Hi everyone, My name is Isaiah Romulus and I’m a Junior attending Clark University in Massachusetts. I’m currently studying abroad in London and I’m going to use this blog to reflect on my experiences from my time here! My major is Economics and am doing an internship which will hopefully allow me to learn more about the career path I hope to take in the future.
I arrived to London a day before Orientation started, which was a good thing, because it gave me a chance to settle in. I was able to find a local gym (which I paid way too much for a 3 month membership) and do some food shopping (18 pounds all fit in one bag)! Now comes the work of living on London time. The time zone is five hours ahead of my usual time so it’s been quite an adjustment, I’m still exhausted!
Since arriving I done some sightseeing, met over 40 people (but can only remember maybe 3 names), and started my internship and classes. A little funny story about sightseeing: I’m walking around, enjoying my surroundings and am about to cross the street. I looked left and proceeded to cross the street. Suddenly a car slammed on the brakes and honked their horn. I was looking the wrong way! There are a lot of little adjustments to be made.
Funny story number 2: I went to purchase something and my card gets declined. Bank thought there was fraud going on and I spent almost an hour on the phone to reiterate that it is a legitimate purchase as I am in London. I confirmed with the bank before I left but I guess they wanted to double check.
I have a lot to learn in balancing my internship, academic experience while at the same time exploring the city and enjoying the social outings. I believe adaptation and realization, although two quite similar processes, are very distinct in their own ways. From my perspective, one can adapt to new surroundings much easier and far before they truly realize what is going on. For example, my almost getting hit by a car because I looked the wrong way, is something I can adapt to quite quickly. But to realize that I am immersing myself in a new culture, learning the different ways of thinking from the people who live here, and soaking in every second I have here is much different. I believe doing both, adapting and realizing, is very beneficial to one’s growth and development. Many people can either adapt to situations or realize situations that they are in but to do both, I feel, that is when the person is truly getting the most out their experience. As I begin my journey of studying abroad, I am hoping to maintain a present mindset. I want to adapt to my surroundings and truly realize what is going on so I can grow more as an individual. It is a time frame that can be very nerve racking but at the same time exciting. It’s a challenge I’m excited to face!
P.S. My pictures do not have much to do with this writing but I thought these were some cool ones I took on my outings.
Isaiah's Travels 