From a Student Point of View

My London 2008 summer study abroad through ECU was not just an academic learning experience but also a homecoming to a place I had not seen for several years. Returning with my classmates and professors was more than I had imagined it would be. The trip is set up to foster the relationships between students and faculty and also to encourage students to engage with a place they’ve read about in their favorite books. We visited the places we daydream about. On one particularly memorable day, we attended a performance of Shakespeare’s Midsummer Night’s Dream in the Globe Theater. At one point, I looked around and realized how truly amazing my experience was: I felt more connected to a play I had always loved but had never experienced as Shakespeare had intended. We left the Globe, wandered down the South Bank and visited beautiful museums and galleries. No classroom experience can surpass this – it was a living, breathing learning moment. The people I traveled with are some of my closest friends. I don’t see them often, but that doesn’t matter. We had discovered places together, gotten lost together and found ourselves in common joy. Every year, I ask myself, “Can I recreate that summer?” Maybe not. I don’t know if I want to try.

-Virginia (2008)

Participating in the 2010 ECU London study abroad trip was one of the best and most influential decisions that I have ever made. The passion and love that Dr. Banks and Dr. Taylor have for London is contagious. I truly fell in love with the city during those three weeks, partly because of the natural connection I have to London, but also due largely in part to the wonderful experiences that I had with the ECU study abroad group. Dr. Banks and Taylor went to great lengths to make sure that every student felt comfortable and at home in the city. It is a wonderful and invaluable experience to be in the city in which the literature studied in class takes place, the city that the authors loved and used as inspiration to write their works. Because of these wonderful experiences that I had with the ECU study abroad group, I felt confident enough to apply to graduate school in London, and eventually move there on my own. I attended graduate school at London Metropolitan University and lived in the city for a year after graduating from ECU. Moving to England and living in London for the past year has been the best experience and learning opportunity of my life – an opportunity that I never would have experienced if I hadn’t studied abroad with ECU in 2010. Traveling and being submerged into a completely different culture are the best learning and life experiences that anyone can ever have. I am forever grateful to the ECU London study abroad program for opening my eyes to that wonderful city and introducing me to what would become my new home for my graduate school career.

-Kelsey Moore (2010)

One of my favorite memories from London 2010 was when my flatmates (Above) and I stayed up all night in order to catch a midnight bus to Stonehenge to take part in the summer solstice festivities. This was a unique event in that several thousand people gathered around Stonehenge to watch the sun come up. It was certainly a great tradition to take part in (even though we were cold & tired). After taking this journey together I feel like my flatmates & I truly bonded and we’ve been close & stayed in touch ever since. My advice to those going to London is to also explore the other cities, towns & historical landmarks nearby! You’ll find each one unique.

-Jennifer Sheppard (2010)

London was the best experience of my entire life. I always yearned for an adventure beyond the borders of the United States, and with this study abroad program, I got exactly what I had hoped for. I got to explore and immerse myself in an entirely new culture, learning their customs and slang while making new foreign friends in the process. The trip epitomized what learning should be: a fun experience. I learned so much in those 3 weeks, not just about course content, but about myself as a person. I also got to participate in a couple of once in a lifetime opportunities, like being the first girl to play in a British 5 a side soccer league or going to Harry Potter studios and fangirling over my favorite childhood series. My study abroad experience made me fall in love with a foreign country, and I can’t wait to go back and visit, or maybe even move there.

-Meghan Boop (2013)

Looking back on London and my three weeks spent there the memories come flooding back. Having the chance to study abroad is very rare in the university setting because many people don’t take advantage of the opportunity. I was so glad that I decided to leave my own comfort zone and to go out and explore the world around me. When else in my life would I be given this opportunity? The faculty that go on this trip are more than just teachers they become your friends, tour guides, and your family. Words that you read on this website can’t do this experience justice. All I can say is DO IT! Don’t question yourself or your limited funds: find a way and go. London changed my whole world view for so long I never had the chance to leave the United States. You step off of that plane and you know for three weeks your views and your own self is about to change. London will forever be my second home and I will always be waiting for the next opportunity to leave the USA behind to go back. London is by far the best experience of my life thus far.

-Kristi Wiley (2013)

The time that I spent in London was unforgettable.  I got to stay in a flat, walk to the neighborhood tube station and really get the experience of being a local in such an amazing city.  Will, Rick and Brent put their heart and soul into designing the classes and activities to go together and incorporate all of the wonderful sites around London.  They also gradually gave us less and less planned activities the longer that we were there which gave us a chance to learn and explore the city the way we wanted to.  I learned so much about myself and all of the things that I can go and do in my time in London.  On a free weekend a few of the students and I even went on a quick trip to Paris! I made everlasting friendships with the students that came with us and many Londoners in my time there. I constantly catch myself reminiscing on my time there as I’m drinking my morning tea.  I now consider London my second home and I can’t wait to return to another flat above those bustling streets that I love so much.

-Casey Olevsky (2013)

London was more than I ever imagined. I knew I would love the experiences, the musicals, and the sites. However, I never anticipated the amazing friends and relationships I made along the way. It was one of the greatest adventures of my life!

-Logan Dupree (2015)

Going to London was one of the best decisions I made this far in my life! It changed the way I looked at the world and my life. I experienced the best food, explored the best places, and got to know some of the best people.

Miranda Andrews (2015)

My time in London was one that I’ll always treasure. I’d traveled internationally with (big and small) groups before, but the 2017 crew was beyond awesome! Having the freedom to partake in my own interest while still having group activities was the perfect blend for a three week trip. Moreover, having the option to select the plays that interested us made everyone feel included in the process instead of having someone decide for us.

The instructors are first class, and they are willing to accompany you on your own excursions, as well as provide valuable advice and safety instructions. I highly recommend those interested in having an enriched international experience to consider doing a London study abroad program through the department of English.

The courses are challenging, yet practical, and they are also not your typical courses where you sit in a class for hours everyday. I want to thank everyone who made the 2017 trip possible, and I can only hope that the future groups have just as much fun as we did — if not more!

Jamal Alexander (2017)