Hello! My name is Keerthi Girish and I am participating in the GBI London program for the Spring 2026 semester. I am a sophomore in the College of Business Administration, majoring in Finance and Business Analytics with a certificate in Digital Media. I initially applied to the GBI London program because I believe that studying abroad is an essential experience for personal/professional development, and London is a megacity with so many places to explore and things to experience. I grew up in Pittsburgh and did not have the opportunity to experience a new place for college, so I knew studying abroad was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and a challenge that was essential to growing Additionally, I am excited to explore the rest of Europe, as so many countries are a quick flight away!

When I first arrived in London, I definitely underestimated the amount of cultural differences between the US and the UK. The accommodation is located in North Acton, which is located about five miles from central London. One of the things that surprised me was how easy the public transport is, as I can be in central London in just 20-30 minutes! Back home, my family lives about a similar distance from Pitt’s campus, but it is much more difficult to get from the South Hills of Pittsburgh to Oakland using public transport. Additionally, London has so many different types of food and it has been wonderful to be able to experience authentic global cuisines in the city. Dining is slightly different, as tipping is not as common here and I have had to go to the host to pay rather than the bill being brought to the table.

I am currently taking three classes at Richmond American University London. The university is much smaller than back hope, and nearly everyone I have met is from a different place. There are a few British students, but I’ve met people from so many unique countries such as Brazil, Italy, Senegal, and India. Hearing about their own transitions to the UK from their home cultures has been very interesting, as I haven’t met this many people from around the world before. My classes meet once a week for three hours, and the longer class times have definitely tested my focus and encourage me to reconsider how I might study or take notes. Overall though, I have gotten into a routine and practice recalling what I have learned in class to ensure I am making the most of my academic experience here.

Overall, this experience has been valuable so far in many different ways. Experiencing the culture of the UK has made me a more global minded person, as I have learned so much about various details that differ from country to country. I have also loved getting to learn about British history through the many free museums here, as the UK has had ties to nearly every country around the world. I am so thankful for this experience and cannot wait to see what the rest of my study abroad experience brings me!