Adapting to my new life in London has been an exciting but challenging experience, both in my internship at Kind Community and in my classes through CEA CAPA. Being immersed in a new culture and work environment has pushed me to step out of my comfort zone and develop stronger problem-solving skills. 

As someone who enjoys having a structured work environment, one cultural difference I’ve found challenging while adjusting to working in London is the relaxed approach to deadlines. Back in the U.S., I am used to a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment where urgency is key. In London, most people embrace flexibility and are more willing to adjust as needed. This slower pace has been difficult for me to navigate, as I’m someone who thrives on structure. However, I have learned to embrace the bigger picture and improve my ability to adapt when needed. Most workdays for me consist of working in a discussion based environment alongside my fellow interns and our supervisor, which has made me realize how helpful it can be to build strong relationships in the workplace. Working closely with my fellow interns and supervisor has helped me to feel more confident in my ability to contribute in meaningful ways, even in a less structured environment. 

In my classes through CEA CAPA, I have noticed that the classroom setting is different from what I am used to at Pitt. The classes here are much smaller and more discussion based, rather than just long lectures, which makes classes feel much more interactive and personalized. The professors all cater to our interests and make sure discussions are engaging and align with what the students are interested in talking about. While this approach has been a refreshing change, it has also required me to step out of my comfort zone and participate more frequently in class discussions. I have enjoyed how most of my classes revolve around real-life examples and my professor’s personal experiences in their careers. I have found that my professors in London put more of an emphasis on engagement and reflections rather than traditional exams, which takes a lot of pressure off and allows me to really enjoy the class material rather than worrying about memorizing the content. 

Outside of my academic and work experiences, I have also had to adapt to being on my own in a new city. Initially, London’s extensive public transportation system seemed overwhelming, but after some trial and error I am now confident in my ability to navigate how to get around the city by myself. I have even adjusted to the nuances of life in London, such as the different grocery stores and phrases people use in everyday life. While these may seem like small changes, they have all contributed to my growth and ability to adapt to my new environment. 

My time abroad has challenged and strengthened my adaptability and problem-solving skills. Navigating these cultural differences, such as my less structured work environment and more interactive classes, has required me to become more flexible and open-minded. I know these skills will continue to benefit me beyond my time abroad and also in my future career as a marketer.