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Katherine Friendshuh
Katherine Friendshuh is an Ambassador who studied abroad in London
Briefly describe a specific cultural experience you had on your trip that made a lasting impression.
I think a culture experience that had a lasting impression on me, would be my internship. I not only worked in an office with 15 londoners but i also got to work with the children of London. I learned more about the true british culture from actually working in it and communicating with my co-workers. I became very close with my co-workers and we taught each other so much about our different cultures, things that we both never knew about. At first the american culture and british culture seem very much alike, but once you start to pick them apart you realize how very different they are.
Why did you choose the program in which you participated?
I wanted to study abroad because it seemed like the perfect next step in my life. I wanted to push myself to my outmost potential. I wanted to take learning to the whole the nest level, not only to learn more about other places and cultures but to learn more about myself. I choose London because when i was 17 i traveled to London with my high school and i feel in love, in fact i made it a goal to study there and i never thought it would have been possible. I picked London because i wanted to experience living in a city as i have always lived in a suburb. I also mainly picked London for the great opportunity to have an internship abroad. I also loved the fact that their would be endless amounts of things to do in London
Describe your overall study abroad experience.
I would describe my experience as life-changing. that it is everything you could imagine and more. That i have never felt so independent, but yet so close to my whole study abroad group. I would tell them how my worldview was expanded and know will be forever expanding. The places you will go and the people you will meet will for ever change your life.
How has the trip affected you? How are you different for having completed the experience?
My trip has greatly affected me. It has taught me that my only home isn't here in minnesota that i can actually be truly happy away from home. I have never been so far away from home, but yet felt right at home in London. It made me realize that no matter where I go I will still have the people at home there for me when ever i need them. I have learned that their is so much more out in the world and so many great people, i have learned to go even farther out into my comfort zone when meeting new people. I have become so much more grateful for my life and the people around me.
What advice do you have for future Study Abroad Students?
My advice is to never take a single moment for granted. Don't get to worked up about the whole pre packing and getting ready because once you are there not of that seems to matter. I would tell them to really think about their decision as to where they want to go, don't be close minded and really look at all your options because it is a big decision. I would tell them to not stress about being homesick because i really stressed, but you realize once your there there is almost no time to be homesick and your having the best time of your life, plus skype is the best invention!
Do you have questions about studying abroad in London? Email Katherine at kmfriendshuh@csbsju.edu