Global London: The Student Perspective

We feel extremely lucky to have so many talented students from around the world joining us here in London this summer and so over the next few blog entries we would like to introduce you to some of them. First up – Florence Townshend from the University of Melbourne gives us a brief insight into her first two weeks at UCL…

Having already spent four years at university, my expectations for the Summer School weren’t particularly extreme, suspecting the experience would be similar to any other academic subject I have completed before. The reality is, however, that I couldn’t have been further from the truth.

From day one, the Summer School program, in particular the Global London module I am taking, has been the most immersive and stimulating experience academically, socially and culturally. The small class sizes are unlike anything I’ve experienced before, creating an intimate and supportive environment where friendships and connections can be formed with ease. The conversation style of the learning has also been really insightful, where open dialogue means we can learn from our peers and access a variety of thought processes and perceptions to supplement our learning. Furthermore, the broad scope of literature and academic papers has been immeasurably rewarding, ensuring that class is never dull and that our knowledge is constantly expanding.

However, perhaps the most enjoyable aspect of the Summer School has been the way in which London has truly become our classroom. We’ve been constantly invited to look beyond the classroom walls to observe and experience the city and what it has to offer. The field trips haven’t only taken us to some of the city’s most famous landmarks and areas, but also off the beaten path, allowing an insight into what London looks like beyond the typical touristic route. Despite being only two weeks into the module, I can confidently say that the Summer School experience is unbeatable. The balance between academic learning, social engagement and cultural insights has allowed us to experience London in depth, enriching our knowledge and also allowing us to witness the authenticity of life as a Londoner.