The enticing lure of travel attracts many of Boston University’s students to consider studying in a different country for a semester or two. For students with wanderlust like Jane Lu, a College of General Studies sophomore, the study abroad program is the perfect place for a student traveler to learn in a diverse environment while experiencing different aspects of a new culture.
For her study abroad program, Lu went to London to expand her college career. At first, she was met with gloomy and rainy weather. Still, she delighted in all the wonderful sights that London had to offer.
“At one point, I stood in front of Buckingham Palace for the longest time, expecting the queen to come out,” she said. “She never did, but it made for some good picture-taking moments.”
Lu also noticed cultural differences that made London different from the United States, including the small food portions and the fact that people are extremely friendly and welcoming.
“The first week was amazing in every sense because everything was so new to me,” she said. “After I had the chance to see all the famous tourist places, I immersed myself in the city itself and in a way, got used to it.”
Lu had the opportunity to stay in a shared suite at The Crofton in the district of Kensington, near The Albert Memorial. Essentially, her dorm was in central London, so she was able to explore the city after her classes.
On the weekends, the students were permitted to visit different sites in Europe, such as Paris and Greenwich, England. Of all the places she visited, Lu said Paris was her favorite. While she was there, she was able to try some well-known Paris delicacies.
“I tried escargot for the first time and surprisingly, I really liked it,” she said. “Also, I enjoyed the macaroons at Pierre Hermé. They melted in my mouth and each had a very distinct flavor. I tried the vanilla, chocolate and pistachio because I was not too eager to try the more exotic ones like rose or candied orange.”
In Paris, well known for its high-end fashion boutiques, Lu also found herself at designer shops such as Prada and Chanel.
“It felt better buying items from designer stores while in Europe,” Lu said. “It was nice purchasing fashion labels where they were first produced.”
The professors and the curriculum correlated with BU’s classes. Lu spent most of her school days with the same people – about 80 to 90 students – in her program. Students earn eight course credits at the BU London Academic Center.
The summer term lasted from May 19 through June 28, so Lu spent part of her summer in London and the rest of her summer back in her home state of California.
“I do not think I would go back to London, but I would definitely revisit Paris,” she said. “I hope to study abroad in Shanghai in the future. Learning in a different country has been great and memorable because of all the things I could experience while exploring a new city.”
For students who would like to study abroad in the upcoming year, the deadline is October 1 for the spring semester and March 15 for the fall semester.
One interested student, Ganok Pukchareon, a School of Hospitality Administration sophomore, said she might spend her spring semester in New Zealand, a place that she has never visited before.
“I have always loved traveling to foreign areas, so studying abroad is a perfect way to combine both traveling and studying,” Pukchareon said. “My mom works for the United Nations, so I go to many different places as it is.”
The SHA program not only focuses on education, but also on preparing students for life beyond BU by providing them with necessary connections for the future.
“New Zealand is extremely unique and sets a good background for my career,” Pukchareon said. “That is something you cannot obtain while sitting in a classroom.”
