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Erin Berrisford
Erin Berrisford is an Ambassador who studied abroad in London.
Briefly describe a specific cultural experience you had on your trip that made a lasting impression.
Being in a country where firearms aren't allowed is extremely interesting and something I didn't think I would even notice. When walking around London, the bobbies did not carry firearms at all yet I felt safer walking around London at night then walking around St. Cloud during the day. The atmosphere in London is not as tense and the headlines in the Newspapers don't revolve around the latest murder by firearm. When a young child was killed by a gun while we were there, it was a huge deal and it really hit the people for a while. With guns being illegal to carry or even have, it was a much safer feeling and violent crime was a lot less prominent. It was just a completely different feeling of safety than I have ever experienced before.
Why did you choose the program in which you participated?
I have always wanted to study abroad and the programs as CSB/SJU were a large reason as to why I chose to study here. Studying abroad in another country brings a whole new perspective to life and carries lessons that can only be learned while living in another country. I chose to participate in the London study abroad program for a number of reasons. I wanted a program that wasn't centered around another language because I really wanted to learn something about myself while abroad without having to push myself too hard in the language arena. I also wanted the feel of a large city and a place where the possibilities seemed endless and that is exactly what London brings to the table. I was never bored in London and I had everything waiting for me. I wanted a program that would keep me busy and you can never be bored in a city so rich in history and the hustle and bustle of everyday life. The program was a time to really learn a lot about myself as a person as well as foster my self-confidence.
Describe your overall study abroad experience.
I would describe my experience as being a once in a lifetime series of moments that challenged me to my core yet I feel like I am the luckiest person in the world. I would not trade my four months in London for anything. London was worth the debt I am in and worth all of the stress and discomfort of being in another country and not knowing anything. My experience changed who I am as a person and helped me understand that life is just such an amazing experience and that travel is such a blessing. If even one tiny part of you wants to go abroad, go. I will never regret my decision to hop aboard the plane heading to London with 23 strangers and a four month adventure waiting for me to experience it.
How has the trip affected you? How are you different for having completed the experience?
I'm not sure that I can ever truly explain how living in London has affected me because I think I have completely changed as a human being. I have a greater appreciation for how all different cultures live and how the way other people do things isn't "wrong" just "different". I also realized how busy I am here at school and how often I go about doing this without really being present. As busy as London is, the people really slow down at certain times of the day and school work is not nearly as demanding as it is in the states. I developed a self-confidence I didn't even know I could have. I feel confident as a young woman who can take care of myself and can travel alone or with a small number of people and feel like I'm in control. I didn't learn how to be a tourist in another country, I really learned how to live in another country and how to be a citizen. I learned how to feel comfortable in the uncomfortable and how to be patient when things weren't going exactly my way. I learned to let go a little bit and just let things happen the way they are supposed to and to just have fun with whatever happens. I learned how wonderful it is to live in a flat with 11 other people and become friends with people I would never have met otherwise. I feel like I have come back from London and am a completely different person from it for the better. I am so much for confident in myself and I feel like I have a broader perspective than I ever have before and I absolutely love it.
What advice do you have for future Study Abroad Students?
I would advise future Study Abroad students to find a balance between traveling, going out, visiting a number of things, and relaxing. It's really important to take a day or so and just relax around the flat. You need your rest as much as you need those crazy exciting moments. I would also advise students to be aware that this is something that will change your life and it won't be easy. There will be moments that really test you and make you feel like you just wish you could go home. Make sure you have a strong support base. I would advise to bring as much money as you possibly can and to not waste all of it on alcohol. I would also advise students to go with a completely open mind because there is so much waiting for you if you just stay open to all of the experiences you can possibly live.