Lessons in London | High Point University

This story is featured within the 2023 edition of the HPU Magazine.

Featured above: Drs. Amanda Allen, pictured far proper, and Scott MacLeod, pictured far left, led the Humanities in London Maymester course. Throughout a weekend tour to Oxford, England, the category toured town and elements of Oxford College. Right here they’re seen standing within the sq. surrounding the Radcliffe Digicam, and behind them is a part of All Souls School.

By Erin McGovern, Class of 2023

Earlier than coming to Excessive Level College, I at all times knew I needed to review overseas.

As a historical past pupil, touring and seeing the historical past we talked about in individual made all of the distinction to my schooling. Taking a historical past course on the Humanities in London Maymester program made what I used to be studying that rather more actual.

I had solely left the East Coast of the U.S. as soon as in my life previous to this expertise. The concept of dwelling out of the country for an entire month felt surreal to me.

It didn’t hit me that I used to be learning overseas in London till the evening earlier than my flight after I was saying goodbye to my household and buddies. To say I used to be anxious can be an understatement.

Saying Farewell to Worry

I used to be afraid of the tradition shock, and I used to be nervous I used to be not ready to journey internationally.

Did I’ve all the correct documentation? Did I overlook something important whereas packing? How totally different was dwelling out of the country going to be?

I used to be scared to say the least. However by the point we obtained to the airport, my anxiousness took a backseat and my pleasure sparked. I noticed that I used to be lastly fulfilling a lifelong dream – I used to be learning historical past in a rustic that I spent so lengthy speaking about!

I had fairly just a few “aha” moments that related the dots between my schooling and my expertise overseas. Nonetheless, the primary was one I’ll always remember.

Earlier than our class’ first tour in London, Dr. Amanda Allen, one of many professors main the journey, had talked about we might expertise lots of feelings when visiting these websites. Initially, I brushed apart her remark.

Throughout our first group journey to Westminster Abbey, I bear in mind leaping up and down with pleasure when Huge Ben and the Homes of Parliament grew to become seen.

I used to be lastly seeing all of it.

The issues I had solely examine. The issues I had solely ever seen footage of. The issues I spent hours in lectures fascinated by. They had been lastly proper in entrance of me, in individual. It was a magical second.

And after a five-minute stroll to Westminster Abbey, I began to cry. To be standing in entrance of Westminster Abbey was some of the insane experiences I’ve ever had. The structure, the 750 years of historical past proper earlier than my eyes, the considered standing in the identical spot as so many outstanding historic figures — it was all so stunning.

Huge World, Huge Desires

Being at these historic websites made me respect what I studied much more.

Our journey additionally lined up completely with the late Queen Elizabeth’s Platinum Jubilee. Being part of the once-in- a-lifetime celebration was such a particular expertise. All of London was celebrating and the surroundings was electrical. Folks from all around the world gathered to see the extravagant pomp and circumstance. To not point out, I had the possibility to see the Royal Household in individual.

There’s something so humbling and astounding about seeing the place the historical past you’ve studied for years happened. Strolling by Westminster, touring the Tower of London, visiting the castles and palaces of the Royal Household, and seeing historical ruins made my research tangible.

Making the world my classroom has higher ready me for the world after commencement. I’m grateful to have had the chance to take part in actions that fostered my passions, research and goals, but in addition expanded my information of the world, pushed me to strive new issues and obtained me outdoors of my consolation zone.

Upon getting back from the journey, I can say that I’m extra prepared to strive new issues and discover additional. The world is full of fascinating folks with stunning tales and cultures. It’s humbling and thrilling to study these cultures because it offers a brand new perspective on life.

Learning overseas made me notice that though the world could also be large, it’s not one thing to worry. As an alternative, the thought of an enormous world must be thrilling and intriguing.