It has been over two months since I have been back home, and I have had a significant amount of time to think about everything going on. Every time I begin to explain to someone that my study abroad program got canceled, they immediately offer a “sorry”. Although I appreciate the sentiment, the truth is, I am no longer upset about the ways in which events transpired. Don’t get me wrong, it was incredibly unfortunate to have the program cut short, even more so given the devastating circumstances that caused the cancellation. However, since arriving at SFO, I have had time to reflect on my journey. The truth of the matter is that I never expected to experience study abroad in the way I did. In fact, before flying out, I repeatedly reminded myself to lower my expectations so that in case something went wrong, I would be prepared for the downfall. What I didn’t expect is to love and cherish my experiences abroad. I didn’t expect to meet people who are not only from the UK but all over the world. I made wonderful friends from around the U.S., and around the globe. I forged deep connection I know will last.

The whole reason I originally wanted to study abroad was to expand my lens on life, to meet people and explore cultures and different ways of being. I got that and more. I was able to meet people and form deep connections. I was able to travel to several countries in Europe and in different cities within the UK. I was able to explore various cultures, traditions, and histories. I could not have gotten any of that from a book alone or being in a classroom. No, instead I experienced those things firsthand. I was able to understand different societies beyond that which words on a paper could have taught me. 

Rather than focusing on the early end to the program, I have been focusing on all the wonderful experiences I’ve gained and the amazing people that are now in my life. I am so very grateful for the opportunity I had to study abroad and so grateful for Fund for Education Abroad for helping me to make this journey possible.

Finals were all adjusted to fit with the transition to online classes. Since most class sessions were recorded, it was helpful to be able to study by accessing those files. Of course, it was a very stressful week, but professors accommodated students which really helped when completing the course exams and essays. Admittedly, there were times it was increasingly difficult to stay motivated during the government-ordered lockdown. Being at home isn’t always the best environment to study and to be productive. However; I found that stepping away from work and going outside for a few minutes to get fresh air helped with the studying process.   

Thankfully, my university and program were able to work together, so now all my class credits will transfer over. It was surreal to realize that once finals ended, so would the whole study abroad experience, even knowing that I have been for half of it. It’s just that the end of finals indicated the official end of the London experience. After much reflection, I’m able to now focus on all the wonderful parts of the experience. 

I was sitting in my room around 10 or 11 PM with my roommate. We were just hanging out as I got a call from my friend who asked me if I checked my email from my home University. I immediately knew something was wrong, so I opened my email as fast as possible and my heart dropped at the words on my screen. My school sent out a message telling us that we had to return to the U.S. since the boarders were being closed due to Corona Virus. I couldn’t believe how abrupt everything was happening. My friend on the line was very distressed. Others were already booking tickets within a few minutes of receiving the email. Even my roommate who wasn’t a study abroad student began to stress about what this would mean for students living on campus. We didn’t know the virus was spreading so rapidly or that it was so dangerous that we had to return home before the boarders closed. Honestly, what was most scary was the unknown. No one was aware of the real extent of the problem or what was going to happen as a result. 

The following morning our program was officially cancelled, and all the American students were required to return home. One minute I was thinking about classes and our upcoming weekend trip to Oxford and the next, I was frantically calling my family and trying to figure out the best course of action. I spent the following day making arrangements. I was in contact with my airline to change my flight which thankfully they allowed me to do online. It would only be a couple of days before I left London. 

Although I wanted to make the most out of my last few days in the city, I spent so much time packing and planning that it was more stressful than anything. In the span of two days, I had to pack, communicate with my professors who were not updated regarding the end of the program, and also spend time with the amazing friends I made, while accepting everything that was happening. It was difficult to say goodbye to the city and even more difficult to say goodbye to my community of international friends, and ultimately to the study abroad experience that had turned out to be more than I could have ever hoped for. Regardless, the last day arrived and I vowed to spend it wisely. Admittedly, turning my brain off with so much going on was not a simple endeavor, but I made the conscious decision that day to focus on all that I gained and the mere privilege to have been able to embark on this journey abroad. That said, it only seemed fitting to treat myself to my favorite afternoon tea place and spend time with all my new friends from all over the world. Over dinner, we enjoyed Indian food, we laughed, reflected, shared stories and enjoyed our nights. When it came time to part, tears were shed.

That night, I didn’t get a minute of sleep. Instead I awaited my flight back to California. Of course, it was pouring all night. Thinking back, it seemed a fitting farewell to the city of rain. By 6 Am, I was at the airport, going through all the motions even though my mind wasn’t really in it. By 9 am, I was on my flight back and my study abroad journey ended 2 months before it was supposed to. 

I have to say, being in London has been a journey of non-stop exploring.  The days that I don’t have class, I really don’t want to waste. Every weekend I have explored a part of the city, the UK or a neighboring country in Europe. Of course, there are days when I just hang out with the other students in my program in the dorms areas or in our Borough. However, my favorite part of being in London has been the afternoon tea. I know how it sounds, but hear me out. 

At first, I went out for afternoon tea simply because I’m in London and it’s the ultimate “British thing” to do. But then I found my spot. I found this wonderful pace called Candella Tea Room and they had the best scones I have ever eaten. I really wish we had this place back in the Bay, but I will just have to be content with having enjoyed it while in London. It was a nationally cultural experience that I thoroughly enjoyed being a part of. However, just to dispel misconceptions, not all British people drink tea everyday. Who would’ve guessed that Downton Abbey is NOT the best guide to modern British culture.

Going out to eat in London and other places in Europe has a different connotation than doing so in the United States. It is more about the experience of sitting in a restaurant than it is about fast service and getting one’s food. I still remember my first day in London with other American study abroad students. We were so surprised that it took so long for our food to arrive. No one else in the restaurant seemed concerned. I have now come to appreciate this unique cultural facet. When I just wanted the chance to relax and have conservations with my peers, afternoon tea was perfect!

One of the greatest things about being in London is visiting the markets. That’s one of the easiest ways to experience the different cultures in the large city. Every district is different with different populations and communities. The markets were a great way for me to not only talk to different people, but try different foods and learn, about the history of London regions. 

Two of my favorite markets were the Camden Market and the Stables market which were near each other. Within my two months in London, I visited those markets a total of 5 times. Every time I visited, I discovered something new. For example, prior to going, I didn’t know how affluent punk culture is in the city. One of the biggest stores, broadcasting this culture is called Cyborg in the Stables Market. Walking through the store is very interesting experience.

 While Stables is more shop-oriented, the Camden market is full of vendors and food options. The Camden Market is a great portrayal of London’s diversity. While traditional Fish and chips are offered, its only one of the many food options. To list a few, the different food types include; Asian, Dutch, Middle Eastern, Zulu, Italian, Mexican, American, and British. That said, it was a struggle making a choice when I really just wanted to try everything. Rest-assured though; samples are offered. I was also pleasantly surprised that the different vendors are very accommodating. There were many halal and vegan options. It was nice to go when my family when they came to visit me. The trick is to go with multiple people so that you can share different foods!

I also really enjoyed going to the Seven Dials Market in the West End. It is basically one large cafeteria with different food options. This market was interesting because it felt very community- oriented with one large building at the core. What’s interesting is that every market in London is different. For example, I visited the Brixton Market and Pop Brixton. This is more of a hangout type area where there are food vendors and thrift stores, but also an open area that’s vibrant at night when the market stores close. I loved visiting the markets in London. They portray historical tales, cultural vibrancy, and a highly diverse population. 

One thing I took advantage of while abroad were the museums. It was another unexpected perk of studying abroad in London. Living in the Bay Area, museums are not always affordable and usually not free. I was shocked to learn that the Museums in London are. After seeing so many museums, I was under the impression that I couldn’t be impressed with any others. Well, I was wrong.

Not only is the focus on the exhibits in the museums diverse, but the exterior and interior architectural designs of the museum structures were mind blowing.  My favorite would have to be the Victoria Albert Museum. I have never seen statues so large within a building. 

 The Victoria Albert museum was magnificent. It has over 2 million objects on exhibit. It has a very impressive sculpture collection, mostly from western Europe during the Renaissance. Honestly, it was hard to believe that I was able to see these art pieces in person that I had studied in class. The thing about the Victoria Albert museum is that one trip is not enough to get the full experience. There is just so much to see. 

Each museum spoke strongly of the extent of the British monarchy’s power, historically. Overall, being able to visit all the museums in London for free was a privilege I did not take for granted.

One thing I was not expecting from studying abroad in London is the park scene. When I thought of “London”, I always imagined the city lights, the London Eye, and gothic-styled structures. What I didn’t imagine was parks and nature all around the city itself. London is enormous. Each Borough is different than the next and within the city are massive parks that took my breath away.

I wouldn’t necessarily call myself a nature-person, but after studying abroad in London I have a newfound appreciation for parks, ironically. I visited Kensington Gardens which leads to the royal palace. Just as a side note, it was so interesting to see how prominent the royal family is to the culture of the UK. Their faces were posted everywhere in stores, tourist shops, magazines, and newspapers. Not only that, but so many structures in London belong to or have belonged to English royalty at one point, such as palaces, statues, gardens, and museums. The monarchy is so engrained in the history and modern culture of Britain.

I also visited Hyde park, where I was unwantedly chased by swans and ducks. For the record, they are fast. Out of all the parks I visited, my favorite was the Regents Park. And yes, as the name suggests, it is a royal park. It honestly felt magical. It feels as though I could walk along the park every day and still discover something new. I was lucky to have visited on a day where the sun was shining brightly and there wasn’t a cloud in sight. It was still cold though because it’s London and London can get very cold in the Fall which I have discovered first-hand. I don’t think a day went by that I didn’t leave my dorm without a scarf and gloves, and if I did, I sorely regretted it.  

It was really nice to get a break from the bustling city. It’s a far cry from the crowded tube or the hectic markets and tourist attractions. It was calm and peaceful. Just another pleasantly unexpected part of the London experience. 

There was no way I could miss visiting the city of love during my time in London. So for spring break, my family visited me from California and we took the Eurostar to Paris. Unlike my trip to Amsterdam which took over 10 hours on bus, it only took 2 hours to get to Paris on the train. I was beyond excited for my two- day trip. 

It was almost noon upon arrival, and we needed to get to our hotel but first, food! I was pleasantly surprised to see different options for food selection. I thought French food would be the main option; but I was wrong. We ate a delicious Turkish restaurant. Unlike London or even Amsterdam, not many people spoke English, so it was fun trying to communicate our order to the waiter. 

In order to see as much of Paris as possible in the two days we were there, we utilized the services of a company called BigBusTours. It’s basically a hop on-hop off system. We got on the bus outside of our hotel and could track the bus route and the major attractions we would stop at. So first we stayed in the bus for the entire route to see all the attraction and then we actually got off for the places we really wanted to visit. I know this goes without saying, but pictures really don’t do the Eiffel tower justice, nor the Louvre. They were magnificent structures to see in person. It felt magical to stand by the Eiffel tower. 

I am happy to say that my dream of eating a baguette, a crepe and cram brulee in Paris has been fulfilled.