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Hyde Park, Trafalgar Square, the Globe Theatre, Parliament, Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, Stonehenge, and the Tate Modern. Until I went to London, these names had no meaning to me, no emotions associated with them. After my seven-week foray into London’s bustling city life, however, I can never forget them. Immediately upon arrival, we were presented with the opportunity to explore the city, and explore we did. Early stops included the Tower of London as well as the Tate Modern, Natural History Museum, and Science Museum.
Aside from the typical tourist attractions, this trip provided me with the ability to engross myself in a culture I knew next to nothing about. During my internship at the University of East London (UEL), I had the privilege of meeting researchers engaged in cutting-edge studies designed to help explain the human brain. As I am anticipating (crossing my fingers) a career in health care, the subject of this class, a comparative study between American and British health care, applied directly to me.
Sparking interest in this course was easy and started on Day 1 at Lafayette’s campus when we first met Professor Lammers and each other. The excitement may have started then, but it still hasn’t worn off. Essentially, the course is composed of two parts: part one is weekly meetings, which take place in our residence hall with Prof. Lammers (or just Lammers as he would soon affectionately become known as), while part two is a six-week, intensive internship in an English organization. The early start meant I had established a connection with my 13 compatriots before arriving at Heathrow Airport. I know that these friendships will extend well beyond our seven-week experience together.
Ironically, the British and American cultures are not as similar as you would predict. For instance, trash cans (or “rubbish bins” as the Brits prefer to call them) are rarely found in public places and almost never in high-traffic areas. In light of the IRA bombings, this practice makes perfect sense. The currency serves as another example. There is no such thing as a one-pound note; instead, the British prefer coins. The cultural differences may seem petty when taken individually. If they are combined, however, a unique society with a rich tradition begins to take shape. As I alluded to earlier, this trip truly helped me to appreciate, even celebrate, these diverse aspects.
In the end, learning in London takes on many forms. Our class taught us the intricacies of modern health care through weekly readings and evocative group discussions. Our nightly adventures brought us closer to the heart of the city. Our jobs provided daily feedback as to the differences between the American and British health care systems. Above all, our freedom taught us how to live and thrive on our own in a city unlike any other.