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Kara Nyberg
Kara Nyberg is an Ambassador who studied abroad in London.
Briefly describe a specific cultural experience you had on your trip that made a lasting impression.
The most significant cultural experience would be my commute to my internship from where I lived. Traveling by myself three times a week on the Underground, or London's transit system, I would be able to spend 20 minutes watching the people around. Most never looked like the person next to them, and often were speaking many different languages. The diversity that I would see in such an unexciting setting really made me aware of how eclectic the city was. This allowed me to feel even more comfortable and welcome in such a large city because it reassured me that I was not an outsider, but just another person added to London's cultural make-up.
Why did you choose the program in which you participated?
I selected the London Fall 2010 study abroad programs for the diverse atmosphere of the city, the academic selection, as well as the opportunity to do an internship. When deciding on colleges I choose CSB/SJU because it offered so many study abroad options and had such a high number of students that participate on them. By being able to study, live, and in my case work in such an international and prominent city, I was able to gain a new understanding of who I am and how the world works. By fully immersing myself in London I believe that I can apply that experience to the rest of my time at CSB/SJU and after.
Describe your overall study abroad experience.
I would describe my experience as one that was filled with many opportunities. I could live, work, and study in such an amazing city and witness all the museums, theatres, and royal and political institutions. With the ease of being able to travel all over the United Kingdom, Europe, and even Turkey really allowed me to learn outside of the classroom and gain a real global awareness. By studying in London I also had the opportunity to take classes specific to the city, like theatre and the unique London culture.
How has the trip affected you? How are you different for having completed the experience?
This trip really pushed me from my comfort zone and put me into a completely new experience. It showed me that I can learn and adapt quickly to new situations and that I am far more comfortable to put myself out there without worrying about people's perception of me. I also learned many value things from actually being in an international working environment. Working with people from many different backgrounds allowed me to gain more insight on how the world views America and how I have come to view it differently as well. The study abroad opportunity really affected me in the way I value where I came from even more and how I can be a part of the world as a global citizen.
What advice do you have for future Study Abroad Students?
My advice to students would to take advantage of what the city offers because it is almost impossible to see everything there in the four month time span. I would also recommend that they try to travel either before or after their program so they can spend as much time in the city as possible. I also would highly recommend that they do an internship because it really offers a look into the life of a real Londoner and the culture. It also is an amazing opportunity to complete an internship while abroad and to network as well.
Do you have questions about sudying abroad in London? Email Kara at kenyberg@csbsju.edu