ISA Study Abroad in London, England

Why did you decide to study abroad with GlobaLinks?

Kenny: Ultimately, GlobaLinks was the only organization I found to have a program in the UK with classes that would count toward my degree. Because all of my electives were already covered, there were only a select few classes I could take for credit.

I highly recommend studying abroad earlier in your academic career, rather than later, as it leaves you with much more options, class-wise. GlobaLinks also gave me assistance navigating the visa process and provided a 24/7 contact, should anything go wrong during the program. It was less about the things they did than the things they would do in the case of an emergency.

What made this study abroad experience with GlobaLinks unique and special?

Kenny: Perhaps it's just because it was a one-month summer program, but we went on field-trips into London for about half of the class sessions! This was astounding to me - I got to read a Shakespeare play, then go and see it performed at the Globe in London! Even better, after reading novels like Sherlock Holmes and Oliver Twist, we would take walks in London that followed streets and landmarks mentioned in the books! It was a great way to bring new perspective to old literature. The classes were also relatively small, with only about 20 people per class, which made it a lot more enjoyable for me.

Tell us about any interesting cultural tidbits you noticed about your country.

Kenny: I've read quite a few English authors and studied the history of the British Isles rather extensively, but nothing prepared me for London. If you're an American, you may think you understand diversity, but London is the melting pot - everyone was there, and the meshing of cultures can be noticed from the people on the street to the curry shops dotting the city. As far as practical advice goes - get out of London! This is vital! London is an interesting city, yes, but there are cities everywhere - only England has English countryside, and it's completely unlike anywhere else. If you have the chance, find a "walk" (essentially an abbreviated backpacking trip), grab a friend, and do it! While in the city, hit a pub for a pint, find someplace to have high tea, go to the Tower of London, but above all - do stuff. You'll never forgive yourself if you don't.

Describe your best photo taken and what is it of?

Kenny: My favorite photo, since "best" is rather subjective, is of the remains of a ruined cathedral in St. Andrew's graveyard in Scotland. I'll never forget the moment I first saw it - we were at the castle ruins, about a half mile away from the graveyard, and there was this spire that looked like it belonged in some sort of Gothic novel or video game just jutting into the skyline. I stopped dead in my tracks, pointed, and said to my friends "We're going there next." "What is it?" they asked. "I have no idea," I said, "but we're going to find out." And that is how adventures begin. Oddly enough, my second favorite picture is of haggis.

Do you think your program changed you?

Kenny: I'd already traveled rather extensively by this point, so the cultural, geographical, and culinary differences weren't terribly shocking to me. However, up until this point, I had seriously considered attending graduate school and settling down in England.This trip made question that goal; England was nice, but not what I had expected. Instead, my goal changed to go to graduate school and settle down in Scotland. This is why you do as many extracurricular activities and side-trips as possible! I never would have discovered the glories of the Highlands, otherwise, and now the entire course of my life is altered, all due to one little three-day field trip.

What position do you hold at ISA?

Corey: Currently, I am a Senior Program Manager with ISA Degrees Abroad at ISA. I am responsible for advising students who want to complete a full degree abroad at one of our 29 overseas partners in Australia, New Zealand, and the U.K.

I graduated from West Virginia University with a degree in International Development Studies, and knew that international education was a field I wanted to build a career within. I started out working at ISA as a Program Assistant with the Admissions department, and when an opening came up with ISA Degrees Abroad I jumped at the opportunity!

Did YOU study abroad?! If so, where and what inspired you to go?

Corey: Of course I studied abroad! I spent the first semester of my senior year of college at Macquarie University in Sydney, Australia. I knew that Australia was a country that was on my bucket list, and figured that the best time to discover Australia was on a study abroad program.

I grew up in St. Louis, Missouri and wanted to experience living/studying in a city that was the complete opposite of St. Louis. I was pushed beyond my comfort zone, and my experience studying at Macquarie University ultimately led me to my job at ISA!

Which study abroad destination is most underrated?

Corey: I think that one of the most underrated study abroad destinations is South Korea. ISA is consistently sending a large number of students to study in South Korea, but when you look at the overall trends in study abroad South Korea rarely ever makes the top 20! South Korea has everything you could want in a study abroad destination, all within quick, easy access. Plus, you can experience the K-Pop phenomenon in person!

What is one piece of advice you'd offer a returned study abroad student?

Corey: I encourage any returned study abroad student to get involved with your international office as much as you can! Since you had such an amazing experience abroad, why wouldn't you want to share those experiences with other potential study abroad students? Word of mouth is such a powerful tool, and if universities in the US have great study abroad alumni on campus, it will only help the internationalization of that campus.

What makes ISA' programs stand apart from other program options?

Corey: ISA offers an amazing multi-day orientation called the Bridging Cultures Program for all semester/year abroad students. Our Bridging Cultures Program is a core component of the ISA study abroad experience, and was created to introduce students to the local culture and prepare them for their time abroad.

Students get to meet other ISA students before the semester even starts, which means that students automatically have a built-in support network upon arrival. When speaking with alumni about their experience abroad, the Bridging Cultures Program is consistently highlighted.