This past summer, I had the enriching opportunity to further broaden my education and experiences by studying abroad in the UK as a student from Yale. The diversity of my classmates, some of who were working professionals, played a significant role in shaping my perspectives and inspiring future aspirations. If that wasn’t enough, a visit to Oxford during my semester in the UK left an indelible imprint, leading me to envisage myself attending grad school there one day.
Part of my summer journey included taking classes at the acclaimed London School of Economics for a six-week period. The entire process required an immersive adaptation into the UK’s education system, necessitating moving to a foreign country. I focused on macroeconomics and public policy analysis during this tenure.
Despite the short duration, my interaction with the UK’s education system left me astounded. The different teaching pedagogies and the new learning environment left me enamored and craving for more. The uniqueness of London didn’t just end with these academic experiences, it was the demographic of my classmates that presented a contrasting insight.
Where my first class comprised mostly of undergraduates, primarily from America or fellow Yale students, my subsequent class painted a different picture. I found myself to be one of the few undergraduates in a class filled with professionals and bureaucrats. It was eye-opening to engage with such a diverse demographic in a classroom setting. Interacting with these seasoned professionals cultivated a more professional atmosphere. It was definitely a departure from my usual interactions with graduate students and college fellows, and this shift significantly broadened my perspective on government work and even influenced my future aspirations.
The professional atmosphere and distinctively international reader base introduced me to a range of global perspectives that I hadn’t encountered before. The diversity and global perspective allowed me to see my future self reflected in my classmates, something that would previously feel like a mere dream.
Studying abroad has expanded my horizons and allowed me to dream bigger. Like other ambitious Ivy League students, I’ve often found myself dreaming about further establishing my academic base in the UK, ideally for graduate school. Countless scholarships are available for American college graduates to study in the UK. The opportunity to immerse myself in a distinct environment and learning public policy outside of my comfort zone was enticing enough.
Despite the attractive prospects, the thought of relocating to an unfamiliar country and adjusting to a new academic environment was a daunting one. However, a visit to Oxford during my semester changed everything. It was astonishing how the sprawling landscape, massive towers, and the charming downtown made Yale feel more like a regular college. It felt intimidating, yet at the same time, the beauty and magnitude of Oxford made the prospect of studying abroad realistic and less daunting.
The chance to study and thrive in the UK ignited my determination, making it seem like a potential opportunity rather than a scary venture. Surviving and subsequently thriving in an entirely different academic environment invigorated my passion for more global experience.
Even though I still have a few years left at college, studying abroad has brought to light a new potential pathway for me. After I graduate, I now contemplate pursuing an advanced degree in public policy or political science. This is an active consideration either as a stepping stone towards law school or as a foundation for a legal or political career. As part of this thought process, I now seriously consider spending a significant period abroad in the UK or fully enrolling in a British university.
The possibility of embarking on these ambitious paths is a testament to my enriching experience studying abroad and provides me with valuable lessons that could potentially steer my future.
