Citrus College students arrived safely in London on Sept. 9 and are settling in for a semester of learning both in and out of the classroom.
With academic courses beginning on Sept. 12 and orientation taking place throughout the weekend, balancing the fast pace of London life with the excitement of international travel and sightseeing has been a priority for program participants.
The start of Citrus’ Study Abroad program also coincided with the passing of Queen Elizabeth II, whose reign spanned over 70 years. Many students became aware of the news while on the way to catch their flights.
Freshman student Samuel Rosales went to Buckingham Palace with his roommate on Sept. 10 to join the crowds expressing a public outpouring of grief for the late monarch. An encounter with an MSNBC news crew there reporting live from the Palace led to an unexpected surprise.
“We got in a camera shot and some family back at home saw us on the TV,” said Rosales.
Many Citrus students have plans to pay their respects to the late Queen Elizabeth II in person. One of these students is history major Emily Stevenson. “I want to study British and French monarchies, so to be at the funeral for a British monarch is huge because I can say I’ve witnessed a part of history,” she said.
Citrus psychology Professor Erin Tate said her past experience as a student studying abroad in London is guiding her aspirations for the semester.
“London is a city that I love tremendously, and I am very excited to be back, especially during the midst of this historic change and time,” Tate said, “I’m really excited to watch the personal growth and academic growth of my students while we’re here because I know how big of an impact being in a foreign country can have on you in terms of personal growth.”
The unique opportunities for instruction that London provides are at the core of the program’s courses.
“They (the program’s professors) try to introduce the actual culture and bring in what’s happening in the area into the classroom,” Rosales said, “I’m excited to come to class and travel around London as well, and see new sights.”
Many students are looking forward to a hands-on learning experience, with the first field trip of the semester to the British Library having already taken place. There, students visited the treasures gallery. According to the British Library’s website, the gallery displays “some of the most significant illustrated books and manuscripts from English, European, and world history.” Housing documents from fragments of Beowulf to the personal letters of the Beatles, all students could find something in the collection to appreciate.
“I loved it. It was really cool to see historical documents and each one said who had donated it to the collection,” Stevenson said, “I only wish we had more time there, and I’m going to go back.”
As the program continues, students look forward to settling into a study routine while experiencing all that London has to offer and making the most of their 12 weeks abroad
