By Madelyn Gale
Hi! My name is Maddy Gale, and I am a Senior Global Management major and Economics minor at the University of Pittsburgh. I am originally from Harrisburg, PA, about 3 hours outside of Pittsburgh! I am a sister of Sigma Sigma Sigma, and a brother of Delta Sigma Pi, in addition to being in the Society for International Business. This summer, I served with Americorps and Grow Pittsburgh as a garden educator for elementary school children. I love growing plants in my free time. This summer, I had a small garden in South Oakland where I planted cucumbers, carrots, potatoes, cilantro, and chives!
This semester I am fortunate enough to study abroad through CAPA’s GBI London program. I chose this program due to London being a vast and diverse business hub. In addition, London offers so many opportunities to explore the city and get to know a wide range of people. This fall, I want to be able to meet new people and network around the city, in addition to learning more about what it means to be working internationally. Despite COVID-19, we were able to make it here, and the past 3 weeks have been so fulfilling; I am so excited for what is to come.
Coming to the UK, I thought that it would not be too different from being in Pittsburgh because we have English in common. However, I was totally wrong! The work culture is much more laid back, while in America it is always go, go, go! People are also much more polite towards other people (unless you aren’t polite back!). Everyone is always dressed up in business or fashionable attire in London; I have yet to see sweatpants! Additionally, the tube is the primary mode of transportation around the city, which is like a subway. While overwhelming at first, it is easy to get the hang of it, and once you do, the city triples in size!
I am taking International Marketing, International Organizational Behavior, Writing the City: London, and International Economics in London! All of my classes are very engaging, and I love getting to know my classmates and professors. In addition, each course comes with tours of the city, so we can get to know our surroundings in an immersive learning experience!
Within London, I am staying in Maida Vale, just 20 minutes from Abbey Road!! The apartment building I am in has many students from this program. I have had a great time making new friends and hanging out with my 3 roommates, Cameron, Hougen, and Alex. There are so many cute coffee shops, boutiques, and pubs to visit during the day, and on weekends, it is only a 5-minute walk to the tube station to see other parts of London. I can’t wait to share more of my experiences with everyone!
