Claire Sorensen – Study Abroad London Fall 2021

Aug. 1, 2021
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Claire and friends sitting together

For this Fall 2021 semester, I have the amazing opportunity to study abroad in London, England. I first learned of this study abroad my freshman year, and had been saving and preparing since then. It has always been a dream of mine to travel the world and I was so excited when I was accepted into the program. Although I had visited London before, nothing prepared me for the culture shock and climate change I was about to experience.

Upon my arrival in London, I met a group of amazing girls who helped me adjust to this new world quickly. Everything was different; the food, the driving, the school system, the lifestyle. The biggest change for me was the freezing cold and wet weather. I've lived in Arizona most of my life, so moving somewhere that rains every other day was a bit of a shock. Before our classes began, my new friends and I picked up some beloved Oyster cards and explored all of London via the tube. Using the public transportation in London is an experience in and of itself.

I really enjoy the classes. I am taking a variety of different classes and found the different teaching and grading styles very interesting. While they are equally difficult to classes back home, we only met once a week for each class and there was considerably less homework. This allowed me a lot of free time to explore Europe and travel. I have been able to travel to places within England, such as Stonehenge, Bath, and Brighton. I also have traveled to places outside of the UK, such as France, Switzerland, and Italy. Being in Europe, I have to take advantage of the cheap flights and go to as many places as possible.

This study abroad has truly been a life changing experience. I have made unexpected life-long friendships, eaten delicious European foods, visited so many beautiful cities, and learned so much about the world and myself. I am so thankful for this experience and I strongly encourage everyone to study abroad!

Claire smiling