Obligatory introductory first post

So it’s snowing outside my window and I really should go to bed, but I felt the need to somehow begin my blog. And not just with the usual “I’m writing a blog and everyone should read it because it’s going to be so awesome okay bye!” but with a set up of how I came to study in London and my preconceived notions of what this trip will be like. Because with every new experience comes surprises. And what better way to reflect on them than to write my thoughts down while I’m still in America?

How did I end up traveling to London? England is probably the safest, most generic place I could study abroad — especially for my first time out of the country. I chose London for a couple of reasons. 1. The program best suits my field of study. 2. It fills some much-needed requirements. 3. I’m actually very excited to watch British theatre 1- 2 times a week. 4. I want to visit other locales close to London (Edinborough, for one, France, Germany, possibly).

The whole process began last January when I decided that Winter 2010 would be the perfect time to go abroad. I had just switched to the English Education program. I was freaking out about scheduling and field placements. Knowing that graduation was looming closer (I mean, it was three years away, but when you have to student teach for a semester, graduation seems pretty darn close) and that I did not have much time left to go abroad, I was anxious to apply to a program early. In order to be eligible for a scholarship, I applied in February and thus began the seven month wait until acceptances rolled in (it paid off in the end, though, I was fortunate enough to receive $1000).

So why did I choose London? And for winter session? Well, if I studied for a whole semester, I would get extremely behind. Which is not good. Because I have to graduate on time (or run the risk of pulling out all of my hair and running away with the circus). I’ve also heard great things about the city and I am just excited to go out of the country! As a class, we will be visiting Bath, Salisbury, and Stonehenge which will be awesome. And then hopefully I’ll get to see some other parts of the UK and maybe go to other countries. I have to talk to my roommate and traveling buddy before I make any solid plans. There was talk of taking a weekend in Ireland … that would be cool!

Alright, I’m running out of things to say and I am very tired but I’ll leave this post with one thought. I am nervous, excited, scared, and happy all rolled into one. I know this trip will be fabulous but I also know that I’m going to learn a lot a such a short amount of time.

Check back January 4th for my first London post. I can’t believe it’s almost here!

Advertisement