Experiences of Richmond Students

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The Richmond Study Abroad Experience – In the Words of the Students Themselves

Tanya Haarth (Bradley University)

I decided to study in London because I wanted to prove to myself that I could make it anywhere that I desired in life.

This has been one of the most challenging and rewarding experiences of my life. The distance is hard, but the people you meet and experiences you create while at Richmond in London are the medicine that helps you get through homesickness.

There is never a dull moment in London and people from the Richmond Program are always anxious to accompany me.

I have grown as a person, gotten a better sense of direction, and been to places that I could have only dreamt about. I always thought I was an independent person, but London has only encouraged me to step out of my comfort zone and do things on my own. My friends and family always laugh at me for my horrible sense of direction, but through my overall experience in London I have gotten really good at following a map.

Finally, Richmond University and London in general have opened up doors of opportunity to new places. It is one thing to read about great landmarks in my visiting city, country, or Europe as a whole, but definitely a greater experience when my feet are on or near that landmark. I would have not changed my decision to study abroad in London for a semester. I would also seriously encourage anyone who is interested in this program or London to apply, hop on a plane, and create memories that will last a lifetime.

Krystal Lopez (University of California, Irvine)

London is so full of history, so full of magic, so diverse that I am left in awe at the end of every night. You'd be amazed by how many people in London are not actually FROM London, but from different places around the UK and around the world in general.

As far as classes, they are definitely not taught in an US-centric manner. T he history and international relations classes gave me a more global perspective on world politics.

Taking these classes is also great because so many of the world's best museums are close at hand. It's very easy for a professor to say, "Next week's lecture will be at the British Museum where we will explore the Aztec and Assyrian exhibitions." I also recommend taking a Shakespeare class as you are given the opportunity to watch plays onstage at the Globe theatre where Shakespeare produced most of his shows and to visit Stratford, his home town.

The weekend trip to Paris was one of my favourite parts of studying abroad. I found the French to be exceptionally kind and I only regret that the trip was not longer. Paris is an absolute dream. I look forward to maintaining all of the friendships that I formed while abroad. These men and women, artists, singers, writers helped me explore other areas of my own character. They and the entire study abroad experience will be a very influential force as I continue to make decisions far into my future.

Kara Skalling (Champlain College)

Studying abroad in a new place far from home can be one of the most incredible and eye-opening experiences a student can have during their short time studying. When that experience is one that not only lets you explore a brand new culture, but a brand new way of approaching your major as well, it just can’t get any better.

While here in London, I was lucky enough to have the opportunity to volunteer in a local school a little outside the hustle and bustle of the city. Just about an hour’s travel southeast of the city, I travel to a great junior school to get a firsthand experience to see the similarities and the differences between schools here in Britain and schools back home. On my first visit to the school I was filled with nerves of excitement, so excited to get a new look into being a teacher in another culture and country.

This opportunity has shown me a brand new way of viewing the other side of what I know and what I have grown comfortable with and proving that there is so much more out there to experience. Perhaps I’ll find myself teaching around here in the future. For what I thought was a concrete decision to come home to teach in the states, this opportunity has shown me another side to these future plans of mine and opened my eyes. Thank you London for showing me such a great side that I never knew I would find! One thing is sure is that this won’t be my last visit across the pond.

Congressman Russ Carnahan

AIFS has a strong reputation of opening doors for students around the world including myself. My time studying abroad in London at Richmond, the American International University in London remains one of the most important foundations of my education.

By getting to know people and their way of life overseas as a college student, I became better prepared to serve in Congress, where diplomatic engagement is as important as ever. But the truth is the experience can be valuable to all students. It is important that people have a better understanding of their neighbors around the world and the outstanding work of AIFS is helping make that a reality.

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Still not sold? Here are some other Study Abroad testimonies:

"London is a fantastic city to Study Abroad in and Richmond has only made my time here better - the professors are great and sharing your classes with students from around the world has been a unique college experience that is hard to find!"
Amanda Sletta: Westminster College

"Located in a great place in London, Richmond is a very welcoming school which makes your Study Abroad experience worthwhile."
Michael Rooney: St John Fisher College

"AIFS Richmond provides an interesting insight not only to life in London but life in Britain and Europe."
Caleb Mikenas: Western Illinois University

"Two of the courses I was enrolled in at the Kensington Campus, "Museums and Galleries" and "History of London", showed me a different side of the city that I don't think I would have ever taken advantage of or seen. Besides attending class I was often traveling with friends all over Europe.

Another marvelous opportunity and one of the most valuable experiences I had was to volunteer in an elementary school in London. The memories from those trips, Pickhurst Junior School, and my experience in London will always stay with me as the best four months of my life (so far!)"
Lauren Shields

"I loved my experience at Richmond. I wouldn't trade it for anything. The entire experience is something I will cherish for the rest of my life."
Paul Moon: Ohio State University

"To travel to a new country is to experience its romantic side; to enjoy the sites, see a West End show and treat yourself to the best a city has to offer.

When one actually lives in a foreign place, it becomes necessary to immerse yourself into the culture of the people and city around you, taking the good with the bad. You are forced to change your perspective, and your routine in order to slowly transition from the familiarity and comfort of home to a whole new place.

I see London as a prime place to learn. To me, I see it as the quintessential tourist spot, playground and classroom. The experiences I've had and wish to continue to have in these three categories are priceless and enthralling. Moreover I believe my academic and personal growth has, and will continue to flourish as I study in London."
Tess Brokaw

"The experience I had at Richmond was life changing. I came to London having never left the States before. Moving nearly 4,000 miles from home without knowing a single person in the program was daunting, but the Richmond staff and the students from the program made London feel like home. I met some of my best friends through the program, both students and staff, and I still keep in touch with them on a regular basis four years on.

Because of my great experience with Richmond, I spent the previous four years searching for ways to return to the UK. I am now back in London in a postgraduate program and living with a friend I met during my time at Richmond. I can't begin to explain how beneficial this
experience was to forming who I am today, as cliché as that sounds.

I'd recommend studying abroad, and Richmond in particular, as a highly worthwhile experience to any young person. Thank you!"

Austin Lindberg: St. Thomas, 2007

Link to this page: http://www.richmond.ac.uk/s/1383.aspx