My Short but Precious Time in the U.K.
Of course I had to go see all of the classic red phone booths!
University of Portland rising junior Rosie Ith reflects on her semester abroad in London, which was cut short due to the coronavirus pandemic.
First of all, it was amazing taking an English Literature class in Bloomsbury where many famous writers, such as Virginia Wolfe, have lived. I loved reading Persuasion by Jane Austen and going to see her writing board at the British Museum. In addition, the National Gallery and the Tate Britain became my new libraries when I was taking art history. There, I could see the exact paintings from my textbooks – all for me to visit for free! I also took a course called “History and the Economic Integration of the EU.” It was interesting to learn subject material while Brexit was happening!
COVID-19! Yes, unfortunately, it was COVID-19 that cut my study abroad program short. But now I’m back home with my family safe and healthy. I’ve also had a bit of time away from my online classes to reflect on the short but precious experience studying in London.
First of all, it was amazing taking an English Literature class in Bloomsbury where many famous writers, such as Virginia Wolfe, have lived. I loved reading Persuasion by Jane Austen and going to see her writing board at the British Museum. In addition, the National Gallery and the Tate Britain became my new libraries when I was taking art history. There, I could see the exact paintings from my textbooks – all for me to visit for free! I also took a course called “History and the Economic Integration of the EU.” It was interesting to learn subject material while Brexit was happening!
As COVID-19 continued to spread, I had to return home and switch all of my classes to online. Apart from missing my professors and my classmates, I miss the morning Tube ride with what seemed like one million people. I also miss the smell of curry everywhere I went and the many other food carts in Borough Market and Leather Lane. But, what I miss the most is the food cooked by my host mom during my homestay program. I wish I had more time with them, but the program ended so quickly that I had to leave while my host family was away in Spain.
Trying London’s take on egg waffles!
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Exploring the street food carts
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If anything, the experiences I had in London taught me a lot about what it meant to be an adult and a global citizen. Though coming to the U.S. was a big step, I had the comfort of my mentors and SHE-CAN checking in with me often. But when I was in London, the nature of the program was different and taught me to become more responsible. With London being an international city, it was busy and overwhelming all the time! Navigating my way to school and my favorite restaurants was always an adventure. I’ll tell you right off the bat that fish and chips was not my favorite meal, though it was the last thing I ate in the UK!
Visiting Stonehenge was absolutely amazing!
Once everything returns to normal, I’m hoping I can visit the UK again soon and see some of the attractions I didn’t get the chance to visit, like Kensington and Buckingham Palace.
In addition to London, I also got to visit Hogwarts 😉
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Walking across the famous London Bridge
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