Living the London Life

Westminster Abbey

It has been about two and half weeks since I have arrived in London. So far, everything has been good. Sightseeing has been amazing and it is fun seeing things that you see only in movies or on TV. Walking up to Westminster Abby and seeing it in person was a breathtaking experience.

Figuring out where to go was my first major challenge. I come from a place where you have to drive no matter what. So coming to London where public transportation is everywhere is a cool and daunting experience. I live within walking distance of a train station, which is very nice. Learning the transport system here really helps make the adjustment much easier.

Alumni Spotlight: On the Radio

Interstudy Alumni come from around the country – from big schools in big cities to small schools in even smaller towns. Enrolling directly at a university abroad through Interstudy means that our students can also study a wide range of disciplines – from engineering to the arts, and everything in between.

One Interstudy Alum, Nicholas Petricca, a graduate of Kenyon College in Gambier, OH, has been making waves since his semester at Goldsmiths, University of London….radio waves.

The Familiarly Unfamiliar

The magnitude of change is quite astonishing. After the emotional adjustment period, I asked myself “how could there be so much change in a familiar setting?” The metropolitan style of London is something that I am quite familiar with. Yet, socially- the city is another world. I could map out all the differences now, but I’ll save the blog some room! I spent a short time nit picking between things and just allowed myself to immerse in the social culture of this city.

Queen Mary Now Member of Prestigious Group

It was announced this week that Queen Mary, University of London, one of Interstudy‘s long standing partner universities, has been invited to become a member of the Russell Group of universities. The Russell Group, as stated on the group’s website, “represents leading UK universities which are committed to maintaining the very best research, an outstanding teaching and learning experience and unrivaled links with business and the public sector.” The invitation to join the Russell Group is an acknowledgment of Queen Mary’s quality and status as a top-class research-led institution.

The Russell Group of top UK universities includes among its number Oxford, Cambridge, Edinburgh, University College London, King’s College London, Bristol, Manchester and Sheffield.

Our congratulations to Queen Mary!

Right Before My Eyes!!

London, UK is revered as the global city and is known for its abundant amount of immigration. This is one of the main aspects that drew me to the city for my study abroad experience. I hope to be able to indulge myself within the many cultures that London embodies and force myself to let go of the Americanized perception: We Are the Greatest Nation. Giving in on this selfish idea and being exposed to a different idea, like growing and maturing in a place that is constantly changing.

A Scholar Among Us!

The Gilman Scholarship awards offered for Spring 2012 have been announced.

Congratulations to Interstudy student, Kendall Pruitt for winning an award! Kendall will be studying at Queen Mary, University of London this Spring.

Often times there is a misconception that the Gilman Scholarship is only open to students who are studying in non-traditional countries. Kendall’s award shows that the scholarship is more far reaching! Read more about the scholarship and how to apply here: http://www.iie.org/en/Programs/Gilman-Scholarship-Program

A Day in London

When first arriving in London, I was desperate for a schedule. I think that having a schedule that I knew was a sort of comfort of home. The first week in London was tough because classes did not start for another week, and I was on my own, in a different country, by myself. Surely, when I had a schedule, all would be well.

What’s Normal Anyway?

“Wait, cheese in the form of dry powder? I don’t understand.”This is what my friend said when I tried to explain the concept of Macaroni and Cheese in a box. This is something that I have come to learn is not a worldwide phenomenon like it is in most colleges in the United States. I continued to make my quick lunch and she watched me put the ingredients together. We ended up splitting the bowl of noodles in the end, she loved it!

Olympic Spirit

One year from today, the 2012 Olympic games will begin in London! Preparations for the games started in London years ago, as soon as the city won the bid to host the event. The updates made to the city for the games will last long after next summer too. Parks, arenas, and new roadways will transform London‘s East End. To top it off, a new Eurorail station will bring visitors in and out of the East End to and from Paris and Brussels!

In the heart of these exciting changes is Interstudy‘s partner university, Queen Mary, University of London. Queen Mary will be housing athletes on their campus during the games, and local students will have the opportunity to volunteer at the event. Study abroad students who are interested in volunteering at the games should complete their application for Spring semester as early as possible with Interstudy so you have time to arrange for housing after the semester ends, and to apply for a Tier 4 Visa. Please contact Interstudy if you have any questions. To start your application for Queen Mary, University of London, or any of Interstudy‘s other program locations in London or beyond, visit www.interstudy.org and click on Apply Now!

London – the New Milan?

This week is Design Week in London (May 24-26). During the week, over 60 showrooms will be opened up and a number of other designed focused events will take place around the city. Read more about the week here: http://www.clerkenwelldesignweek.com/.

So is London the new Milan? The Huffington Post reports that British design has it’s own sense of creativity and originality, setting it apart from other design hubs. So if you’re looking to study Design and/or Fashion during your semester abroad, and perhaps haven’t had a chance to brush up on your Italian, London may be the place for you! Here are two Interstudy programs with Design and Fashion options for study abroad students: