My name is Thomas Mainente, and I am a rising junior studying finance, and economics. Originally from Morristown, New jersey which isn’t far from the Jersey Shore and NYC. I am huge sports fan and love watching and participating in sports. I grew up playing soccer, basketball, baseball and lacrosse. A huge New York Rangers, Mets and Giants fan. Outside of the classroom I am working as a Finance and Accounting Internship for the University’s Athletic Department. I am also the Treasurer and a member of Pi Kappa Alpha.

I am currently on the 6 week Global Business Institute: London program. Where I am participating in a part-time internship and studying. I am interning for Marriott International at the Sheraton Grand London Park Lane hotel as a Finance Intern. For my class I am taking Analyzing and Exploring the Global City.

I choose to study abroad in London because of the opportunity to grow professionally, academically and personally. When I first started planning on studying abroad I knew I wanted to participate in a program that allowed me to do a part time internship. My goals while abroad, are to meet as many new people as possible and create life-long friends and memories., explore as much of the city of London and outside of it as well as hopefully other areas of the United Kingdom, and find success within my internship, while learning more about the software platforms and works that goes on within the finance office of Marriott International hotels.

As my program has already started, I have already made amazing friends with students from many differents universities. I’ve toured a lot of important and historic buildings and places like Windsor Castle and Westminster Abbey. Also had the opportunity to attend the play, The Mousetrap. I am have an amazing experience so far. London is a beautiful and fun city, with so many different areas to explore and things to do. No matter the day or time of the week people are moving and there is something to do. I am excited for the rest of my time in London!