Liberal Arts Major(s): International Politics, English
Minor: Art History
Hometown: Downingtown, Pennsylvania

What was the best part of your experience?

The best part of my experience abroad was being able to meet other students, like myself, who have a passionate interest in literature and culture. While the English major is relatively small at Penn State in comparison to other majors, I found that I met people I had never met before and probably would not have met without the Literary London program. Additionally, it was incredible to be able to study closely with two professors who were incredibly passionate about the subjects they were teaching us.

I found myself thinking about everything much more acutely and analyzing every situation or object I encountered with a more critical lens than I had before studying abroad

How did this experience impact you academically?

I feel that the Literary London abroad experience impacted me academically by making me a much better student. Not only was I focused on the material of my classes while I was abroad, but I was also acutely aware of the environment I was living in. As such, I feel that I have become a much better critical thinker. One of the classes I took abroad was a class regarding rhetorical approaches to discourse. I found myself thinking about everything much more acutely and analyzing every situation or object I encountered with a more critical lens than I had before studying abroad. This practice has stuck with me even after I have returned, making me a much better thinker and student.

How will this experience impact your career goals?

This experience will impact my career goals in a series of ways. For one, after graduation I hope to work for a company that has headquarters in several different countries so that the opportunity to travel for work will be available to me. International travel experience is a very important factor for consideration in companies whose employees may have to travel frequently; these employees will be more adjusted to and aware of the world around them. Additionally, this experience will impact my career goals because I have become more aware of the world around me as a result of participating in this program. I have learned about cultures other than my own, I have met people unlike the people who live in areas surrounding my home, and, as a result, I have become a more developed and well-rounded person and future employee.