What UHM SAC Students Have Said London semester Annie, semester in London, England What I learned in the past several months was something that I could never learn in textbooks. I learned first-hand about another country- their history, people, values, habits, food, and language. By learning about another culture I am able to criticize and appreciate my own. I think traveling to a different country and living there for a period of time opened my mind up to different ways of doing things that I had previously not known of. Debralyn, semester in London, England Personally, it was just an exciting experience to live in a different country. I grew a lot as a student and a person. I was taken out of my comfort zone only to grow more independent and learned to take risks. This experience made me feel confident and able to pursue any endeavor in the workplace or in graduate school after graduation. Because of my experience of studying abroad, I feel that I am now better prepared if I have to relocate outside of Hawaii. Alyssa, Semester in London, England My study abroad experience in London during the spring semester of 2008 was unforgettable, and has without a doubt changed me for the better. I don t exaggerate at all when I say that I could not imagine a
better semester, as I enthusiastically enjoyed almost every day I was there. Now, I still enjoy the benefits of the academic and professional skills I gained, and well as the relationships I developed, and my broader world view as a result of going there. Academically, as a result of studying at Roehampton I am much more motivated to learn things beyond the classroom. While in University of Hawaii I would just take notes on what the professors would say and read the required books; now that I have gone to University in London, I do independent research by checking out materials from the library that interest me and also relate to my classes. Since London I follow my curiosities and am a better learner as a result. I expected to be a good student there, but fortunately studying at Roehampton has forever transformed me into a better student than I was, and I am very thankful for it. Kimberly, Semester in London, England Going away to England was one of the most memorable and influential experiences in my life. I m more open to trying new things and stepping out of my comfort zone because I know how rewarding the experience might turn out to be in the end. My roommates (or flatmates as they like to say) welcomed me from the first time we met. They took me out, showed me around and we found out that we had a lot in common. Joy, semester in London, England Experiencing a different culture can be a very jolting event in some aspects, but I will always see those experiences as some of the best teachers I have ever had. I can very honestly say that my semester in London has changed my perspective on all aspects of life in a health and positive way.
Tasha, Semester in London, England I would 100% recommend studying abroad to others. I know it s a scary experience, but it was the most rewarding experience of my life and I will never forget the lessons I ve learned from those quick 5 months. Being abroad opened up so many doors in my life and taught me to understand that life is not just on the rock that I call home. There s so much out there to experience and learn and enjoy, and I never really had a grasp on that idea until I had the opportunity to study abroad. I would repeat my time in London in a heartbeat. I ve made friendships that will last me a lifetime, and I ve learned and saw things that I will be able to tell my kids and grandchildren bout. It s the best opportunity that UH offers to students, and I think every college student should strongly consider it. Minone, semester in London, England I was fortunate enough to spend a semester abroad in London, England. The six months I as there was most definitely the best time in my life. The experience of studying abroad has been personally enriching and professionally rewarding in more ways that I could have ever imagined. On a professional level, I feel this experience has certainly enhanced my employment prospects. Employers increasingly seek individuals who are globally perceptive and knowledgeable. With this experience, I now have the confidence and competence to take on whatever comes my way. I ve also discovered new strengths and abilities that I had not known before, particularly to adapt to cultures and circumstances.
Julia, semester in London I reread my study abroad statement to reflect on how I have changed from before and after the experience. I remember stating that I would become a citizen of the world, but I realized that I became more of a student. I am now fully aware that the world teaches us, and that we take and learn from it what we can. I have now chosen to learn all that I can about it, and take each experience with haste and appreciation. Heather, semester in London Personally, I feel that I have learned and grown immensely from this experience. I have lived in Hawaii all of my life and going almost halfway around the world to live in Europe for 3 months was a very hard thing for me to do. However, I knew this was something I wanted to do for myself, so I did it. My study abroad experience exceeded my expectations by a very big margin. I loved being immersed in a new culture because it made me take a step back and look at my own life within the U.S. Elizabeth, semester in London Going to London strengthened my values, gave new, broader perspectives toward other cultures, and allowed me to embrace new ideas. I had to deal with challenges I never faced before and respond in efficient ways. The challenges helped me grow as a student, person and citizen of the world. Through my own semester abroad I gained more respect for cultures and came home with new perspectives towards my own country and the world.
Kelsey, semester in London Studying in London required many adjustments, especially in terms of weather and schooling. Because classes meet only once a week and grades are based entirely on the final exams, much of the work is independent, and students need to be self-motivated in order to keep up with the classes. Although I was not used to this kind of coursework, the structure of the classes caused me to more effectively manage my time in order to keep up. Spending five months has helped me to increase my sense of independence, confidence and self-awareness, allowing me to grow as a person and a student. Liana, semester in London This study abroad was full of first for me: first time out of the country, first time being in snow, first time going to a castle, first time at the theater, first time catching the tube, and first time trying a few weird foods like blood pudding, haggis, escargot, bangers and mash, and having high tea at Harrods. I would highly recommend studying abroad to other students, especially if they have lived in Hawaii for their whole lives. I think it s great to get out there and see different places. I had a great time and overall I feel like the four months as a whole was one of the best experiences of my life. Sarah, semester in London I feel that everyone should have the opportunity to travel abroad while they are a student. Overseas programs offer a completely different perspective on traveling abroad from that of being a tourist. It offers the chance to connect with the heart of a place and the people who know it well. It allows you as a student to continue working towards your degree while simultaneously learning and growing as an individual and as a global citizen. Through experiencing a new culture and living in a place completely different from my home I changed in ways I could have never imagined.