Why I Chose to Study Abroad in London
As I’m sure you’ve heard before, a semester studying abroad is an absolutely momentous experience. Most people come back from their semester raving about their immersion in this new culture and way of life, the new and exciting international friends they hold near and dear to their heart, and glowing from the iconic adventure they’ve just returned from.
I studied for a semester in London during the spring semester of my sophomore year. I fell in love with the city, taking advantage of the museums, the West End, and the easy and accessible travel as much as I could. I even still talk to the friends I made at CEA CAPA, the study abroad organization that helped me adapt to my new environment. Every now and then someone will reach out, whether it be to catch up with them or reminisce on one of the best experiences of our lives. Looking back, I’d definitely do it again. However, this wasn’t always my mindset going in because, while it’s easy to focus on all the magic that studying in a new country will bring you, many are bound to have countless questions regarding the experience and adapting to this new way of life.
In today’s age, with rapidly-changing political climates and tolerance growing, it’s common for people, especially those in marginalized communities, to be concerned about how their identities will be perceived in other countries. As a queer, Black man, traveling for me usually does raise some questions, mainly centered on: What’s the culture of the place I’m going? What’s their history regarding race and sexuality? With their history in mind, what does it look like today and how have they grown and evolved? These are important questions that anyone choosing to study abroad should ask before deciding on their destination since your safety and happiness is the most important thing to get out of it.
Our Greenwich picnic
Pre-Departure Research
As a type-A personality, I’m conditioned to always research where I’m going before I get there. I want to know what the country is known for, what foods to try, and popular and hidden places to go during my stay. Research will always be your best friend when it comes to exploring and staying busy during your time abroad.
Bathing like Romans do with CEA CAPA
However, your research has to begin before you officially decide where you'll be studying. If we admit the hard truth to ourselves, while society constantly reinforces tolerance and acceptance, not everywhere in the world practices that. Before you have your heart set on a destination, take a moment to look into this country. If you’re of a different racial or ethnic identity than the majority of people in the country, look into how they interact with other groups. Honestly, TikTok was a big help!! When I was doing research, social media provided firsthand experiences from actual people who had taken the risk to travel somewhere so you don’t have to! Utilize all your resources. Even articles online will be better than just going in blind.
I got lucky with my host city and country. London is a very progressive city to live in. During my research, I discovered historic districts like Soho and Vauxhall, areas of London that serve as hubs for members of the LGBTQIA+ community. From these examples, and tons of queer, London-based influencers on my social media feed, it was clear that as a gay man I’d be welcomed and celebrated for my sexuality as opposed to other countries where sexual minorities are prosecuted for their preferences.
On top of that, London itself is an international hub! So many different ethnicities and races and cultures exist in one spot that, according to the 2021 consensus, white British people only make up 36.8% of the population in London! It is a home to those from all over the world, not only ensuring that my chances of being discriminated against for my race were low but alerting me to the fact that my host country would introduce me to so much more than life in England.
Your pre-departure research is the best thing you can do to help yourself. Just because a location seems ideal and interests you, doesn’t mean it could be the best choice. Check to see what there is to do in this country, if the culture there fits your personality or what you’re looking for during your time abroad. Check the people and social norms that may differ from those in the US to ensure your safety and well-being during your travels. You’ll learn so much more about your host destination when you're onsite, especially with CEA CAPA helping to guide and teach you, but it’s best to keep yourself educated and aware before deciding which country is best for you.
Onsite Adventure
Once you’re onsite, it’s the best thing in the world. Your heart is racing, your adrenaline's up, and the adventure that you’ve been dreaming of for months is finally here! A little scary? Sure. Plenty exciting? 100%. And thankfully—well, hopefully—you’re a little bit more prepared for what to expect since you’ve done your pre-departure research…right? Even still, your research beforehand will only get you so far and sometimes doesn’t even compare to getting to experience the real thing in person.
Once I was actually onsite, I knew I wanted to feel secure within my identity and meet people who could relate to me. You know how I did this? By talking to people and asking questions!
Out of everyone in my building and people around the city, most people happened to be queer or allies and were supportive and accepting. I never met someone who came at me with hateful words or negativity for my sexual preference which encouraged me to be more expressive and change how I carried myself. Not only that, but I quickly learned it wasn’t only the historically queer areas of London that were accepting, but everywhere! Churches and cathedrals had Pride flags waving outside, posters and billboards displayed queer events and couples, showcasing the normalization of LGBTQIA+ culture in the city. It was great to be somewhere that was inviting you to be yourself and be loud about it instead of something as demeaning as “Don’t ask, don’t tell."
As a Black man, it was still just as amazing. Everywhere I went, there was someone who looked like me, or maybe looked different but still added to the wealth of diversity that London is bursting with. One piece of advice I’d always give is: make sure to find a safe space within your host country that meets your needs. I wanted to be around people like me so I would go to specific events at my host university and make as many friends as I could. From them, I found out more places to go, different types of restaurants to eat it, and even barbershops with Black barbers! One of my fears of going to a historically white country was that I’d have a hard time finding the right people who knew how to cut kinky hair. However, through my safe spaces and connections, I tried tons of new barbers and eventually found the shop I’d be a regular at right down the street from me in Shoreditch. By the end of my time there, that barbershop itself was a safe space for me.
Fleming Hall night out
I know that it’s scary, randomly approaching people and trying to make friends, but don’t let it discourage you. Remember how easy it was when you were younger? You didn’t care what anyone thought, you just went up to someone and suddenly you're best friends like you’ve known each other for years. Go into your time abroad with that mindset. Through CEA CAPA, you’ll already have a safe space and built-in friends, so you’ve got a foundation and somewhere to grow from. However, don’t use it as too much of a crutch. Go out and be extroverted and social. If you embarrass yourself, who cares? You don’t live here and never have to see them ever again, plus most likely, you’ll end up laughing about it later.
CEA CAPA friends and a Stonehenge side quest
Run It Back
Going to a country that accepts you for who you are is the best choice you can make. Since you can be somewhere that loves you for being you, you can allow yourself to grow in ways that you hadn’t before. During my time abroad, I had so much self-discovery because I wasn’t worried about trying to conform or suppress certain parts of my identity to fit someone else’s standards.
Last day in London
As I mentioned earlier, not every country is going to love everybody. It’s an unfortunate truth. But don’t let that scare you because there is a fantastic destination waiting to help you embrace yourself in every form you’re capable of.
