Read another student's experience with theatre in London—and challenges they overcame!
I also made friends with coworkers, which created a supportive circle. Staying in close contact with family and friends through frequent calls helped reduce feelings of isolation. These strategies helped me navigate challenges and adapt more comfortably to the new environment.
How did studying abroad shape your personal growth?
Studying abroad gave me a lot more independence and confidence. Living away from home forced me to manage many aspects of life on my own, which boosted my self-assurance. It also broadened my perspective—not just about the country I lived in, but about the different cultures of people I met.
This expanded worldview encouraged me to think bigger about my dreams and the possibilities available to me. Overall, the experience made me more resilient, open-minded, and ready to face new challenges.
In what ways did your study abroad experience influence your career path?
What started as an unpaid internship turned into a paid role, which was a significant milestone. Through this experience, I gained valuable industry knowledge, especially about agencies, and recently began working as a brand partnerships associate.
The connections I made with colleagues who had backgrounds in film and media gave me insight into the industry’s dynamics.
This real-world exposure helped clarify my career goals and showed me how diverse and flexible a career in this field can be.
Can you describe a moment when your study abroad experience directly impacted a decision you made in your career?
Initially, I had no fixed plan, only a desire to explore the industry and make connections.
During the internship, I realized how collaborative and unpredictable the field can be, which made me open to exploring roles beyond directing, such as producing and agency work. This flexibility has shaped my career approach significantly.
The experience taught me the value of adaptability, and now I’m comfortable shifting between different roles while maintaining my passion for directing at the core.
What advice would you give to students considering studying abroad today?
Before starting, it’s important to set clear goals—whether that’s personal growth, cultural learning, or career development. Ideally, identify two or three goals by your first week and dedicate yourself fully to achieving them.
This kind of opportunity is rare, so be proactive about making the most of it. Socializing and networking are crucial since the friends and connections you make abroad often last a lifetime and can open unexpected doors in the future.
If you could relive one part of your study abroad experience, what would it be?
I would prioritize my health and self-care more. In trying to take full advantage of every moment, I sometimes neglected proper nutrition and exercise, which led to getting sick multiple times. Being ill abroad is difficult, especially when you want to explore and be productive.
Looking back, I realize how essential it is to balance ambition with well-being. I would remind myself to slow down and take care of my body, so I could enjoy the experience even more.
What was the most surprising cultural difference you encountered?
I expected the UK to be similar to other European countries I’d visited, just with English as the language. However, the English culture—especially the humor, politeness, and social interactions—was quite different. People’s use of sarcasm and playful teasing, along with calling strangers “love” or “darling,” surprised me but felt very warm and welcoming. Adapting to this took some time, but it quickly became something I appreciated and now miss when I’m away.
Did you have a favorite local dish, restaurant, or café while abroad?
I often joked that the UK doesn’t have a “real” national dish, but I came to really enjoy Sunday roast. It’s simple and hearty, perfect after a long day.
One of my favorite memories was having it by the river at Battersea, a quiet local spot away from the tourist areas. The combination of comfort food and peaceful surroundings made it a special experience that I still look back on fondly.
Explore more of the UK's traditional (and weird) dishes
How did you integrate yourself into the local community or make new friends?
As an outgoing person, I made an effort to connect by attending local events like free bouldering gym days and striking up conversations with coworkers, especially during lunch. I also used networking apps to meet people outside of work.
Taking these steps helped me build a social circle and feel more connected in a new place. Being proactive about meeting others was key to feeling at home and making the most of my time abroad.
Interested in seeing more ways to explore London and make new friends?
What’s one cultural aspect from your study abroad destination that you still incorporate into your life today?
One habit I adopted was drinking tea daily, which has stayed with me.
I also picked up some British phrases and humor, which sometimes slips into my conversations. While I’m still working on the accent, the politeness and light-heartedness of British communication have influenced how I interact with others, adding a bit of warmth and humor to my daily life.
Learn more about UK manners and politeness in our guide to British etiquette
How do you stay connected with the friends you made during your time abroad?
I stay connected through social media, mainly Instagram, where I share updates about my travels and daily life. I also send postcards from cities I visit and bring back small souvenirs as reminders of shared experiences.
These gestures help keep friendships alive and meaningful, despite the distance. Regular communication and thoughtful gestures make it easier to maintain bonds formed abroad.
