For UAB marketing undergraduate Emma Owens, studying abroad was an opportunity she didn’t want to let pass her by. Inspired by a close friend who studied abroad in the United States during high school, Owens decided to take the leap during her senior year at UAB, spending three weeks in London through the WorldStrides summer program at the University of Westminster.
From exploring London’s diverse cultures and trying new foods to forming lasting friendships and embarking on spontaneous weekend adventures in Europe, Owens discovered that some of the best travel experiences come from stepping outside your comfort zone. Her advice to other Blazers considering Education Abroad? Take the risk — it might just be one of the coolest experiences of your life.
Why did you choose your program?
I chose the WorldStrides summer at the University of Westminster because it was a not too long and not too short of a trip. I was gone for exactly three weeks and that was the perfect amount of time for me. London was somewhere that I had always wanted to travel too as well.
What were you most excited about before you left, and what were you most nervous about?
I was most excited to try all kinds of new foods. I am a big foodie and was so excited to try the traditional English food. I am also BIG on shopping. I have never shopped so much in my life! On the other hand, I was nervous about meeting new people and starting a new school. But I can honestly say that I grew close with each person that was in the program with me, and I am so glad that I went outside of my comfort zone.
What was the most memorable moment of your experience?
The most memorable part of my experience was when my group of friends and I took a weekend trip to Amsterdam and Paris. Our Eurostar train ended up getting cancelled and we decided to them rent a cart and drive to Paris through the night. It was one of the most fun trips I have ever taken.
How has living in another country changed the way you see the world or understand other cultures?
I noticed how different the people in other parts of the world live compared to how I do. Travel, shopping, education, even the foods they eat. It is so cool the different cultures we don't even realize people have.
What advice would you give to another UAB student who is thinking about studying abroad?
Take the risk and go outside of your comfort zone. If you're thinking about studying abroad, do it. Because it might just be one of the coolest experiences you could ever do.
