Submitted by Nicholas Valent on the 2017 summer session program in London, England sponsored by the Department of Art and Design …
I cannot believe that my study abroad program is more than halfway over. This week, we had our final brief presentation due. We were challenged to come up with an ad campaign for Aspall Cyder. My group had a unique idea and I think all of us did pretty well. We are all definitely more comfortable presenting to these companies, now that we have already done this once. It is fantastic that we are getting real world experiences on this study abroad program, instead of just studying at a university.
This week was full of visits to shows and museums. The Royal College of Art show was a definite highlight for me. I thought their animation work was fantastic. I am interested in animation and I think I spent over an hour just in the animation section. We also went to the Saatchi Gallery. Usually galleries are not that exciting, however, this gallery was different and interesting. One room was all famous selfies. It was interesting to look at all of the selfies because you usually do not see these pictures in galleries. They also had a lot of interactive art installations which are always fun.
As this is my fourth week in London, I think I am completely comfortable being here. I have confidence in myself that I can get around all by myself. I can work the Tube and I have a general idea of where everything is. It feels like I am not a visitor and becoming part of the London community. I never thought this would really happen, but it is, and I am ecstatic that I am becoming as comfortable as I am here.