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.