Why did you decide to study abroad?
Traveling is something that I’ve not always just wanted to do, but something that I’ve anticipated. Study abroad is a good way to begin that journey.
Why did you pick Literary London over other study abroad programs?
I chose Literary London because it was a two-week program, between semesters. And, because I am a non-traditional student, it was easier to fit two weeks into my busy lifestyle.
Were there any obstacles to getting to go? If so, how did you overcome them?
There really weren’t any obstacles once I made up my mind to go. Some might think financing could be an issue, but I just decided that if I have to get student loans for school anyway, I may as well get a few extra dollars for this chance of a lifetime opportunity.
What was your favorite part of the trip?
Because I’m a bit of an adventurer, my favorite part of the trip was getting out into the London neighborhoods and on the Tube on my own. I liked hanging out in a laundromat writing in my journal, or being on the Tube and being mistaken for a local, and standing in the rain in Portobello Market eating some food from the Ghanaian food stand.
What are some things that you learned?
I learned that I can still be amazed and impressed with the diversity of people, and how British literature became the foundation and the catalyst for the wonder and splendor of the history and culture a place so closely connected with our own.
Were there any difficult parts on the trip?
We walked a lot . . . but it was worth it, because we really got a lot of activities done in a short amount of time.
If you could do it again, would you? Is there anything you would change?
Are you kidding me? I can’t wait to get back! I’m sure I will go again. I feel totally acclimated; like I could fall right back into place and not miss a beat. The only thing I would change is that I would give myself two days in Paris instead of just one. Other than that, I wouldn’t change one, single, solitary thing. It was perfect.
Did Literary London fulfill a requirement toward your graduation? What was it?
Yes, Literary London fulfilled a humanities requirement.
Is there any advice you would give to future participants?
Do not let money be the reason you don’t go. Find a way to get it.
Christopher Jackson ('08)
Why did you decide to study abroad? Because I've always wanted to go to Europe, and the chance to get academic credit for it while spending time with my
friends was too good to pass up! Why did you pick Literary London over other study abroad programs? Because it gave me direct credit towards my major, it was in a more comfortable and transitional environment (it was
still an English-speaking country!), a couple of my friends also wanted to go, and it was offered by my favorite professor! Were there any obstacles to getting to go? If so, how did you overcome them? The only obstacle was financial. I overcame that easily. With the help of a student loan. What was your favorite part of the trip? Honestly, my favorite part of the entire trip was on the last night before we left. I really enjoyed the bonding with
my fellow travel companions at the Austrian Pub and seeing the cowbells! From an academic standpoint, Oxford really stands out, as does Evensong
at Salisbury Cathedral. What are some things that you learned? I learned so much! To immerse oneself in another culture and become an outsider is such an incredibly rewarding and
educational experience! I really learned a lot, not just from the academic field trips we did, but also from the free times spent talking with
locals from all different walks of life. Were there any difficult parts on the trip? I'm sure there were, but the whole thing was so much fun that I either didn't realize the difficulty or didn't mind it. If you could do it again, would you? Is there anything you would change? I would go to the theatre more. But really even some of the things that weren't quite what I had thought they would
be (such as my day trip to Paris) were really eye-opening, so I wouldn't change them. And yes, I will go again if I can afford it. Did Literary London fulfill a requirement toward your graduation? What was it? Yes, it gave me credit toward a Literature Survey class I needed. Is there any advice you would give to future participants? Save enough money so that you can really do everything there you want to. It is an incredible experience and you
want to be able to make the most of it without having to watch every penny. Cut loose, have fun, and ask Dr. McNamara to take you to the
Austrian Pub. Jeanna Brooks ('08)
Why did you decide to study abroad? I was asked if I would like to participate in a study abroad program by a professor of the English Department. I saw it as an opportunity to expand my education experience beyond the walls of the university and see a part of the world that I never dreamed I would have the chance to see. Why did you pick Literary London over other study abroad programs? When Dr. Miller introduced me to the program, I knew it was right for me. I know Dr. McNamara, the professor in charge of the Literary London program. I had a class with him the same semester I decided to go. Were there any obstacles to getting to go? If so, how did you overcome them? Luckily, I knew a year in advance that I would be planning to go on this trip. I took that time to plan and save so
that I could make sure I would have the trip of a lifetime. What was your favorite part of the trip? There is no way that I would be able to pinpoint one favorite part of the trip. The food is amazing. All of it! It
was great to get use to the everyday life over there. I even made sure that I got to go to Paris for day! That was a wonderful highlight. I saw
a few shows at some amazing theaters. And though the museums were many, I was able to see some of the most fantastic artwork in the world. But
the most unforgettable part is the lasting friendships I built. And the experiences, on the trains, at museums, or just walking down the street,
that we were able to share together. What are some things that you learned? I learned a lot about the cultures of other countries. I don't believe that America is the only melting pot. I was
able to experience the differences and even better, the similarities that other countries share with us. Were there any difficult parts on the trip? There was definitely a unique blend of personalities during this particular trip. Everyone found different situations
more enjoyable than others. And not everyone always wanted to do the same things. Some of my favorite moments were when we are able to break off
into smaller groups and find different things to do on our own. But I think that the eclectic mix only made the trip more memorable overall. Is there any advice you would give to future participants? I would simply advise to plan ahead. Determine the amount of money you need to have the type of trip that you desire
and then go for it. Be yourself, bring comfortable walking shoes, and have the trip of a lifetime! Kristina Bjoran
('08) Why did you decide to study abroad? I decided to study abroad because I was seeking ways in which I could get out of the country. I've traveled much in
my past, but not much lately. Why did you pick Literary London over other study abroad programs? Honestly, Literary London was the only program with applicable literature credit (that I knew of, anyway). What was your favorite part of the trip? My favorite aspect of the trip was the close friendships that formed while there. Even if they didn't last forever...
it was nice while we were there. Traveling wise, Oxford was my favorite place to visit. That and the V&A gallery. Were there any difficult parts on the trip? The day we left...pure mayhem. Everything else ran fairly smoothly. If you could do it again, would you? Is there anything you would change? I would love to go again. The only thing I would change is
. . . there's nothing I can think of changing. Did Literary London fulfill a requirement toward your graduation? What was it? Literary London fulfilled my Brit Lit 2 requirement. Sandy Howell
('07) Why did you decide to study abroad? Dr. McNamara made the trip sound so exciting. Why did you pick Literary London over other study abroad programs? I chose to go to London for many reasons. It wasn’t too expensive. It was an appropriate amount of time. A wonderful
teacher was going. I love literature. Were there any obstacles to getting to go? If so, how did you overcome them? Everyone needs a little extra money. I wrote an essay and received a $500 scholarship. What was your favorite part of the trip? Visiting the National Portrait Gallery and taking a day trip to Belgium. What are some things that you learned? I learned how to travel London via underground and bus. I learned about John Keats and his tragically young death. I
learned where the inspiration of his poetry came from. I also learned a huge amount of Great Britain’s history. Were there any difficult parts on the trip? Yes. I would have to say that walking 437 stairs to the top of St. Paul’s Cathedral was pretty difficult indeed. If you could do it again, would you? Is there anything you would change? Yes, I already went again. If I could change one thing, it would be to see more places. With the allotted time this
may not be possible. I just have to keep going back to see more and more. Did Literary London fulfill a requirement toward your graduation? What was it? Yes it did. It covered World Literature and British Literature. Is there any advice you would give to future participants? I would have to recommend bringing a comfortable pair of shoes and a light weight jacket that is waterproof and has a hood.
How does Literary London compare to other study abroad programs you have participated in? It’s the BEST!!!!!! Kevin McDonald ('08)
Why did you decide to study abroad? The main reason was because I had never been anywhere before. Besides three states in the US my travelogue was empty.
When other people talked about going to Germany or Caracus I always considered the fact that I would never see any other country but our own.
When Dr. McNamara first posed the idea of a trip to London I knew that I had to go. If only to try. Why did you pick Literary London over other study abroad programs? Mainly because they speak English in London and all the best music comes from there. Also London has a sense of
glamour and fantasy that few other countries have.I also like Dr. McNamara's teaching style and I knew he would be a useful guide and
interesting instructor while studying abroad. Were there any obstacles to getting to go? If so, how did you overcome them? The money issue was the biggest problem but it wasn't really all that time consuming. Financial aid paid for most of
it and the rest I acquired by savings. I had nearly 1/2 a year to get the money together and it wasn't that much to produce either
way. What was your favorite part of the trip? With London, every day was better than the last so the best day for me was everyday. The free days were the most fun
because we got to tour London on our own, which meant fine dining and watching big production plays in Leicester Square. Our trip to Stonehenge
was also a special day because we actually started to solidify as a family of sorts, and we sang as we walked around the oracle. What are some things that you learned? I learned that I can survive on my own and that even a couple thousand miles distance I still loved America, my family,
and most of all chicken wings. God I missed those. Were there any difficult parts on the trip? When I got sick was definitely the hardest part. I got a sinus infection on the last three days of my trip and I
had to blow my nose a lot. Luckily I only lost one part of a day that I had to deal with it. Advice: If it is raining and chilly, WEAR A
COAT! If you could do it again, would you? Is there anything you would change? Of course, I would do it again in a heart beat, but this time I would wear a coat when it rained. Did Literary London fulfill a requirement toward your graduation? What was it? I mainly did this to fulfill a goal I have always set for myself. Is there any advice you would give to future participants? The only advice I can give you is have fun while you are there, be kind to your trip mates and trust
them to be good friends, and use your free days wisely. Maureen Keillor ('07)
Why did you decide to study abroad? I thought the idea of study abroad was perfect; I’m a history major, minoring in English and I love to
travel–-perfect combination! Why did you pick Literary London over other study abroad programs? I chose Literary London for several reasons; of all the locales it was the most appealing, and most of my favorite
literature comes from England; but most of all, Dr. Godlasky is such a superlative professor that I knew it would be a fabulous trip! Were there any obstacles to getting to go? If so, how did you overcome them? The only obstacles were the typical “time and money” issues that we frequently face. But my employer and supervisor
are very supportive about my education, and because I had plenty of sick time, getting the time off became a non-issue. The money, however, was
a different story. Fortunately, the timing was exceptional and I was able to borrow the money from one of my sons, and although I’m still
making monthly installments, it was worth every nickel. What was your favorite part of the trip? Asking “what was your favorite part of the trip” is like asking me which child is my favorite--they all are, but for
varying reasons! I loved Evensong at King’s Chapel in Cambridge, the American servicemen’s memorial at St. Paul’s, the tombs in Westminster,
the experience of seeing how the “other half” lives in the eclectic Brick Lane, the Chelsea Flower Show with Neal’s Yard Dairy cheese and Marks
& Spencer strawberries, and well, just the whole experience of another land, culture and city! What are some things that you learned? I learned a bit about finding my way around London, where different sites are located in relation to others, and
that the Tube is a little trickier than say, D.C. or Boston. Were there any difficult parts on the trip? The toughest part about the trip was going home! I missed my family, but there were so many things that I hadn’t
seen or done. Plus, I bought too much stuff & had a time lugging it home! If you could do it again, would you? Is there anything you would change? The only thing I would have done differently is that I wouldn’t have exchanged so much cash at the airport and would
have used my debit and credit cards more, it’s cheaper that way--and you have to remember to call your credit card company first and let them
know you’re going to be out of the country--otherwise, they’ll block your card. Did Literary London fulfill a requirement toward your graduation? What was it? The course was only a credit toward my minor, but I would’ve done it under any circumstances. Is there any advice you would give to future participants? My advice to future participants would be to spend the time and immerse yourself in the coursework; it will enrich your experience. 
