A 20-year-old American takes on the UK for four months…What could go wrong?
Hello! I studied abroad at the University of Sussex in England last semester, and I wanted to share my thoughts and emotions throughout my time in the UK. Through CUNY’s diverse programs, I was able to explore the world and learn more about both European culture and myself. Here is the first entry:
20/01/2026
Dear friend,
Greetings from England! When I first entered college, I knew that I wanted to take advantage of the variety of study abroad programs. Now, it is surreal that I have boarded a plane and won’t be going home for a long time. My dad sent me a picture of myself when I was five years old, and she would be proud of where I am now.
So far, the past twenty-four hours have truly tested how far I can go outside of my comfort zone. While I have been to the UK previously, I’ve never been outside of the country alone. I am filled with so many conflicting emotions! There were tears of both joy and sadness. I’m accustomed to being surrounded by my loved ones in the comfort of my home, and it is so easy to underestimate the impact that your support system has on your life. This temporary goodbye hurt me a lot, but it is necessary for me to grow.
Taking this leap of faith is a gamble. Doubts flood my brain: What if I hate it? What if I don’t make any friends? What if everything goes wrong? It feels like I’m a freshman again, fearing the uncertainty of a new environment. However, I don’t want to miss out on any of the small, positive moments. Despite my homesickness and anxiety, people are walking their dogs on the pebbled beaches as they typically do on an ordinary Tuesday. The sun was shining as my plane landed at Heathrow, which isn’t a common occurrence in England. I take a moment to look out on the shoreline, and the world is full of possibilities. There is a rare bookshop called Goldsboro Books, and I find solace while looking at the shelves. The owner greets me with a welcoming smile, and a part of me feels like I’m home.
I am lucky to be here, even though I will face many challenges while being in a new country. It is even difficult knowing when to cross the street in England! Also, the fact that cars are driving on the opposite side of the street is rather odd. There’s a whole new set of customs to learn about here, and I don’t know where I will fit in yet. While a part of myself yearns for the comfort of home, it is time to pave my own path this semester and reinvent myself.
With love,
Emily
