My very first overseas assignment working in Study Abroad was a summer London program. Can I tell you, it was one of the best summers of my life? I loved the students, I love London. You can’t go wrong.

There are many different types of living situations in London for study abroad students. I studied abroad with a program provider called Academic Programs International (API), and they made our room arrangements for us. University-run programs also arrange the housing for their students. If you decide to study abroad on your own, you’ll need to make sure you are on top of applying for housing.

As the Rio Olympic Games get underway, I reminisce about the London Olympics just 4 short years ago. Although while studying abroad in London I missed seeing the Olympics by just a year, I was able to get a sneak peek during the summer of 2011 at the park during construction. Our group went on a walking tour and was able to see and learn about the construction. Being able to see it in person and then watch it a year later made it even more special. I can’t wait to revisit the area and see the transformation.

Studying abroad is a great opportunity and I’m sure many others are like myself - when I studied abroad in London, it was also my first time abroad. There were definitely some small tips that would have been beneficial, and some I figured out myself. I am able to hopefully provide some insight into what to expect when leaving the United States and arriving in London. It can be an overwhelming experience, but if you have an idea of what will happen when you land, it can make the start of your time in London less stressful.

Studying abroad provides you a unique opportunity to live in another country for a period of time. Unlike short vacations, you have the opportunity to live like a local and have the time to not only sight see, but spend time shopping. While I was abroad, I was able to spend time shopping at stores unique to London and stores you can also find in the United States. I’ve put together a list with information about some of the stores I visited, including ones I recommend checking out! 

Now...it did not start well. A wifely expletive, just as I'd closed the door of the apartment; the gut-chilling realisation that the security swipe card and keys were inside. So too, the bag containing the flight tickets and a wad of currency. Duck indeed! Contact the building manager. He'd gone home. Messages left, taxi cancelled. Time critical, called Wendy's daughter Emily, a last resort. She had a spare key and security swipe card, but was also 25 minutes away, and with Sydney traffic ...