I Can See Big Ben From Here….

Well almost. If I walk about 2 blocks I can see it from the bridge. What an amazing city of hustle and bustle London is. The first week has has flown by and now that the bloging system is up and running from afar I can once again give you updates.

This first week has been filled with so much already. It started off with finally landing in London, taking a bus to the dorms on Stanford Street, trying to settle in and unpack and then finally exploring the vast city. The first night was started with tours around the area we will be calling home for the next month given by our wonderful professors. The area we are living in is great, we are super close to Waterloo Station so hoping the Tube or a bus to somewhere nearby is easy once you figure it out. There have been so many adventures this week I feel like if I went into each one I could write for days so I will just list things that I have experienced so far.

  • Getting very lost
  • Finding a great local bakery and getting some homemade cottage pie
  • Taking pictures on the crosswalk at Abbey Road where the cover of the Beatles album was made
  • Taking a Harry Potter walking tour
  • Going on a Jack the Ripper tour
  • Figuring out the tube and bus system
  • Attended a service at Wesley’s Chapel and got to see some of the last cappers
  • Getting up very early for a visit to Peavey eletronics
  • Went punting at Cambridge
  • Visited the American War Cemetary at Cambridge
  • Found the Tower Bridge and saw the Oylmpic rings
  • etc., etc., etc.
  • This weekend I am going on day trips and doing more exploring here in London and next week who knows what I will find to get into but hopefully in the rest of my adventures I will see: The National Gallery, The National Portait Gallery, Sherlock Holmes Museum, Tower of London, take a ride on the London Eye and so many more places.

That’s all for now, there are adventures to take,

Bethanie

First official class day!

Well, that was yesterday. But I’m reporting on it today!

     Class was held on the steps of the Imperial War Museum, our first lecture being on the history of madness, which was quite illuminating.
     The biggest part of my day was walking through the Holocaust exhibit. A lot of it was things I already knew, but there were displays of things I had never seen, charts and records of killings, the rules that were put in place in Nazi Germany and all of the countries they conquered. There was a chart with the mere numbers and races of the dead from internment camps and I cried in the middle of the freaking exhibit. Farther into it, they had a model of Auschwitz that gave details about how people arrived, the criteria on which they were kept or killed, and what the living conditions were. They gave detailed accounts of how people were gassed and their bodies disposed of unceremoniously. They had a can of the chemical that was used as poison, which was truly disturbing. Then, behind the model, there was a plexiglass case around a set of shelves that held belongings of interred individuals. It was almost entirely shoes, and my heart pretty much broke at that point. Continuing on, they had profiles of the 3 top leaders at the camp, and their sociopathic obsession with death and the Nazi regime. Mostly, it was horrible. Illuminating, humbling, sobering, and motivating; but horrible. It’s really hard to say something like this is amazing, because the exhibit is on such a sensitive, emotionally-charged subject, but it truly was. I highly recommend it.
-Lauren

It’s Here!

It’s tomorrow. It is surreal that I am flying halfway across the world tomorrow! I am all packed and ready to head to the airport in the morning. I can’t lie- I am quite anxious/nervous. However, I am definitely still excited!
I have had a lot of friends go in past years, so I have gotten lots of advice on what to do/not to do, where to go, etc. I obviously can’t repost all of it, but here is a few things from a British Studies 2011 Alum Molly Egloff:

-Go to as many West End shows as you can! Personally, I think you have to go see Phantom of the Opera because it’s amazing. Even if you’ve seen it before.
-Get your tickets on discount in Leicester Square.
-Go to church at St. Paul’s Cathedral…it’s thousands of years old! So cool.
-Eat lunch in one of the parks.
-The Tower of London is a must-see. Give yourself enough time to take a tour with one of their guys dressed up like guards.
-Eat at Sweeney Todd’s Pub in London…it’s delicious and it’s the actual place where the real Sweeney Todd had his barber shop.
-Look up concerts in London before you go.
-Go to Harrod’s and check out all of the floors…it’s a high-end mall. Very cool, but very packed as well!
-Book a visit to Buckingham Palace and Parliament…you won’t regret it!
-Eat Indian Food in London….it’s amazing. Probably the only amazing cuisine they have there. Other than that it’s fish and chips.
-Eat a traditional English breakfast…beans, fried egg, sausage, toast, and roasted tomatoes…so good!
-Get candy rope at the Tratatoria.
-Go to the Texas Embassy for 4th of July! And don’t be afraid to dress really patriotic and be obnoxious Americans.
-CHECK THE WEATHER THE WEEK BEFORE YOU GO. The summers are not always hot!

My next post will be in LONDON!
-Meredith

London is Calling…

In 24 hours, I will be at the airport getting ready to head to London, England. It really hasn’t set in yet. I’m not sure when it will. I am pretty much completely packed. I’ve been working on it for about a week now, so hopefully I’m not forgetting anything super essential. One thing I do know: I overpacked. I always do.  But I definitely can’t wait! I’m so ready for the trip of a lifetime.

Well let me introduce myself a little. My name is Courtney McMullan. I am a rising sophomore at the University of Southern Mississippi. I am in the Honors College and am a Presidential Scholar. I am fortunate enough to receive study abroad scholarship money and am therefore lucky enough to get to participate in the British Studies program this summer. I am taking the LondonEye photography class and could not be more excited about that. I have a beautiful camera and no idea how to put that to good use, so I can’t wait to learn as much as I can while abroad.

I will do my best to post occasionally but I cannot guarantee that any of it will be interesting or informational. Until then, wish me luck on the most exciting/busy/stressful/nerve-racking and wonderful 48 hours. Here we go!

T – minus 4 days

So after a long wait I am just 4 days away from flying to the fabulous city of London! As my flight draws nearer I grow more and more anxious, I feel like I have so much to get in order before I leave. I think I am even more anxious because my family and I went out of town this weekend and I have not even begun to pack or even get things together.When I get home tomorrow I will only have 3 days to get everything together so I guess the best place to start is by making sure that I have my passport and all important documents together. I know that even though I am nervous now, when I get there every bit of anxiety and nervousness will be more than worth it.

Everytime I open my computer I find something else I want to explore while in London. My goal for this this is to experience asmuch as possible and come home with as much love for London as I developed for Paris last summer. Currently on my list of things to explore we abroad: Gordon Ramsay restaurant, Big Ben, Dublin! Anne Frank House wile in Amsterdam. Needless to say I will be sharing these experiences with anyone who will listen.

Well, that’s all for now, I have to go start getting things together!! I will write again soon.

Man, oh Man.

I tend to be the person that doesn’t freak about about big life choices or events or crises until after I’ve already gotten through them. Then, on the other side of whatever happened I have a moment of “oh, dear Lord, what just happened? What did I just do? Why on EARTH did I decide that was a good idea?!” and then I realize… oh, hey, I made it through. It all worked out okay. Now I’m a better person for it, and I know that in the future, I can conquer a similar situation and maybe even do better than the first time.

I had been waiting for the vastness of a study abroad trip to hit me. It finally did a couple nights ago. It wasn’t so much the fear of being in another country or not knowing anyone I was traveling with, but the sheer knowledge of how long a month truly was. I started to panic about leaving my family and friends behind for that long. I had a minor existential crisis. But while working it out, I realized that this trip is about not only studying and experiencing all that a new culture has to offer, but also to help me learn about myself, what I want, and how I want to get it.

So now that I’m back to nervous and excited, I just have to finish buying all of my last-minute essentials and check my suitcase to make sure I’ve packed everything. I have one more book to read for my class, so hopefully I’ll be plenty ahead on the reading schedule by the time I get to London. More time for exploring!

-Lauren

There and Back Again – A Grad Student’s Tale

There is something truly awesome about traveling. I love being able to leave my life and experience something else for an extended period of time. I feel as if I am able to step out of my skin and live as someone else, if just temporarily. And meeting new people, trying new foods, seeing new things…well, these are all added benefits that I could not live without.

Oops…maybe I should introduce myself. My name is Kate Aras and I am a second year master’s student at the University of Maryland. I am studying to get my master’s in both history and library science. In history, I focus on the ancient Romans. For my library science degree, I have an archives concentration. So that’s a bit about me for now but I promise to give you more details in the future!

I’ve already traveled extensively, in the United States and abroad. I’ve been as far west as Alaska and as far east as Egypt. I loved every place in between but England, in particular, has always held a particularly important place in my life. Maybe it was watching the A&E version of Pride and Prejudice as a young child that drew me to the beauty of the country. Maybe I fell a bit too in love with Mr. Darcy and imagined I could meet my own if I only traveled to England. It could also be my fascination with history, especially British history, which draws me to the island. More recently, I’ve become an avid football (soccer) fan, and follow Chelsea Football Club, thus giving me one more reason to want to visit the country.

And now I am heading back to England, for the first time in more than ten years. As a thirteen-year-old girl, England was enjoyable but it was also my first ever trip to Europe. I was young and not as in tune with my surroundings as I am today. Now, with two undergraduate degrees to my name and one year left before I receive two master’s degrees, as well much more traveling experience, I am ready to embark on a month’s tour of England, Scotland, and hopefully some European countries during my break. I cannot contain my excitement!

I’ve been setting some goals for myself for this trip and I want to write them down here so I can be held accountable. I’ll be in England for exactly a month, landing in London on June 29th and leaving on July 28th. During this time I hope to do the following:

1. Walk on Abbey Road – cliché, I know, but you have to at least once in your life
2. Visit Stamford Bridge – as a Chelsea fan, this is a necessity
3. Try as many British beers as possible – I am a budding beer connoisseur and I like to try beers from around the world. I will attempt to do so without exceeding my budget
4. Make friends – this may sound obvious but I want to make sure I make friends with the people I’m traveling with as well as meet some locals that I can stay in touch with
5. Be spontaneous and adventurous – I need to get better at this and I see this trip as the perfect opportunity to do something I’ve never done before (nothing illegal, obviously)
6. Go to Wimbledon – this is my favorite tennis grand slam and I just want to sit on Henman Hill and watch one of the matches.
7. Enjoy every single minute of this trip – this is a once in a lifetime opportunity and I intend on making the most of it

Just writing this entry has gotten me even more excited for my trip. I hope to regale you with several stories over the coming weeks and I will attempt to make you laugh at least once. Please make sure that I achieve at least one of these goals during my trip! I am counting on all of you to hold me accountable! Until next time…

- Kate

Here we go…

Ten days. A week and a half.  And less than 240 hours until I’m off to London.  I can’t believe things are finally falling into place.  It’s crazy to think I will be off to the other side of the world so soon! However, it is crunch time!

I feel like I should introduce myself before I document my life for the next 7 weeks. I am Meredith Manguno, and I will be a senior this fall at Southern Miss.  I am a Psychology Major, and will be participating in the Psychology class (Psychopathology in the UK: The Ripper and More) with Dr. Seefeldt.  I am blessed in that this is not my first time to travel abroad.  My parents believe that you should be able to see and experience as much as you can- and that I have! My first time out of the country was extreme- I went on a mission trip at 17 years old to Mozambique, Africa.  Since then, my love for traveling has grown immensely, and I have loved getting to see the world.  However, I have never been to London or Paris, which are most people’s first trips.  I am so excited to experience life in London, and am ready for the next few weeks to fly by!

I have had my passport, received all papers from the IP office, completed orientation, and am as ready as I will ever be!  My one piece of advice to you: Don’t procrastinate!  I am a HUGE procrastinator, but getting started early has been the only thing that is keeping me from stressing out! I have already booked my travels on mini-break, ordered my travel debit card, bought the things I needed (converter, cross-body purse, raincoat, etc.), and started thinking about what to pack.  If you’re like me, the travel plans and packing are very stressful.  The best idea is to use the resources the BSP provides and meet people with your similar interests and travel plans.  As for packing, I have had lots of friends participate in the program and asked for their advice.  Annie Ellis (BSP 2011) has been so helpful in giving me advice in what to pack:

 

-Don’t forget your rain jacket!!

-bring lots of layers! Tanks/v-necks, sweaters, scarves, etc are perfect! Mix and match things!

-bring jeans, a nicer pair of pants, a skirt or two, some shorts, and a couple dresses (nicer for the receptions and more casual for the theater and things like that). Basically, bring a range of options!

-Find out the weather in your city your class is going to- Scotland will be very cold! Think fleeces, long sleeves, and boots cold!

-As for shoes: LIMIT! If its freezing where you’ll be going, bring boots! In addition, bring flats, comfortable walking shoes (I found some cute and cheap Born sandals for $35 that are going to be great for walking! I’ve also been told Toms are good, and Keens as well), tennis shoes, and maybe some sandals.

-DON’T OVERPACK.  Just re-wear outfits!  No one cares and you’ll want space in your bag to take random things with you.  Plus they have laundry facilities that are convenient and cheap.

-Clean out things before you go, like a toiletry bag or makeup bag.  I know I have tons of stuff stashed in my makeup bag that really won’t be needed while I’m over there- clean out some things and you may have an extra 2 or 3 pounds for your suitcase! (I promise, every pound counts!)

-Use the extra bag space to bring a small blanket, a couple washcloths, and an extra towel you wouldn’t mind leaving there- the bedding and towels aren’t like we are used to at home!

-If you have a tablet or an iPad, be sure to bring it! Laptops really aren’t even necessary, there is a computer lab you can type schoolwork in.

-be sure to take a large/normal suitcase, a rolling carry on, and your backpack!

 

That’s all I have for now. I’ll be sure to update again before I leave!

-Meredith

Over the Pond and Away I Go

So, let me begin by stating that I am born and raised from a small country town in Texas (at one time it was the dairy capitol, if that tells you anything). Every other street corner has a Baptist church, cows in the pasture, and the smell of…I don’t know exactly how to explain the smell of my town, but let’s just go with an interesting conglomerate of animal feed and freshly cut hay. The high school has two GIANT cow statues in front of it, and travelers often ask if we worship them. It is my home, but I have always wanted to see the world. I have never felt like I truly belonged here. At a young age I dreamed of far off lands, and wild adventures. When I heard of the traveling opportunity with Texas A&M- Commerce and the University of Southern Mississippi to go to Europe, I couldn’t let it pass me by. I will be honest, my nerves have been all over the place, but more than anything I am oober excited! (yes spell check I just used ‘oober’). Fear can get in the way of great things, but I will not allow fear to keep me from living my life.

Here’s a few quotes for inspiration: “YOLO = You Only Live Once”, “Life begins at the end of your comfort zone”- Neal Donald Walsch, and “The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only one page.”- St. Augustine.

The Summer of 2012 is going to be one to remember for a lifetime. I will be able to tell my grand children one day of my month abroad in Europe.

Today is exactly two weeks from departure, and I have began to pack. Now, packing is another adventure all on it’s own especially for a girl.

I hope to be able to add some wonderful adventures and pictures to the blog while abroad soon!

 

-Meg

A Fortnight Stands Between Me and Destiny

I have only fourteen days before the long and grueling plane ride lands me in my favorite city in the world. My first post was only a few hours ago but I originally wrote the piece so many days ago that everything has changed. My nerves have subsided and my excitement has not dwindled.

Now that only two weeks time stands between me and my adventure I have a vital list of to-dos that must be done before departure. I find listing everything out will help me make sure everything is completed although it can look like an intimidating list to finish in such a short time.

 

1. Where is my passport? Is it in my carry on like it should be?

If yes great job, excellent start. If no, place it there immediately. Nothing is going to be worse than getting to the airport with all of your belongings and not having your passport.

2. Do I have any other documents that I will need in my carry-on?

For all students studying abroad though USM an entry letter is provided for you. Make sure this is in your bag. It will be much easier getting through customs in a foreign country if you have an official letter specifying exactly where you will be, when you will be there, and why you will be there. It saves the customs agent time (which they do appreciate) and saves you from having to explain a thousand things that you may forget the answer to.

3. Have I called my American bank?

It would be horrible to arrive in a foreign country just so your bank can shut down your cards for suspicious activity. I normally call two weeks ahead of my journey and tell them I would like to put a travel notification on my account. You do not have to tell them exactly what days you will be in which countries but do tell them start and end travel dates and every country you are going to visit. Trust me it saves a lot of headache.

4. PACKING

The most important part of your entire pre-cursor to do list is packing. What do I bring? What do I not bring? How do I pack it all into one checked bag, one carry-on, and one personal item? Although everyone packs different I will let you in on a few of my secrets.

A. DO NOT bring your entire wardrobe with you. Plan for your trip based on the number of days you will be gone. I am leaving on the British Studies Program so that is approximately 32 days. For this trip I will pack

1. 3 pairs of pants, including one pair of slacks for more formal occasions.

2. 2 skirts, just in case I need a dressy outfit or want a nice look for the day.

3. 1 more formal/cocktail dress just in case.

4. 5 shirts ( some t-shirts, some nice blouses)

5. 3 pair of shoes ONLY. I know, I know how are you going to survive four weeks with only 3 pair. I   promise it will be sufficient. One pair of comfortable walking shoes, one pair of nice dressy shoes ( I would recommend flats), and one pair of flip flops (for community showers if you stay in a hostel).

6. A select few accessories. ( Do not bring a necklace for every day of the week) I wear a lot of tank tops and cardigans with scarves. This would be included in this section. Be reasonable pack only what you will use.

7. Socks and underwear. The dorm I will be staying at has a laundry mat so I bring enough for seven days so I only have to wash once every week.

8. Make-Up. Only bring minimal amounts. It is not like you are going to be in a fashion show. You are going to want to explore the city not put on make up for two hours.

9. Hair products. Bring what you think you will use every day or almost everyday. Be reasonable. You will be outside. Most likely you will put your hair in a pony tail by the end of the day. (DO NOT FORGET hair ties and bobby pins, they are small and will save you, I promise)

10. Camera. Do not be the one who goes to a foreign country for a month and has nothing to show because you left your camera at home. ( Don’t forget the charger if you have one)

11. Something to keep you occupied on the flight over. ex. book or magazine just don’t go over board

B. Remember to check the airline website to find out about any forbidden items.

5. Any special circumstances?

Check-up at the doctor?

Do you live alone? If yes have you contacted your local post office to put your mail on travel status.

Do you have pets? Have you made arrangements for them?

Does your emergency contact have a copy of all important documents? Ex. passport, credit cards, drivers license, entry letter, hotel confirmations, emergency contact information.

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