I am already halfway through my six-week study abroad program in London, England! During my time here, I have been participating in a part-time internship, while also taking a class. I had previously envisioned that London would be very similar to the United States, likely because of the common pop culture similarities. While there are comparisons to be made, an average day in London is very different than my average day back in Pittsburgh. Living in London has made me realize how small the Pitt community is in comparison to the London community I have become a part of. Each day, I use public transportation to commute at least 45 minutes to my internship and/or class. At Pitt, I am a mere 10 minute walk from campus, which is quite short when put into perspective. Additionally, I have been introduced to so many new people from all around the world. I have been able to build a support system out of friends, professors, and coworkers, much like the bonds I have made back in Pittsburgh. I have been lucky enough to be involved in a community of people that understand the adjustment that studying abroad is. I have enjoyed immersing myself in the culture of locals, which has involved watching football matches at a pub, indulging in the local cuisine and pastries, and experiencing what it means to live in a "commuter" city.
A typical day in London is similar to my typical day in Pittsburgh in that I am busy all day, which I enjoy. Locals will be up and active early, whether it is to get a morning run/walk in, or to start their commute to work. Given that I have to commute an hour, I am usually out of the door by 8 am. I travel on the tube along with the locals, which tends to be crowded during rush hour. London holds similarities with large American cities in that you will see just about anything on the crowded, busy streets. Bikers, buses, and cars are everywhere, and the pedestrian almost never has the right of way, which has been an adjustment. In the office, it is a very casual environment compared to the States. There are not usually "time crunches", and colleagues tends to get the most work done when they are socializing with one another. After interning, I will either commute to my class or commute home. Either way, about 2 hours of my day consist of traveling to different locations, which is much different than in Pittsburgh. I typically arrive home around 6 or 7 pm. I will wind down by making dinner and watching a show, while also working on homework. I enjoy the fast pace life during the week, and I enjoy taking the weekends to relax and disconnect from work while traveling around Europe. It has been a busy past 3 weeks, and I can't wait for the next 3 to continue learning and exploring!
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