My 6-week study abroad program in London officially ended about two weeks ago, which has given me time to reflect on what I have learned throughout this journey. At the beginning, I was homesick and not expecting this big change to feel so uncomfortable. Looking back, stepping out of my comfort zone is exactly what I needed to grow academically, professionally, and personally.

Academically, this study abroad experience taught me time management skills. I took one class while participating in a part-time internship, which was not an easy feat. Ultimately, the point of this program was to learn and study, which was a bit of a wake-up call in terms of what I expected study abroad to be like. I was forced to balance a social life and exploring with my priorities, which is what life really is like. Something I will take away from this is the importance of prioritizing school and work in these next few semesters at school in order to achieve my post-graduation goals.

Professionally, I was able to gain valuable insight on all aspects on business. Working with a small company, I saw bits and pieces of every department, which really enlightened me on what I want to do in the future. In terms of hard skills, I worked extensively with several programs and websites that I am now more familiar with and will be able to carry with me to future positions. I also further developed my intercultural communication skills by working with individuals from all over the world, which will always be a useful skill for employers.

I can easily say that participating in this program was the most mentally challenging task I have ever done, but I would not change it for the world! I made so many friends that I shared valuable experiences with that I will always remember!