Submitted by Shannon Haar on the 2014 winter session study abroad program in London, England sponsored by the Department of Sociology and Criminal Justice…
After a flight filled with numerous delays and turbulence, it seemed like I would never arrive in London! But after spending a week here, it is safe to say that the other twelve students and I are getting the hang of navigating the Underground and indulging in everything the city has to offer. We have had a hectic yet incredible week, wanting to experience and see as many landmarks as possible.
The week started with waking up early to get a good spot to see the changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace, reveling in the beauty of Westminster Abbey, scoping out the area around Big Ben, posing for pictures on Abbey Road, drinking the healing water at Bath, and getting a taste of history at the Museum of London.
However, my favorite thing I have done so far has been climbing to the top of St. Paul’s Cathedral, which was highly recommended to us by our British professor, Dr. Barnett. We were skeptical at first because there was a fee, but we went ahead because we were told that the view was better than the one at the top of the London Eye, and we were not disappointed! We could see the entire city and climbed all 582 steps right before the sun was setting. It was the most breath- taking view I have ever seen.
Everyone on the trip is becoming closer and learning more about the history of medicine and Britain’s health care system, which is so important because all of us want to go into the health care field and the topics we’re discussing in class directly relate to the policies about the Affordable Care Act currently being debated in the United States.While exploring, the group and I came across a giant blue hen, so of course we had to take a picture with it!
My first week in London is definitely a success and I can’t wait to see what the rest of my time on study abroad has in store!