Submitted by Alexander Heger on the 2016 winter session program in London, England sponsored by the Department of Sociology and Criminal Justice..
Saying good-bye to London is not going to be easy. I am six hours away from departing this amazing city and while I have come to terms with going home, I will miss the culture that I have become so immersed in during this one-month program.
I will miss our excursions to historic locations such as the Dover Tunnels, the Churchill War Rooms, Westminster Abbey, Parliament and the River Thames. I will miss our home Underground Station, Tottenham Court Road. I will miss waking up in our posh hotel room smelling the fresh scent of carpet cleaner in the hallway and a proper, English breakfast every morning.
For me, this program was comprised of a multitude of small details and memorable moments that together formed a life-changing experience. In my past travels to different countries, I found myself enamored with the norms of a new society and London was no different for me. The daily cup of tea, the silence on the tube, the fact that the police officers in a city of over 8 million people do not carry firearms. These are all things that Londoners probably take for granted on any normal day, but for me they were amazing.
One of the reasons I am even able to comprehend going home is that I am excited to re-assimilate into my own culture, and to see it through the eyes of a global citizen. I am excited to go driving again (on the right side of the road), to live in a house instead of a high-rise and to share my stories with the loved ones who helped me to embark on this eye-opening adventure.
During my 30 days abroad, I took 271 photos, ate in a restaurant at least 60 times, had conversations with over 20 locals, visited 7 museums, saw 3 theatre productions, traveled to 2 different countries, ran into 6 famous actors, was present at 1 live filming at the BBC Studio, did my laundry 3 times and managed to do all this and more for less than $2,000.
My recommendation to someone who is considering studying abroad, just do it–and do it in London. You will understand what I mean when you see it for yourself.