It’s incredible how fast time has passed, and it’s hard to believe that my time in London has already come to an end. Spending six weeks in this amazing city has been an incredibly rewarding experience that I am deeply grateful for. While abroad, I took one class and participated in a part-time internship. I have grown in so many ways – academically, professionally, and personally. 

Academically, I’ve experienced growth in my understanding of marketing. Taking an international marketing course exposed me to diverse aspects of the field, highlighting how marketing strategies vary across cultures. I learned so much from this class especially given its short duration. I feel that I now have a comprehensive understanding of marketing’s broader implications and how cultural nuances influence marketing strategies. I often found myself taking a closer look at advertisements in the tube or on the street because of this class. I feel well-prepared to continue my studies in marketing with a deeper insight gained from this course.

Professionally, through my internship, I developed both hard and soft skills that are essential for my future career. Working with a business consulting firm provided me exposure to consulting, project management, and marketing practices. I assisted my supervisor with ongoing projects, gaining insights into project management through a consulting lens. Additionally, I created many marketing materials using Canva and gained proficiency in Microsoft Office applications like Teams, Excel, and PowerPoint, which were integral to my daily tasks. I also expanded my skill set by building a company website using WordPress.

In terms of soft skills, I learned a lot about professional communication and how to act in a professional workplace. Simple things such as writing emails, communicating in teams, and participating in meetings will now come more naturally to me in the future. Additionally, learning about cultural competence has prepared me to navigate the workplace from an international context.

Personally, I’ve experienced significant growth. When we first landed in London I was very nervous and felt lost. I gradually adapted and found myself feeling at home by the end of my stay. From learning to navigate the Tube to integrating into local lifestyles and routines, I’ve developed a sense of comfort and familiarity that has boosted my confidence in unfamiliar environments. This experience has broadened my horizons and fueled my passion for travel, encouraging me to step out of my comfort zone and embrace new experiences.

A key takeaway from this program is the importance of approaching travel with an open mind. I tried to go into this experience with no expectations or prior biases. This helped me more easily immerse myself in London’s culture and quickly adapt and embrace new experiences. This mindset not only facilitated my cultural integration but also encouraged me to explore and appreciate the unfamiliar.

My time in London has been nothing short of amazing and life-changing. I’ve created lasting friendships and memories, and discovered a new home away from home. I had an amazing experience and I am already looking forward to my next trip to London!