Hao Li
Q&A
"Studying abroad helped me overcome my fear of confronting the unknown. It can be quite scary deciding which path to follow throughout a college career. By placing myself in a different country with a completely different environment, I gradually became less anxious about trying things that I had not tried before."
I really wanted to start my college career with an experience that I would never forget. Global Edge London was a great opportunity for me to step outside my comfort zone and try something that was drastically different from anything I have ever been accustomed to. Moreover, I had always wanted to travel to London but never got the chance to. This study-abroad program gave me an opportunity to experience London on an intimate level that mere tourism could not while still providing an avenue of academic coursework.
My most interesting cultural experience is having 'high tea' at one of London's renowned heritage restaurants where I got the chance to experience traditional British tea parties. I was fascinated by the British dining etiquette as well as their unique dishes that I had not tried before. From the silverware to the table decor, 'high tea' is the embodiment of Victorian heritage. I quite enjoyed my experience and would recommend anyone who happens to be in the United Kingdom to give 'high tea' a try.
My biggest concern studying abroad was balancing my work life with my personal life. London was full of exciting activities and events and I wanted to try them all. However, the academic coursework was not a matter to be taken lightly. Work can be overwhelming if it is put off for an extended amount of time. I had to find the right combination between exploring the city and staying on track with my academics. I would dedicate certain days where I prioritized academics so that the remaining days can be spent on leisure activities.
To be honest, there was no 'typical day' abroad. I never quite fell into a daily routine. Since the city was so big, every day was full of exciting new activities. While the mornings were usually taken up by class time, I would spend many afternoons exploring the city with my friends.
My coursework included subjects such as British museums, British literature, political science, and philosophy. I personally think that my classes abroad were easier to manage than my classes at Berkeley. The professors were all very accommodating to any concerns we might have. I also really liked the small class sizes of around 15 to 20 students. I got the chance to bond with my classmates much more than in Berkeley's 100+ student classrooms.
Studying abroad helped me overcome my fear of confronting the unknown. It can be quite scary deciding which path to follow throughout a college career. By placing myself in a different country with a completely different environment, I gradually became less anxious about trying things that I had not tried before.
Studying abroad really widened my world view. I gained exposure to unique cultures, beliefs, and ideas that I would not have gained if I was a mere tourist. Living in the city also helped me develop better social skills when it came to communicating with multicultured groups. Finally, living on my own really opened my eyes to the responsibilities of adulthood. I would like to believe that I am more mature now than I was before the program.
I would recommend that skeptical students should definitely take a leap of faith. It might seem a bit scary going off on your own but every new experience only makes you stronger.