Amy Yu

Photos

A interior design student at Savannah College of Art and Design.

Why did you choose this program?

I chose this program mainly because I wanted to work abroad, but I also wanted to have a sense of security. I didn't want to worry about housing and insurance, so I'm very happy that World Endeavors helped me with that. Also, it gave my parents peace of mind when sending their daughter to a country I've never been to before.

What did your program provider (or university) assist you with, and what did you have to organize on your own?

The program basically helped me with anything that I had questions with. They helped me choose a meal plan (which is more so 'are you buying your own groceries?' or 'will your host parent provide you with a small breakfast?'), find housing close to my workplace, and insurance with BUNAC. The main thing that I had to do on my own is getting my visa. Although if I did have any questions, I would ask my advisor and BUNAC. They would answer my questions within 30minutes to an hour upon asking if it was on a weekday - super helpful and very nice.

What is one piece of advice you'd give to someone going on your program?

Be open to traveling to a place you've never been before. There's so much to learn about other cultures! I took every experience (good and bad) in a positive matter to help me learn and better myself as an individual. My internship was not exactly a major specific, but I took every opportunity as a learning opportunity. I feel more well-rounded when it comes to the design world because I now know what it's like to be on the retail side interior designing, whereas before I only knew floor plans and interior renderings. It's nice to work with clientele.

What does an average day/week look like as a participant of this program?

I usually had a very structured work-day in London. I would wake up, go to the gym, get ready for work, go to work, pull and ship out samples, help clients, and do some personal work if the day was a little slow. Then everyone would usually have lunch around 1-2pm, and if I wasn't put to a specific task, I'd often go around and ask my co-workers if they needed any extra help. Work would end around 5:30 and I would start the evening commute home, top-up on groceries if needed, cook dinner and then start winding down for bed so I could do it all over again the next day.

Going into your experience abroad, what was your biggest fear, and how did you overcome it? How did your views on the issue change?

I think my biggest fear was the way I would be treated being from America. In all honesty, I had nothing to worry about. The people in the UK were very lovely and would be more than happy to help if I ever had a question or needed help. I feel like the only way you can overcome the "inner tourist" is to adapt to what is around you and become a local! We're human beings and that is what we do as part of our nature. I watched and listened and soon enough people were asking me where to go and which tube to take! I quickly fell in love with British and European culture, and now I can't wait until the day I can make my way back.

Any other tips for any prospective traveler?

TAKE ADVANTAGE OF HOW CLOSE EUROPEAN COUNTRIES ARE TO EACH OTHER.

Honestly!!! I wish I planned more weekend trips than I had. PLAN AHEAD so you can get super cheap transportation and Airbnbs. Also, don't be afraid to ask co-workers where you can find the best deals and what places are worth traveling to.

FIND A TRAVEL BUDDY!

I was lucky enough to find a travel buddy (she also participated in the World Endeavors program). I traveled to Ireland, Belgium, and Switzerland and I had the best time! I also made sure to make my way to different places in and around London.