Hello again! It is hard to believe it is already my third week in London. It has been amazing exploring this massive city in my free time, but my classes have also already added so much to my experience here.

This semester, I am only taking four classes, which is a smaller course load than I usually take at Pitt. However, these courses are in subjects that are outside of my normal business focus, which has been opening my eyes to different aspects of learning about London and Britain’s rich history. I am currently taking Britain in the Twentieth Century, Feminist London, Writing the City, and Global Perspectives on Human Rights.

My classes are all 3 hours and 15 minutes long, which is significantly longer than I am used to, but most of my time is not spent in a chair in a classroom. Compared to classes back home in the United States, there is less emphasis on lectures and more about understanding the material through first-hand experiences. All of my classes have Field Study components about every other week, which are taking me to places in the city I may have never thought to explore myself. 

For example, in Feminist London, we went to the National Portrait Gallery, where my professor pointed out and told the stories of important female icons there, rather than from a Powerpoint. In my British History class, we took a trip to the Victoria and Albert Museum to see the controversial collection of artifacts from across the old empire. My Writing the City class spent the morning walking along the Thames River and my Human Rights class visited the Museum of London Docklands, which highlighted Britain’s role in the slave trade. 

After these Field Studies, we often have to write reflections and papers inspired by the sites. So, to be successful in this type of academic environment, it is important to really absorb everything and take good notes of what you see, hear, smell, and feel. There are no exams, but rather my classes are focused on improving my writing skills. 

My professors have also been wonderful resources in my transition to London life. They are always willing to give recommendations for travel, restaurants, book stores, exhibitions, or activities to do around the city! 

I feel as though I am starting to get into a well-balanced routine for both academics and exploring, and I can’t wait to see what is in store for the next three months.