In terms of London’s culture, I would say I most identify with the respect and genuine interest in conversation. I have had the opportunity to meet so many people from different backgrounds here and all of them are so interesting! I’ve loved hearing their stories and interacting with them in an engaging way. It has caused me to seek out new experiences and learn more about different approaches to both my career and personal life.
In my 6 short weeks here in London, I have developed strong relationships with both my internship team as well as friends on the program. It has encouraged me to continue reaching out and maintaining connections, even when I return home. This is the first time I have recognized the possibility that the people I’m meeting and working with I genuinely may never see again, which is difficult to come to terms with. However, it has also taught me a lot about resilience and that adaptability is crucial.
Regarding ‘deep culture’, I certainly struggled a bit at first with how to communicate with corporate clients in my internship. I wasn’t sure how to approach people and was nervous that I was coming across too strongly, since I had heard the people in London were more reserved and kept to themselves. I am naturally very expressive and like to incorporate humor into conversations, and it took me time to figure out what the humor here in London was, which is very dry. I had a coworker tell me that they knew I was American because ‘I smiled too much’. Luckily, I work in hospitality and event management, so this aided my performance. Honestly, I think I was just happy to be there since I enjoyed my time working for my internship so much.
My interactions with everyone I have met has certainly left me a more socially conscious person. I recognize how closed off I was in terms of cultural and geographic knowledge, and my time here has helped to develop these areas I lacked. I feel as though I am leaving London more knowledgeable, more confident in my abilities, and more articulate. Navigating cross-cultural situations has been difficult at times, but as I further engage with them, they become easier and easier. This is a skill I will forever be grateful for.
Not only have a met some amazing people in the city of London, but I also have made some amazing friends at universities across America. I’m even luckier that a portion of them happen to also attend the University of Pittsburgh and I will see them again. Having these shared experiences and memories is something that very few of us can say we have, which I think is very special.