helped me thrive because I absolutely love the busy life. I feel like I could recommend London to anyone I know because there is seriously something for everyone here.
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This experience has also made me reflect on my identity. Growing up between Japan and the U.S., I’ve always had to balance different cultural expectations, but being here has added another layer. In professional settings during my internship, I feel respected for the work I have been doing, but I am also treated like an intern, which has made me more aware of my role and how I present myself. I’ve noticed that I have been relying on the more observant and reserved traits influenced by my Japanese background here because of the UK's more indirect communication culture. It’s nice because the culture almost feels like the perfect balance between American and Japanese culture, which has made it easier for me to navigate. Because of this, I haven’t really experienced a culture shift.
This experience has also pushed me to reevaluate my thoughts on professionalism and success. I’ve learned that these ideas are not universal but shaped by culture, and that there isn’t one “right” way to communicate or succeed. Overall, my time abroad so far has taught me that identity is fluid and constantly evolving. For students with similar multicultural backgrounds, I’ve realized that feeling “in-between” is actually a strength—it allows you to adapt, connect, and thrive in global environments. I am so excited to continue for another month and see how much more I can grow both personally and professionally.
Hana Smith, Diverse Ducks Ambassador