As the study abroad trip in London slowly came to an end, I found it really important to reflect on all the experiences, especially with the amount of things we did throughout the trip. Overall, the London in a Global Context trip is one of the most special school trips I have ever been a part of, and the people are really what made the experience so great, apart from being in such a cool city like London. During the return to the U.S., it was hard to just pack up and leave especially after being so adjusted to the people and lifestyle in another country only after a month. For me it is important to stay in touch with the people on the trip after being home because it is another way to help reflect on the great experiences while talking to someone that really knows what it was like.

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When I arrived back home it was difficult to tell people what it was like because we did so much and there were so many highlights. The most important thing when getting home is to understand that everyone is going to want to ask you questions about the trip and it may make you miss the trip even more, but it is important to do your own reflection on the trip whether that is creating a written journal, photo journal, or more there are special memories on the trip. The best way for me to adjust was really just reflecting on the trip both by myself and with others.

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Studying abroad may be out of many people’s comfort zones, as it was for me. But once you really embrace the fact that you are going to study abroad and arrive in your host location there was so much stress relieved during arrival. I was nervous about making friends and completing schoolwork, but it is helpful to know everyone else is in the same exact position. When I arrived, everyone was very open to making friends because almost no one in the group knew each other so there were so many friendships to be made. And in terms of the school aspect of studying abroad there are lots of support systems during the experience whether that is your friends, professors, or administrators everyone is so welcoming to help each other out. From this experience of stepping out of my comfort zone I really think it is going to carry over to college and help me to experience new things.  

The study abroad experiences has really opened my view into the fact that there is so much out in the world and so much to experience. For anyone that is struggling to make big decisions whether it is from financial worries or personal worries I believe taking the leap is one hundred percent worth it. As professor Katy Layton-Jones said, “knowledge and experience provides just as much wealth as money” and that’s what I believe studying abroad in London truly provides.

By Ashtin Neikes, Diverse Duck Ambassador

London in a Global Context, Summer 2024