Why did you pick this program?
Eileen: I chose this program because it complemented my studies perfectly. I was able to study finance in one of the largest financial centers in the world! I also wanted to study somewhere that language would not be a barrier. Put that all together, and London is the perfect place to go (not to mention how beautiful and unique it is).
What do you wish someone had told you before you went abroad?
Eileen: I wish someone would have seriously sat me down and told me to plan my trips better. I would have saved a lot of money if I would have just planned a month in advance. Yes, a big part of studying abroad is the spontaneous weekend getaways, however you will thank yourself later when you have extra money to spend on yourself!
What is the most important thing you learned abroad?
Eileen: The most important thing I learned while being abroad was to make the most of my time, no matter where I am. If I had a spare hour between classes, I would go check out a museum exhibit or explore a new market for lunch. When I traveled to other countries I made sure to have a plan to hit all of the major sites and include time for relaxing too.
It is more than okay to just not do anything, too. You have to recharge at some point! But there is so so so much to do and see. Being independent and going places alone is important, too. It can be intimidating to walk around a big city all alone not knowing where you are going, but honestly, those are the times when I got lost and ended up finding some of my all time favorite spots in London. I fully encourage getting lost!
What do you tell your friends who are thinking about going abroad?
Eileen: Do it. Be smart, plan accordingly, save up money, and go! Just make sure you will get something out of the experience. Whether it be a new language, course specific studies, branching out on your own for the first time, or just the infamous need for wanderlust. I think everyone should have the incredible experience I have.
What was hardest part about going abroad?
Eileen: The hardest part about going abroad was probably the first week or two. Adjusting to a completely new and foreign environment while getting a ton of orientation and school information thrown at you can be a bit overwhelming. What helped me a lot was making a calendar for myself.
Blocking out times and days when I had class, projects, exams or other program field trips and starting to plan other fun activities for myself around that. You are there to learn, so make sure to take class seriously. It is all about how much you put into it.
What's your favorite story to tell about your time abroad?
Eileen: My favorite story was probably one that I will never forget. Since I am 100% Irish, it has always been a dream of mine to spend St. Patrick's Day in Ireland. So, since I was only a short plane ride away, I decided I was going to make it happen. Now, it fell on a Tuesday this year so I had to figure out how I was going to work around class. To my luck, my only Tuesday class was canceled that day!
It was too good to pass up, so I booked my ticket with some friends from another program. To make my class on Wednesday, I had to take a very early flight! I was not even in Dublin for 24 hours, but it was worth it for me to go. I celebrated the day and night, took a quick nap in the airport, and was on my way home by 6 am.
My flight ended up getting delayed which made me nervous, but I ran from the plane to my train back to London and from there right to class and made it with just 3 minutes to spare! I felt like it was a movie, and I loved every minute of it. Definitely an experience I will never forget. (Traveling does not always go as planned, just gotta roll with the punches)
What made this experience unique and special?
Eileen: That experience was special to me because I had wanted to do it for so long, and I was finally able to achieve it. Not everyone gets to have those kinds of experiences, so for me to able to do it so easily is the entire reason while studying abroad is so amazing.
Tell us about an experience you had that you could not have had at home.
Eileen: One of my favorite things to do in my free time was explore the various markets around London. That is something so unique to the city and definitely something I could not have done at home. I could spend hours looking around the different vendors and unique antiques being sold. Not to mention the food is like no other!
What is one piece of advice you'd give to someone going on your program?
Eileen: Do some research on London before you go. Read all of the information booklets and handouts IES gives you, they really help! Participate in all of the field trips, they are super fun, cheap, and a great way to meet other people in your program.
Finally, never say no to a new experience. Even if it scares you, all the more reason to do it! Try to experience things that are outside your comfort zone, you will be glad you did.
What made this trip meaningful to you, or how did this trip change your perceptions, future path?
Eileen: Being able to live and study in such a big city made me realize how much more is out there to see. I was lucky enough to be able to travel to 12 other countries in my time abroad and it has only made me want to go back and travel to more places. It is a truly magical experience.
I don't know anyone going on my program, what if i don't make any friends?
Eileen: It is impossible to not make friends while being abroad. Where you went to school, who you are at home all goes out the window. Even if you do know a lot of people in your program, I encourage you to branch out and meet other people too.
You never know, these could be some of your best friends by the end of the trip. More likely than not, everyone else in your program is probably just as eager to make friends as you are so do not worry!