For those of you who don't know, I am studying and interning through Arcadia University, as a part of their Summer Internship Program. I'm taking my classes through/at City University in London, and interning with two media companies, more about that later...
Even though this is in retrospect, I still did write down some expectations I had of my experience in my journal (thank you Zack) on my plane ride from Philadelphia to London.
First, I expect that I will find London incredibly agreeable with my interests and lifestyle. So far, London has completely impressed me. My first impressions have forged my belief that London is an incredibly diverse, cosmopolitan city without a sense of urban suffocation or superiority. BUT, it's only been about 36 hours...so we'll see.
Second, I was somewhat nervous that my program (or programme in UK type) would be composed mostly of students from rural + suburban schools that are not familiar with urban living. In addition, I was afraid that most of my peers would reinforce the 'American college student abroad' stereotype: uncultured, loud, and unintentionally rude. I realize this ideally displays my personal sense of urban snobbery, but I don't think I'm unfair with this expectation/fear. Once again, it's still early, but while some students in my program DO encourage this stereotype in the form of getting drunk and loud at the nearest pub on the first night here, many others have been respectful and interested in English culture. Regardless of how things pan out, I already feel like a kind of quasi-cosmo/culture tour guide.
Third, I expect a series of rich, social experiences that will lead to great conversations and challenging education. I wasn't sure initially what to expect from my formal education here, but it appears that my research project (which is expected to be in excess of 20 pages/5,000+ words) may be a lot of work. I'm excited to determine my thesis and learn more in my other class about the differences and similarities between British and American culture, work life, politics, etc.
It has been a whirlwind first 24 - 36 hours here. My flight here was of course long and ultimately exhausting, however I did have a very interesting conversation with my neighbor, the Design Manager of Urban Outfitters...very cool. Also, for my friends in San Francisco...I literally laughed out loud when I opened my dinner and discovered my "Bunny Luv" Carrots. Seriously, in Europe, Bunny Carrots do exist.
On my way to the baggage claim I met an awesome girl named Parisima from San Diego State University. She's taking a class in Madrid, Spain for a month and then back packing around for another five weeks or so. She had never been to London and traveled via tube so I offered to escort her. It was kind of a HUGE pain in the ass to travel the tube, find my tucked away flat, while carrying ALL of my shit! But, it wouldn't be travel unless you want to pass out by noon your first morning.
I quickly met most of our building and for the most part everyone seems pretty amiable. Almost everyone here is from Indiana University, University of Illinois, Urbana, or the University of Michigan (including my roommate and one of my flatmates). There are 7 guys total in my 3 bedroom/2 bathroom flat, which is much larger than I expected. As long as everyone is fairly neat (and our primary fridge/freeze repaired), I think we'll be okay.
We had an orientation describing the events, schedule, and rules of our program/programme and a pizza dinner last night, and then I walked around our neighborhood (Earl's Court/Chelsea) to grocery shop and stay awake.
I called home right before bed to let them know I was alive...and left a message for my mother, who decided she had to talk to me and had my roommate wake me up at 1 am. Thanks mom...; ).
(IMPORTANT UPDATE) We all awoke early and had a full day consuming a dizzying amount of information during our orientation. I also found out I would be completing 2 internships if I wanted to. The first with the company I knew I was interning with, Prospect Pictures, and the second with a VERY interesting company called Out There News, who "is a multimedia production company specialising in factual programming from and about the Middle East". I had my interview with Prospect Pictures this afternoon and once I found it I was uncharacteristically frazzled. Apparently, London is experiencing surprisingly cold weather (50 - 65 F) and my interview time happened to be in the middle of a ravenous rain storm. Fortunately I found their studio on time, but I got a little lost and was pretty wet, despite my umbrella's best support. The interview went well and was actually just to confirm that our expectations were on the same page, which they were. During my time with Prospect, I'll be working on their show "Call Me A Caddy" as a PA (which may include some editing assistance and celebrity request fulfillment), some research for their new website (Daily Cooks.com) and "Caddy," as well as some extensive work with their DailyCooks.com website. I'm not even going to link to that site because it's in rough shape.
My next interview is coming up tomorrow and I'm intrigued to discover what I can do with Out There News.
One of our events that my new friend Shannon and I weren't able to attend because of our interviews was a trip on the London Eye. As you can see, it features beautiful views. However, I absentmindedly left my London Eye card in my room, so I spent the money to go up since I was with Shannon. She felt bad and paid for part of my dinner. I've gone through A LOT more money than I expected. Fortunately most of it has gone towards one time purchases: my awesome cell phone plan (1,000 for US calls, $10 phone), and my student trip to Scotland in late June.
Well, I doubt anyone will want to read all of this, AND I'm tired. Look forward to more exciting posts that have been much better organized. Be well.
Favorite English English Phrase: Dress Smartly. Usage: when going on in interview or first meeting with a new employer, it is important to look professional and dress smartly.
Soundtrack: The Reminder, Feist.
enjoy.
