Big Ben and Little Wins: Lessons from a Brief Summer in London

By Divyanshi Saha (UC San Diego)
Eye-opening takeaways from a brief summer in London

The world is full of wonderful things you haven’t seen yet. Don’t ever give up on the chance of seeing them. – J.K. Rowling

Inspired by these words, I recently ticked off a major item on my bucket list—visiting my 21st city in my 21st year, and not just any city! The iconic London, a place I’d always dreamed of exploring.

I had the incredible opportunity to attend a three-week summer program at the London School of Economics and took an important course in bargaining and negotiations that fulfilled a major requirement for my degree at UC San Diego. The class structure was particularly appealing as it combined engaging lectures and dynamic classroom discussions. The course enabled me to apply theoretical concepts I’d been studying to real scenarios with a diverse group of engaged classmates. Even better, the credits I earned abroad transferred seamlessly to my student record at home.

And that wasn’t even the best part!

While it was a short program, the experience was incredibly enriching to my education and provided invaluable insights. From wandering the lively streets of Soho late at night to watching the beautiful sunset from Primrose Hill, my time in London was more than just an academic endeavor—it was a personal adventure filled with discovery and growth.

Here are some key takeaways from my summer abroad to encourage you to study abroad.

Lesson 1: Embrace the short-term challenge

Attending a three-week summer course in a bustling city like London was exciting and intimidating. The condensed format of the program meant that every moment counted, and I quickly learned the importance of diving in fully from the start. This approach helped me make the most of the course, from engaging deeply with the material to participating actively in discussions and networking with peers.

I encourage you to set goals for a purposeful experience and embrace the short-term challenge, no matter how long your program is.

1. Set clear goals for your experience to maximize learning in a limited timeframe.
2. Study the course syllabus before you leave. (Hint: See the Academics page for the program.)
3. Plan your free time.

You want to get a good grade since it will reflect on your final transcript at your UC, but you also want to explore the new city and make memories, of course. When your program is short, like mine, preparation is critical.

Lesson 2: Accept there will be academic differences

Studying abroad in London provided a new perspective on how different educational systems operate. As an international student from the US with roots in the school system of India, I was more prepared to accept the differences in academic systems.

For example, the educational approach in India is strict, even rigid, with a heavy emphasis on rote memorization and standardized tests. While the US and UK universities both emphasize critical thinking and interactive, discussion-based learning styles, LSE introduced me to a more engaging classroom dynamic where questioning and debate were not only encouraged but expected.

I encourage you to look up the academic style where you will study abroad and be prepared to adjust to it, especially if the US has been your only schooling system. Understanding what to expect will help your academic adjustment go more smoothly.

Lesson 3: Celebrate cultural diversity

With a childhood education in India, college in the US, and a summer school in Denmark, I thought I understood how cultural contexts shape learning. And yet, LSE introduced me to new perspectives through interactions with professors and classmates who were from all over the world. In group discussions, I collaborated with peers from Italy, Japan, Poland, and Spain and each person brought unique insights based on their personal cultural background.

One classmate shared how community discussions shaped her understanding of business negotiations, while another emphasized the value of consensus and harmony in group decisions. This experience reinforced the idea that cultural differences not only enrich our individual journeys but also deepen our appreciation for diverse global perspectives.

I encourage you to set aside your assumptions and be prepared to celebrate cultural diversity, not only in your lived experience with your host city but also in the classroom.

Lesson 4: Networking goes both ways

One of the best things about studying abroad is meeting people from every corner of the globe. At LSE, I found myself in classrooms with students from countries I’d only seen on maps! I quickly realized, however, that networking wasn’t just about trading LinkedIn profiles.

True connections, the kind that cultivate lasting relationships, were formed over conversations beyond the classroom, such as late dinners at a dinner near campus or a long walk along the Thames. Creating genuine relationships takes time and conversations.

I encourage you to learn to ask open-ended questions to learn why your peers chose their field of study and this study abroad location. Ask what differences they notice between their home university and the summer program. I learned more about networking in these conversations, and it taught me that networking is less about collecting contacts and more about building meaningful relationships that go both ways.

Lesson 5: Prioritize your purpose

While the allure of London, filled with busy markets, delicious food, and energetic nightlife, will be endlessly tempting, I had to remind myself that my focus was primarily on the academic course. Despite all the excitement, it was essential to carve out dedicated time for my studies. Balancing social activities with my coursework required discipline and prioritization.

There were nights when I chose to stay in and hit the books after a long day, and while it felt tough at the time, those decisions really paid off. Engaging deeply with the material helped me contribute in a meaningful way in classroom discussions and know that I’d fully grasped the concepts. The satisfaction of understanding the coursework made the experience all the more rewarding.

That said, it’s important to make a point to take time out to explore, socialize, and soak up the local vibe beyond the classroom. London had always been a place I’d read about in books and seen in countless movies, so visiting it in person felt like stepping into a dream. On a Saturday night, standing by the River Thames as Big Ben lit up against the dusky sky, I understood how important it is to balance academic life with everything else.

Those three weeks flew by quickly, and as I reflect on my time in London, I can’t help but feel grateful for the experiences that shaped my journey and the people who contributed to it. I will always remember spontaneous picnics in Regent’s Park, catching a Harry Potter play at the West End, and wandering through Borough Market with newfound friends. It’s just as easy to get caught up in assignments and deadlines as it is in exploring and having fun, but finding that balance between coursework and adventure isn’t just refreshing, it makes the entire experience more fulfilling. Those moments of connection and discover are what I remember long after the grades were recorded.

If you’re contemplating studying abroad, take the leap! Embrace the adventure, connect with people from all walks of life, and immerse yourself in a culture that might change your perspective forever. The world is waiting for you — don’t miss the chance to experience it!

Learn more about how even short study abroad programs can unlock your future

• See what four months in Paris taught Angelina about culture, society, politics and self-discovery.
• See Joshua’s advice on how implementing student diplomacy can enhance your study abroad experience.
• Learn how one Iranian-American student became an anthropologist on study abroad.