Hey everyone! I cannot believe I am writing this during the last week of my program. These six weeks have gone by so quickly, and when I first arrived, I knew I would gain professional experience through my internship and learn about the history of London through my class, but I did not expect how much I would learn from simply being immersed in a new culture. Looking back on my time here, one of the biggest lessons I have learned is the importance of adaptability and being open to experiences that are different from what I am used to.
One part of British culture that I have connected with the most is the independence that comes with living in a city like London. Coming from the Pittsburgh area, I have spent my entire life in a place where I know the environment, transportation, and routines. London was completely different. When I first arrived, even simple things like figuring out the Underground, navigating new areas, and understanding how people interacted felt unfamiliar. However, over time, these things became normal. I became more comfortable exploring the city by myself, trying new places, and trusting myself to figure things out. I think this independence is something I will take with me even after leaving London.
A part of British “deep culture” that I found especially interesting was communication style and how people approach conversations. I noticed that people in London often communicate in a more subtle and polite way compared to what I am used to in the United States. In America, people are often encouraged to be direct and clearly express their opinions. In London, I noticed that people may approach disagreements or different opinions in a softer way. Instead of immediately saying they disagree, they may ask questions or suggest another perspective. I found this interesting because it shows how culture influences not only what we say, but also the way we say it.
I experienced this difference while working on my internship projects at China UK Gateway. Since my team included people from different backgrounds and countries, everyone had their own way of approaching projects. While working on our networking and conflict management workshop, I noticed that some people liked to take time to discuss ideas and make sure everyone’s opinion was included before moving forward. At first, this was different from what I was used to because I sometimes prefer to quickly make a plan and start completing tasks. However, this experience taught me that slowing down and hearing different perspectives can lead to better ideas and stronger teamwork.
The most challenging part of navigating a different culture was adjusting to the small differences in everyday life. These were not major changes, but small things that required me to pay attention and adapt. For example, learning British slang, understanding different social norms, and getting used to public transportation were all part of the experience. The London Underground was probably one of the biggest adjustments. In the beginning, I relied heavily on maps and directions, but by the end of the trip, I felt comfortable traveling around London on my own. This was a small accomplishment, but it showed me how much I had adapted.
My interactions with locals and other program participants have also shaped how I view my own identity. Being around people from different countries and backgrounds has made me appreciate where I come from while also understanding that there are many different ways to approach work, relationships, and daily life. Through my internship, I met people who had different experiences than me, and through my program, I connected with other students who were also adjusting to being away from home. These experiences reminded me that being open to other perspectives is one of the best ways to grow.
Overall, my time in London has taught me that adaptability is a skill that applies to every part of life. Whether it was adjusting to a new workplace, navigating a new city, or communicating with people from different backgrounds, every challenge helped me grow. I am leaving London with more confidence in myself and a greater appreciation for different cultures. This experience has helped me become more prepared for future professional opportunities and has shown me the value of stepping outside of my comfort zone.
