It is the start of week 4/6 of my study abroad in London. So far, my class that I am taking at the CEACAPA center – Child Development in British Context – has been interesting as I’ve been able to learn some psychology that interests me. Also, in my class we took a field trip with another coming up this Thursday, which is a great way to see some places in the city that I wouldn’t have seen on my own while also learning for the class. In comparison to Pitt, I have found the learning culture at CEACAPA to be more relaxed, but I haven’t learned as much as I feel I do at Pitt. On the other hand, my internship has not been as great as I had hoped it would be because the work has not been very stimulating or challenging, which is something I prefer in a work environment. I have learned that it is quite common for American interns to work faster than British culture and managers expect, which I believe is why my manager did not plan a lot for me in the short six week period. Although, I am still glad for the experience as it is still valuable to work in an international setting and foster the connections that I have made. It will still be beneficial to my future career to have had this experience.
In my time here, I am living in a homestay where I am staying with a local family in the borough of Islington. My hosts are Selma and Tim who have two Jack Russell Terriers (that I absolutely love), three kids, 11 grandchildren, and one great-grandchild. They are incredibly kind people and their family (who are also amazing people) is always here on the weekends which I have loved. This homestay has been my favorite part of the study abroad experience so far. It is so nice to have home-cooked meals every night and an honorary family and dogs to lean on during this time away from my own family and dogs. I would urge any other students to consider a homestay if it’s an option when studying abroad as it has truly made my experience. I can’t even say that I have faced any true challenges with the living arrangement other than crows squawking outside my window at 4AM (but that’s not something anyone can control) and it getting hot this past week and not having air conditioning – but that would be the case at any living arrangement in the UK.
Here are some pictures from my time in London and the adorable homestay dogs Star & Lightening:
