Before we left on the study abroad trip, I always wondered
what it was actually going to be like in London. How were the people going to act
and treat us, what the food was going to be like, worried about being a target
as an American tourist, the money system, etc. It was only a short while after
we arrived that I noticed how the Londoners acted, how the Underground worked
and how to use it, and it did take me a little longer to learn the pound system
and distinguish between all the different coins. I found myself doing
everything I could to fit in with the culture so I was not a stand out. The
lifestyle in London was much different from western Nebraska. Just when it
seemed that I was acting locally in London and learning the customs, we arrived
back in the states. I believe I can think globally now with the experience this
trip has provided me. After returning home, I find myself settling down and
relaxing from the fast paced lifestyle of the UK. I often figure the seven hour
time difference and compare what I am doing at a given time in the states to
what I would have been doing in London at the same time. I think about the trip
all the time! This reminds me of how different the world is and how cultures
vary from region to region. Although I highly enjoyed the time abroad, I can
say it is nice to be home in the states and can regroup and once again get back
in the swing of things and lifestyle I am use to. Just as in my latest post about global
competence, this experience has expanded my role as a global citizen and I am
very fortunate to have had this opportunity to study abroad.
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