Studying abroad was one of the best things I could have done for my professional experience. Besides the classes, with our program, we were also required to complete an internship over the six weeks we were in London. The internship I ended up with was one of the best I could have asked for. I worked for Bulbshare/SMG, a consumer insights and market research company. As I am an advertising student, and I hope to work within advertising and marketing in the future, being allowed professional digital marketing experience is something I’m very grateful to have had the opportunity to do.

Outside of studying and working, living in such a vast and multi-cultural city was very exciting. Every single day, there was something to do and new experiences to be had. I tried so many new dishes, from curry to battenberg cake to the very classic fish and chips. I had never really been a tea drinker either, until I went overseas.

Another aspect I loved was being able to meet people from all over the world. Within my team at work, we had people from England, India, South Africa, and Spain. Among my classmates and roommates, we had people from just about every corner of the United States. I learned so much from all of them, including what it means to be a good communicator. When meeting and working with people from various cultures and backgrounds, I learned the best thing you can do is be yourself. It truly is that simple, and it will allow the conversation to flow that much better.

If I were allowed one piece of advice to future study abroad students, I would say enjoy it as much as possible. Even if, while you’re there, it feels like a lifetime, it will slip away from you very easily. Now, having moved back home and completed an entire six weeks in one of the biggest cities in the world, I can say with full honesty it truly is a once in a lifetime experience.

• Name: Abigail Needham
• Status: Junior
• Major: Advertising Management
• Hometown: Union City, Michigan
• Program: Internship + Study in London with CEA CAPA