Notre Dame London Summer School returns
This summer Notre Dame London welcomed its first batch of Summer School students since 2019! The London Summer Program offers Notre Dame students the opportunity to study in the UK’s bustling capital city for 6 weeks. For undergraduate students unable to commit to a full semester abroad, the summer program is the perfect opportunity to immerse themselves in a new culture while taking advantage of the wide range of courses offered.
On a sunny day in London, students were welcomed by staff with a range of orientation activities and talks to help get them acquainted with the city. As the program comes to an end, we invited Summer school students, Carlos Castellanos - Garces and Annika Herko to share more about their respective experiences studying abroad in London!
Carlos Castellanos - Garces
Where are you from and what are you studying?
I am originally from Colombia and I moved to the United States, more specifically; New Orleans, Louisiana in 2011. I am majoring in Neuroscience and Behavior at Notre Dame and I will be going into my second year this upcoming fall!
What has been your favorite part of your London summer school experience?
My favorite part of the London summer school experience has been the weekends! There are so many amazing places to visit in London and in the UK itself! On my first weekend here I went to Stonehenge and Baths. The following week I found myself on the beaches of Brighton and in the forest of Brockenhurst. The list goes on and on. I do have to admit that the Queen’s Jubilee was the most special event for me as it only happens once every decade. I am fortunate to be in London during this time.
What will you take away from your time studying at LGG?
From my time studying at LGG, I will take away the individualism that I’ve learned. Aside from college, this is my first time living alone and taking care of myself. I specifically want to mention this because I learned how to be a good cook! This experience will stick forever and it has shaped a part of me. Aside from this, I will also take away the culture. London is rich in history and learning all of it would be almost impossible. Every corner of the city has a story to tell and it is up to the individual to explore and reflect for their own benefit.
What piece of advice would you give other students thinking about studying abroad in London next summer?
My biggest piece of advice is time management. Summer students have to make the most out of 6 weeks and at the same time keep up with their academic performance. I would recommend making a list of the places you want to visit and making an itinerary. Plan big trips during the weekends because most of the places in London you can get to during the week after class. I would also create a budget. London is very expensive and allowing yourself a budget will help you keep track of your expenditures. Other than that I would advise you to challenge yourself to the best summer ever.
Annika Herko
Where are you from and what are you studying?
I currently live in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. I am majoring in Aerospace Engineering and plan to add a minor in Engineering Corporate Practice.
What has been your favorite part of your London summer school experience?
The West End shows and the Tower of London! Shows are significantly cheaper and easier to get to here and the quality is spectacular. There are also a lot of really famous actors which is fun to see. I saw Tom Felton (Draco Malfoy from Harry Potter) at this show 2:22 and I know that Amy Adams, David Harbour, and Emilia Clarke are all performing in London right now as well. The Tower of London is probably one of the most interesting places I have ever been. There is so much history in one building that has impacted the entire world. If you are only going to one museum in London, go there.
What will you take away from your time studying at LGG?
I feel a lot more prepared to “adult” in the real world now than when I got here. On campus, we have the dining halls, free laundry, and we can basically roam the entire campus at any time of the day. Being in London has forced me to budget more (both time and money) and set my own boundaries for what I feel is safe in and around the cities. I’ve gotten comfortable with public transportation. I’ve planned mini vacations. I’ve learned how many days in a row I can eat a grilled cheese sandwich before I need to experiment more with cooking (15, for those who are curious). Rather than learning all of these after college, I learned how to do it in a location where I still had support nearby.
What piece of advice would you give other students thinking about studying abroad in London next summer?
While you are in London, take time to explore the city, the rest of England and the UK. Don’t feel like you have to squeeze all of Europe into this one trip. There’s a lot of really unique things to do in the city that are not the major tourist destinations, but still add a lot of value to your trip. Unlike many vacations, you’ll have time to do these more unique outings. Make sure you take down time for yourself and see what you want to see in London!