Submitted by Alexander Heger on the 2016 winter session program in London, England sponsored by the Department of Sociology and Criminal Justice..
With nearly two weeks of experience living in London, I think I am finally beginning to understand what it’s like to live here. Suddenly, it seems strange to talk on the train or to not start my day with a cup of tea and a proper breakfast at our hotel. While these are relatively minor things, I am nevertheless confident that I’m on my way to fitting in… Sort of.
In this past week, we had the opportunity to leave London to visit the historic castle and war tunnels of Dover, England, and what an eye-opening experience it was. We began in the World War II tunnels used to plan and execute operations in the European Theater. The tunnels are known for their use in providing safe barracks for the Allied forces who were evacuated from Dunkirk, France during Operation Dynamo. This operation was a full scale retreat of the Allies across the English Channel to escape the encroachment of German troops in Northern France in May of 1940. Although viewed by the Allied leadership as a failure, the people of England welcomed their troops home with open arms, and it was in the tunnels at Dover that many of the injured Allied soldiers were treated for their wounds upon their abrupt homecoming.
The tour of the medical tunnel, which is the shallowest of the three levels of tunnel systems, was performed as part of a timed simulation of a German bombing. At certain points throughout the tour, the lights would flicker and voices could be heard talking through the hallways. The other visitors and I played the roles of two doctors who were processing an injured patient through the various rooms of the tunnel. It was an entirely immersive and entertaining way of witnessing such an important operation in the Second World War– one that I had never learned about before.
Outside the tunnels, there was the historic Dover Castle which was built during the 11th century and used to combat France during the Napoleonic Wars. From the highest point in the castle, you could see France across the English channel, proving the necessity of having such a well-fortified position. The Dover Castle was originally defended by artillery cannons which were displayed in the castle’s armory museum; however, there were a number of more modern anti-aircraft weapons onsite which were used during WWII.
Although this excursion was not directly related to the study of criminal justice, I think it was incredibly important in expanding our knowledge of historic global affairs. That is the point of study abroad, in my opinion. It’s about getting out of your comfort zone and learning more than you ever could have expected.