Anyway, in the past few days I have realize that when I talk to people from home I will be asked and answer the same question, a lot. I thought some of you may rather read more detailed answers and see some photos. You never know how many times I've said what I did any particular day or week and after three or four times, I tend to leave out the little detail, which are just as interesting as the big stuff.
Let me start from the beginning.
The planning for this three month adventure started about a year ago. I was organizing my plan of study for school to make sure I could fit my double concentration and teaching assistant plans. I was organizing, big shock there I am sure. Anyway, I realize that it could be possible for me to do a study abroad experience. I wanted to ask my parents what they thought, but first I had to figure out if I actually wanted to do it. Study abroad always seemed like something everyone else did, or that people whose majors were relevant to the countries they were traveling to. The more I thought about it the more I realize that I probably would not have the time, funds, or flexibility to do something like a term abroad until I retired from whatever career path I choose. So, I asked my parents. They loved the idea, but of course were anxious about me going abroad for three months. But they are parents, they are suppose to worry about me so that I can have experience like this and enjoy it rather than worrying to much. Mom and Dad, thank you! I love you guys.
I applied for the program during summer term of 2010, and then I waited; for 9 months. I was officially accepted into the program along with eleven other Drexel students at the beginning of spring term, which is around March or April. From there everything went pretty quickly. I had a full load of credits at school, I was working as an RA, and trying to get as much quality time with as many of the important people in my life as I could before June 15th.
The second week of June came really quickly. Before I knew it I had finished finals, moved out of my room, and was at Marc and Christine's engagement party. Of the next four days I spent two days trying to relax at the shore, even though I was constantly making lists in my head and writing down packing/to-do lists, and then I spent two crazy days packing, organizing, and finally my Mom drove me to Newark airport.
Some how I managed to pack this:
and this
Into this:
Dog not included of course.
A friend of mine, Brandon, who is also in the program, was on the plane. We passed through customs easily. From there we went to collect our baggage. I spotted mine easily, thank you red luggage with gold vines and elephants. Next we set out to find where we were staying, which was pretty each. We got on the tube and went straight for the Heathrow airport to the Gloucester Road stop on the Piccadilly Line. After that a four or five block walk and we were here.
The company that Drexel works with to make all of this happen is the Foundation for International Education (FIE). I am staying in one of the residents buildings, Metrogate. The address is in the side bar.
Street sign where our building is
The apartments on our street are beautiful.
FIE had a welcome bag on our bed and an orientation schedule for the next few days. Thursday was just a short orientation of the building and the surrounding area, as well as a few vouchers so that we could get dinner easily on our first day. Friday was our academic orientation as well as an opportunity to meet all of the professional staff.
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