On Jan. 5, 2011, two years ago today, I woke up at an ungodly hour, went to the train station, and rode five and a half hours to New York City; I caught a cab to JFK airport, boarded a flight that headed across the pond, and “woke up”—I didn’t really sleep—in London’s Heathrow Airport.
Two years ago today, my semester abroad in London began, and it changed my life.
Unlike some of my classmates, I didn’t live with a host family, but rather stayed in a dumpy cozy flat our program owned. For four months, I slept in a bunk bed, my first time since sleep away camp.
Unlike some study abroad programs, London didn’t offer rigorous courses, but rather classes that were city-specific like “Food, Society, and Culture,” which examined the history of British food and “Sporting London,” which examined the future host of the 2014 Olympics. (I’ll be the first to admit “studying abroad” is a misleading term; there really wasn’t any studying.)
I didn’t go abroad with my best friends or even close friends, but rather with 11 other students, some of whom I knew of (but didn’t really know), and others whom I never spoke to prior to the trip. People from my college know just how wack and cray atypical the 2011 London Study Abroad Program eventually became, but even with some tough times (to put it mildly), I still:
Took a day trip to Stonehenge.
Listened to Colin Firth talk about “The King’s Speech.”
Turned the big 2-1.
Posed for some funny pictures, including this one at Chelsea Football Club.
Went to Wales for a long weekend.
Visited Wimbledon.
Traveled to Windsor Castle (and Oxford, Warwick Castle, and Stratford-upon-Avon) when my parents visited.
Escaped to Bath, England twice—first with friends (we went to the Roman Baths), and then again when my aunt and uncle visited.
Spent a weekend in Paris, France.
Walked Abbey Road.
And enjoyed some shenanigans.
Two years ago today, I was a junior in college. I didn’t consider myself a runner, and I didn’t know if I wanted to pursue sports or diet and fitness journalism. While abroad, though, I began running again, hurrying home from my internship so I could log miles in Hyde Park. I also became interested in food and nutrition—and realized I didn’t want to write game recaps ever again. People say how pivotal studying abroad can be, and 730 days later, I can honestly say I don’t know if I’d be starting my big-girl almost job on Monday (woohoo!)—or swimming, biking, and running—if I hadn’t lived in London. It’s like the art of the trajectory: “Retiring” from basketball gave me the green light to study abroad, which lead me back to running, which in turn sparked my interest in learning about food, nutrition, and healthy eating; as they say, the rest is history.
Where were you two years ago today?
It’s weird to think that I was at the halfway point of my first year at HWS two years ago…it feels like so long ago. I agree so much that study abroad changes everything. And two years ago if you told me that at this point in my life I would have just returned from Hong Kong I wouldn’t believe you! It’s amazing to be able to pinpoint the moments in life where things change for you.
I love this post!
Awww, thanks, Kristyna! I definitely felt like a new person coming home from London, and as time passed, I noticed how my time abroad changed my worldview, interests, personality, etc. I can’t wait to hear about your transition from Hong Kong back to Camp Hoho. Er, HWS.
Love this post! It is like serendipity/ sliding doors. And I love London so I’m really jealous of your trip!!
Two years ago today I had two tiny babies, was living in California and I was oh so homesick! Hard to believe it was two years ago.
Good luck with your job!!
Some days (like today!), I really miss London; I can’t wait to go back!
Reblogged this on RD Revilo.
How exciting! I didn’t know you studied abroad. It’s funny how that short amount of time can end up being so transformative.
Have a great weekend!
I realized last night/early this morning (couldn’t sleep) that today’s my study abroad anniversary of sorts.
Happy Saturday to you too, Haley!
I love the pictures, absolutely love them. You can see such happiness in your face. This is what women your age should do – explore and travel and enjoy life.
Two years ago I was much like I am now, being a mom and doing life the mom way with kids at home. But I visited Puerto Rico that year by myself for a week, which was very interesting and a huge learning experience for me. Traveling alone has great value and I hope to do it again some day.
You’re right–traveling solo usually leads to lots of learning. My uncle does solo trips frequently to awesome places (if I remember correctly, he’s heading to Thailand this year), and he always comes home with the best stories.
these pictures are breathtaking, one of my biggest regrets was never studying abroad.
My school has a very high percentage of students who student abroad (I think it’s around 70-75 percent), and they start pushing the programs when you’re a freshman, so it was really a no-brainer for me. I knew I had to go to an English-speaking country, though.
How cool Carrie! Lets see, I was actually on the brink of getting engaged and had no idea!
Gahhh–now *that* is exciting!
I’m glad you had such a great time in London. I think it’s pretty awesome too
That was actually my second time going. When I graduated from high school, my parents took me there as my present, after that trip, I knew I’d be back. (And I know I’ll be back again!
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Great. I’ll see you soon then!
I spent a summer in London and loved it! It was my first experience living in a city and it was the coolest thing ever to me. I read all of Jane Austen’s books, many of Charles Dicken’s, and several other British authors while riding the bus to the British Library where I was doing research. It’s such a wonderful city!!
OMG, Jen, I am *obsessed* with Jane Austen! I’ve read “Pride and Prejudice” too many times to count, took a class in college called “Jane Austen in Film,” and my parents and I actually went to the Jane Austen Museum in Bath.
(We visited London after my high school graduation, and we also spent some time in Bath because my mom and I are total Janeites.)
It looks like you had a memorable time in London!
Definitely–some days, I’d ask myself, “Is this real life?” because I’d be having so much fun.
Amazing post
I would love to go abroad, but I could never study abroad like you did! I’m too much of a homebody 
Does your school offer summer study abroad programs? Usually those ones last a few weeks as opposed to an entire semester. You should definitely go if you can!
I am so jealous of your time there. It sounds like it was an amazing adventure and such a great opportunity.
I *still* can’t believe it was two years ago–time flies!
I didn’t know you studied in London. I grew up there (went to British school and everything). This is so interesting to read and look back at!
Ahhh, no way! Now that is cool! How long were you across the pond? Did you used to have a British accent?
Lol.
My semester in Madrid was life-chancing. Gave me a sense of independence and I really had to figure so much out on my own.
Colin Firth – nice!
I wish I made it to Madrid–it’s on my list!
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That looks like so much fun! Hmm, two years ago we weren’t runners either and we would be getting our dog soon
Two major milestones!
Great post Carrie! Everything happens for a reason, and I love how one decision to let go of basketball led to so much more! I’ve yet to jump the pond (I’m dying to) and am so jealous! Abbey Road..a weekend in Paris, talk about a dream come true!
I love Europe; I’ve been to Paris twice, and I wouldn’t mind going again.
This is such a great post, Carrie! Study abroad is something that I really wish I had taken advantage of during my undergrad.
I’m very grateful I had the opportunity. It was a life-changing semester, and I can’t wait to return one day!