Hi, my name is Lindsay Bonetti, and I am a junior at the University of Pittsburgh. I am pursuing a dual major in Economics and Business with a minor in History.

I was born and raised in Pittsburgh, so choosing to study abroad was all about pushing myself out of my comfort zone by moving away from home for the first time. This was one main reason why I chose the Global Business Institute: London. After spending twenty years in the same mid-sized city, I wanted to experience what it was like to live in a massive global city while also being able to take classes for all of my academic interests. My goal for the next three months is to gain new perspectives of foreign cultures, customs, politics, and also business practices. This is a truly unique experience that will build invaluable skills that I will carry with me for the rest of my personal and professional life. 

I take my classes at the CEA CAPA center, located in the Royal Borough of Kensington – just a short walk from Kensington Palace, the residence of Prince William, Kate, and their children. The major difference from Pitt that I have noticed is the size of my classes. Going from groups of over 200 to about 10-15 will be an adjustment. However, I welcome this change, as it will allow me to engage in meaningful discussions with my classmates and get to know them well. Additionally, all of my classes have Field Study days involved, which will take me to parts of London I likely would have never thought to explore on my own!

I’m living in the Acton neighborhood of West London in a “flat” with one of my close friends from Pitt. It has been wonderful having someone I know well to lean on in an overwhelming new environment, but I have also been able to meet tons of new friends from different universities. For example, today I explored Camden Market with two girls I met from my classes! 

The apartment is smaller than I am used to, but that is typical of living in London. My neighborhood is conveniently located along the London Underground Central Line, one of the few lines that run 24 hours. I have been finding the tube system surprisingly easy to navigate across all parts of the city, and it’s something that I already know I will miss when returning to the USA. Nevertheless, with about 15 minutes walking and 30 minutes on the Underground, my commute to class looks quite different from the 10 minute walk I am used to in Oakland. 

Overall, my first week in London has been very exciting and I have seen so much. I have made stops at Big Ben and Parliament, the London Eye, Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, St. Paul’s Cathedral, Shakespeare’s Globe Theater, the Borough Market, and Soho.

I know I have barely scratched the surface, and I can’t wait for more!