My experience when I was in the UK.docVIP

My experience when I was in the UK 　　I never planned on joining a study tour abroad during my summer break.I was beyond excited for my short semester abroad in the UK.I packed my suitcase， unpacked， and repacked again until it was under 40kg.The morning I left I said goodbye to my parents at the airport gate.The beginning of my short semester abroad was a full 24-hours of firsts.It was my first time traveling with a bunch of friends， first international flight， first taxi ride， finishing strong with my first night in a British flat. 　　Luckily it was also the first day of some of my strongest friendships.I met other international students who were there as well for the study tour.That first morning， we helped each other get accommodated.There is a strange sense of unity when you realize less than a day ago you walked away from all of your friends and family， all of the comforts of home， to embark on a journey oceans from any sense of familiarity， your completely on your own， and they are just like you. 　　Through the lectures I had attended， I realized that the British school system is stricter， more competitive， and it is taken much more seriously by the students.There was a lot of reading to do， and small group discussion.I can honestly say that I was challenged in my classes abroad， but a rigorous course load is still an important part of any study abroad experience.Moreover，I also found Britain charming and hospitable； rich with culture and history and natural beauty.I used my semester in London to see as much as my meager savings would allow.I traveled extensively by train throughout the UK and Ireland and even managed to afford a trip to mainland Europe in those few months. 　　Balancing social life and school life is hard no matter what country one is in.However， I think that it is important not to overlook the good times in pursuit of good grades.While I did achieve high marks in my courses， what taught me the most overseas was interacting with other peo