The moment I got on the plane to London I immediately realized how different my life was going to be for the next four months. The first week that I have been here has led me to appreciate certain aspects of our American lifestyle.

When I first chose London I figured that their would be no language barrier since people here also speak English -- I could not have been more wrong. There are a plethora of different dialects and accents that are all hard to follow. Every conversation I have with someone I make sure I pay keen attention or I will have no idea what is coming out of their mouth. People in England also speak way faster than we do in America. Even their slang is much different, every one here asks, "You alright?" as opposed to, "Hey, Whats up?"

It can get confusing.

I now value conversations with family or friends even more because I do not have to pay such close attention to what they are saying.

I also have not gotten accustomed to the food over here just yet. It seems like all people eat is sausage and potatoes and drink cups of tea. With that being said, off campus their are so many different types of restaurants because London is such a diversely populated area. I have gone to Thai, Chinese and even Italian places all within a two-mile radius of each other.

London is also a massive city with so much going on at all times of the day. People drive like maniacs, much like they do in Massachusetts just on the opposite side of the road. Their is no such thing as "yielding for pedestrians." If you do not pay attention you will get hit by a car.

Their public transport system is as efficient as any in the world and even reaches the greater London area. You can enjoy the hustle and bustle of the big city but also relax in the suburbs. However, I do miss having my car and being able to drive anywhere whenever I want.

Overall, the students in England are much more open and accepting than we are in the United States. They enjoy their personal space but at the same time they love to learn about American culture and frequently ask us American students what college is like at home. I already feel welcome here because people are so curious about my life and interests. I know if strangers came and lived in a dorm at Stonehill it would take them a little longer to get used to the culture.

So far this experience has exceeded my expectations and I have not been here too long. I am starting to view life a bit differently than I would if I was home. If you have the opportunity to go abroad, do not hesitate, go.