Hello from London!
My name is Junying Huang, and I am currently a senior pursuing a major in supply chain management and a minor in economics at the University of Pittsburgh. From my first year in college, I have harbored a keen interest in the prospect of studying abroad. Having arrived in the United States at the age of 16, I have consistently embraced the challenges of adapting to new environments. Confident in my ability to swiftly acclimate to diverse cultures, lifestyles, and surroundings, I eagerly set my sights on the GBI: London program. My primary objective during my time in London is to cultivate global perspectives, thereby enhancing my competitiveness. Therefore, the internship opportunity in this program is one of the main reasons why I would choose it. Since I do not have prior internship experience, I recognize the invaluable internship opportunity this program provides for me to establish connections in the professional realm.
CEA CAPA serves as the hosting institution in London, with classes conducted in a singular building that turned out to be smaller than my initial expectations. Unlike the expansive campus at Pitt, CAPA houses all its classrooms in one building, and classes typically consist of around 20 students. This starkly contrasts with Pitt’s larger and more traditional campus setup. Despite this difference, the compact nature of CAPA brings certain advantages. The reduced size means I don’t have to navigate long distances between classes. Moreover, the small class sizes foster a close-knit environment, allowing professors to engage with each student more personally, a feature that I find beneficial.
Opting for a homestay over shared student accommodations was a deliberate choice on my part. I believed that immersing myself in a homestay environment would offer a richer and more profound experience of London. My residence is a flat in Highbury, in the north part of London. The neighborhood boasts convenient access to many grocery stores, enhancing the overall ease of daily living. Living with a gracious host has been a delightful aspect of my homestay experience. She goes out of her way to make my stay comfortable, preparing both breakfast and dinner for me every day. The personal touch adds a warmth that enhances my overall experience in London. Despite the advantages of my chosen accommodation, the commute to both school and internship locations takes approximately 50 minutes. The time is longer than what I’m accustomed to at Pitt. Nonetheless, the extended travel time is a trade-off I am willing to make for the unique and enriching aspects that living in a homestay brings to my study abroad experience.
During the initial week of the program, I participated in two tours organized by CAPA. Exploring iconic landmarks such as Big Ben, the London Eye, Borough Market, and Soho alongside new friends was an exciting introduction to the vibrant city. Eager to uncover more hidden gems and immerse myself in the city’s diverse culture, I plan to continue navigating its streets in the coming weeks.
