Over one month, I went to London following the Film in Britain program, and I was able to do so much during my time abroad. My favorite would be travelling and seeing the different places in Britain as well as Ireland. I stayed in London where I was able to see Big Ben (which is more than just a clock), Buckingham Palace, Churchill’s museum and learn more about England’s history with WWII. While in London I also updated my taste palette. There I had food from all around the globe ranging from Lebanese to British fish and chips, to India’s spicy curry to Pakistan Chicken to Italian Pizza. The biggest culture shock and the hardest part about this program for me was getting used to the fact that air conditioning is nonexistent in London.

I believe the best part of this program for me was getting out of the shell I grew accustomed to and making new friends. The people I went with were so much fun that I was happy to try new things with them while also never pressuring anyone to do more than they wanted to do. Everyone also helped with class when needed and helped with our own hobbies. We helped each other create videos/short films, take pictures of them, or pose for them and help with networking into an industry where it is very needed. Along with that we were able to meet professionals who already made it into the industry, which was very insightful.

As mentioned above, travelling was my favorite part of my program whether it be walking around London to travelling to Ireland. Part of the program was visiting the Harry Potter museum and Oxford which was fun to see. There I was able to try the powerful wizard brew called butterbeer which tasted like a Vernor’s float, as well as see Tolkien's head carved onto a building. Outside of the program I was also able to visit Bristol where I was able to see cathedrals, cliffs, a museum, and the Bristol Bridge. There I also had a beer at the oldest pub in the city called the Hatchet Inn which was full of history and excitement. I was also able to visit Seaford and go to see the seven sisters' cliffs and feel the ocean for the first time in years which felt pretty cold. I also visited Dublin in Ireland, but my favorite place was Glendalough which had beautiful trails to hike and waterfalls to see.

Overall, I had a good time and would recommend it to anyone who’s thinking about it. I had fun, I met new people who I am now able to call friends, tasted wonderful new foods, and saw a whole new world while attending and learning about the industry I want to go into.

• Name: Sam VandenHout
• Status: Junior
• Major: Film Studies
• Hometown: Lowell, Michigan
• Program: Film in Britain