As my plane took off from O’hare International, I couldn’t help but think: the next time I land back in the states, I will have lived in the United Kingdom for four months. As I landed in Heathrow Airport, my sentimental thoughts were disappeared as I became distracted by my aching stomach. Sure enough, I caught the flu.
While other NYU London students went off to orientation events, I sat in my room with a bottle of Powerade and the British equivalent of saltine crackers hoping things would get better starting with my nausea. I went to the British hospital and they gave me three different kinds of medicine to help with my symptoms. I was shocked to learn that a trip to the doctor’s office, urgent care center, or even the emergency room is absolutely free of charge…very different from the US!
So far, the locals are very helpful with giving directions and advice for places to go to get converters, phone plans, and groceries. Even though I missed orientation events, an NYU London resident assistant came to visit me and personally filled me in on everything I missed. I can’t help but notice how helpful, friendly, and comforting the NYU London staff has been so far. Even though I had a rough start, I can tell the NYU London staff is trying to make me feel safe and comfortable.
On a different note, I am extremely eager to start my internship at Square Meal, a popular restaurant guide and quarterly magazine in the UK. I will be working as an admin intern updating their photo galleries, editing their Facebook, Twitter, and website content, and working with PR companies. I found this internship through NYU’s connection with the non-profit organization, EUSA. EUSA operates with NYU London and provides students with internships based on their major and interests. While it is difficult for international students to find internships for four months, EUSA has special connections to well-known companies and offers students internships in different fields including business, politics, journalism, psychology, and many more. If you are planning to study abroad in London and want to work in the UK, I definitely recommend EUSA.
Classes start soon! I am anxious, nervous and, above all, excited! I’ve heard mixed things regarding how rigorous courses are at study abroad sites. Some say classes are harder while others insist that there is less work and more time for exploring. Even if my classes are difficult, I am taking two classes related to British history and culture. I’m sure actually being in London will bring the learned material to life. So excited to be in London! Now this stupid flu bug needs to bug off!