My Study Abroad Experience
London, UK
Studying abroad has been the most fascinating and life-changing experience of my life. Studying abroad was my aspiration ever since I made the decision of going to college and something I craved and worked to finally make it happen. Making study abroad a part of my university education has effectively helped me develop skills because of the push I had to give myself to get out of my comfort zone to experience a new culture, environment, and education system. It taught me to appreciate differences and diversity first-hand. This experience has broadened my knowledge of British life and culture, but most importantly, it has widened and strengthen my interest in pursuing my passion in the fashion world while also cultivating my independence and personality. Traveling is another passion of mine, which was another reason why I had to take this opportunity and make the most out of it. The London program gave me the freedom to venture out and explore this massive city on academic trips and personal weekend breaks. This opportunity allowed me to not only learn about the food, traditions, and way of doing things but also the distinctive ways people portray different ideas, beliefs, and values. The cultural differences that I was able to truly understand created this deep perception in the way I view the world and a different style of a way of thinking. Therefore, I can confidently say that I value and see my culture with new eyes after learning about British life and culture. But without a doubt, the one thing I learned the most about was myself. I spent a great amount of time by myself that granted me to know more about who I am and who do I want to be. Because of this experience, I have become so much more comfortable with own company, I developed greater self-motivation, and I am no longer afraid of doing things on my own. Although I was lucky enough to spend time on my own, it certainly challenged me in various ways. In essence, it taught me to embrace challenges and easily understand diversity.
London Fashion
As London opened my eyes to new ideologies, it most definitely reinforces my love for fashion. This city and its cultural metropolis offered me to immerse myself more deeply in the industry through their iconic sense of fashion that they are known for and proud of. Because of its history, size, its diverse residents and the crazy busy chaos experienced every day, London created this adventurous spirit that has put the city on the fashion map. Fashion became part of London’s culture starting from the influences that the royalty families have had for decades now. Furthermore, many major fashion icons have come from London and have left a legacy that fashion lovers continue to empower. Mary Quant, Twiggy, Vivienne Westwood, Alexander McQueen, to name a few are all major figures that have influenced the fashion world and will forever be part of the fashion history. As of today, many leading fashion designers and companies, as well as internationally renowned designers, are located in the city and surroundings. In addition, London hosts one of the most important fashion events in the world, London Fashion Week. The clothing trade show that gathers fashion designers, influencers, fashion lovers to the city twice a year, in February and September. I was lucky enough to experience the hectic week of LFW while I lived there, and it was the best time to be there. I have never experienced something like it before, the photographers, journalists, fashion bloggers, and fashion students getting together to share the same passion and honor what gives us joy. Although you can only have access to the actual fashion shows if you are a buyer, I was still able to live the energy transmitted in the streets of London
