Allegra Romero

Allegra Romero

Major: Molecular and Cell Biology

"Compared to classes in Berkeley, the classes I took abroad in London were much more interactive and did not always take place in the traditional classroom setting. For example, my London Museums class would meet at a different museum each week and for my theatre class, we would watch plays in some of London well-known theaters. I believe that the classes I took in London influenced my perspective of the city and helped me learn about its culture."

 

 

What led you to study abroad? Why did you choose your country/program?

I chose to participate in Berkeley's Global Edge Program because it has always been a personal dream of mine to study abroad in college. I love traveling and London, England was always a location I dreamt of visiting.

What was the most interesting cultural experience you had abroad?

The most interesting cultural experience I had in London was learning about the city's history and how gentrification can influence a city's growth.

What was the biggest challenge/concern of your study abroad experience? How did you respond?

My biggest challenge was learning how to adjust to an entirely new environment and becoming independent while living a different country.

Describe a typical day for you abroad.

A typical day for myself while studying abroad would be starting my day by making breakfast in my apartment, which was located in Islington, a London Borough. An hour before my class, I head out to catch one of London's iconic red double decker buses to get to the Accent Center building, which was located in Bloomsbury. For lunch, I would take a small walk to Tottenham Court Road, a major street in London with multiple shops and cafes. After a day of attending all of my interactive classes, I decide to take the tube to head back to my apartment. One of my favorite parts of my London experience was taking the underground. Once I got back to my apartment, I prepare dinner for myself and work on any homework for my classes.

What coursework did you take while abroad? How did courses abroad compare with Berkeley classes?

While abroad I took Philosophy, London Museums, London Theatre Capital, and R4A Reading and Composition. Compared to classes in Berkeley, the classes I took abroad in London were much more interactive and did not always take place in the traditional classroom setting. For example, my London Museums class would meet at a different museum each week and for my theatre class, we would watch plays in some of London well-known theaters. I believe that the classes I took in London influenced my perspective of the city and helped me learn about its culture.

What was the most memorable/meaningful aspect of your time abroad?

The most meaningful aspect of my time abroad was living in one of the world's most significant cities. Living in London helped me become more independent and realize that I am capable of living anywhere and being on my own.

What impact did studying abroad have on you personally?

Studying abroad helped me become more confident and independent. Traveling on my own helped me prove to myself that I am capable of achieving anything I set my mind to.

What would you recommend to students considering studying abroad, especially to your country or program?

For a student considering studying abroad, I recommend always pushing yourself out of your comfort zone and exploring your new environment to get the most out of your time abroad. One thing I wish I would have done while I was abroad was pushing myself to meet new people that are native to the country. I regret not networking and making new relationships.