Hi! My name is Elle Schwegman and I am a junior in the Katz Business school, majoring in Marketing and receiving a certificate in International Business with the Global Business Institute: London. I am studying abroad this fall in London, UK! Two years ago I made a trip to London, and absolutely fell in love. The city has a great vibe to it, as well as so much culture to submerse yourself into. I have always wanted to study abroad, and once I found out I had the opportunity with studying International Business, I knew London was going to be my location. I am studying through the CEA CAPA program, which is what all Pitt students through while traveling abroad. They have been such a welcoming program and have so many opportunities for students. I hope throughout this program I am able to pick up a lot more of the UK business culture and become more comfortable with putting myself into uncomfortable situations as well as learning about topics I’ve never learned about before. I am so excited to explore more of the city!

Living in London has been a bigger adjustment than the classes though. I’m back to having a roommate, and sleeping in a twin sized bed. There are 5 of us in total, and we are all best friends. Coming here with them from Pitt has made this adjustment a lot easier, and if I’ve ever felt homesick, having four girls who feel like home has helped so much. I live in an area called White Chapel, which is right next to Brick Lane where there are huge markets on the weekends and loads of vintage shops! There are so many coffee shops in White Chapel where I can do any of my remote work from, or grab a coffee from on my way to the tube. Another perk of living in White Chapel is how close we live to the tube stations. Some people I know live almost a 20-minute walk from there station, while ours is only about 5. My flat mates and I have adjusted very well to this lifestyle. Even though Pittsburgh and London are so different, they are both cities with so much to do in each of them. It is very different having to ride the tube to basically get anywhere here since it is such a big city, while in Pittsburgh we can either walk or take a short bus ride to get anywhere we need. I have absolutely loved my first two weeks of living here and I cannot wait to see what the next couple of months will have to offer!!

SchwegmanE02

SchwegmanE03