By Jessica Wesson
Studying abroad in the United Kingdom was a great way for me to start my international experience. I had never traveled outside of the United States before this trip, and it was easy for me to feel comfortable about getting out of the country. I love traveling, and I thought about it my whole life. This study abroad was a great opportunity for me to experience a new culture and way of life.
Another reason I chose this particular program is because it was agriculture communications focused. I am an agricultural communications major, so the trip was tailored for someone like me. I was excited to see the farms and how they raise livestock and crops in England. I wanted to learn about how the United Kingdom communicated about agriculture.
I think this trip has helped me in my professional and academic goals because it opened my eyes to the world around me. I believe that I was primarily focused on American agriculture, and I didn’t really worry about global issues. After this trip I have seen a whole other country’s agriculture industry, and I learned how to do things differently. I was able to see that American agriculture is only part of the solution to feed the world. There are things that we do well, but there are many things we could learn from other countries like the United Kingdom. I think this trip has prepared me to be open-minded and well-rounded.
My classes helped me relax about preparing to go on this trip. As I mentioned earlier, I have never traveled internationally. I was nervous about what to pack, how much to bring, currency exchange, culture shock, and other uncertainties that come along with travel. I was able to ask questions and learn from people who’d already gone on this trip. Another benefit to my classes and professor was learning about key elements of English culture before immersing in it. I had the ability to understand things and take it in before I had to interact with people of that culture. I think it made it easier to connect and converse with the people that live there. It was a lot less scary going into the trip knowing the background, prevalent issues, and unpopular opinions.
The classes before we left were usually about two hours long, which is longer than any regular UA classes. They were also in the evening once a week, which is different than a normal schedule. I believe that the classes we had while overseas were very beneficial. We had a photography workshop, and that was really neat. It was very relaxed and casual, allowing students to learn in an inviting environment. Not everyone on our trip was from the agricultural communications discipline, so I am sure photography wasn’t the easiest subject for them. I think our reflections were also a good idea. I was able to express myself with a group of peers. It was interesting to see people’s differing and similar opinions.
I had so many interactions with the culture, there is no real way to sum it all up. One of the biggest issues in British agriculture is Brexit. The United Kingdom voted to leave the EU under no certain circumstances.
The United Kingdom hasn’t negotiated favorable terms to leave, and if they don’t do so soon, then they will have to leave with no terms. Now months later after several failed attempts, the Prime Minister is stepping down.
The view of British and Scottish farmers is largely negative considering Brexit. I completely agree with them. The danger of leaving the EU is all too real for them, especially if the agreements don’t turn out good. The subsidies will disappear. Most of the English farmers depend on those to make a living. We were told that if those were to be taken away, then farmers will go into debt and be forced to leave the farm.
UK farmers have become dependent on them to provide for themselves and their families. Now that the threat of that disappearing is real, they are not prepared. It is hard to imagine what they are going through, but honestly I am glad that the U.S. is more suited for such a thing.
Now I don’t think we have it completely figured out, but I think that this wouldn’t be as crippling for us. Depending solely on government money for a positive bank account is dangerous and a very fragile thing. Now, don’t get me wrong I think it is a very great thing, but when farmers get too reliant it turns very dangerous.
Another interesting aspect of Great Britain is all the rich history there. I love history, and I love studying it. One thing I noticed was just how OLD the UK is. They are centuries older than America, and they have the history to prove it. There is so much to learn about England that Americans can’t comprehend. We are a young nation compared to others on this earth. Great Britain was around a long time before we decided to become a country. I think that’s one of the biggest shocks for me. Several locals commented on how they cherish their old buildings and the original character of their cities. They criticize Americans for tearing down old buildings to replace them with modern structures and constantly moving forward without regard for the past. I was amazed at the respect they have for ancestors and their country’s history.
I would recommend this program for anyone interested in traveling. England is a beautiful country, and this program allows you to see both rural areas and major cities. This program has so much to offer, no matter what your interests are. It was the perfect first international experience, so if anyone else is nervous about traveling abroad it would be a great first trip.
I don’t wish I had known more than I already did. I felt well-prepared and confident going into my trip. I enjoyed learning when I got there. I don’t think it would have been as fun if I had already known everything. I feel like learning as you go is part of the experience. I do wish I had known the difference between a plug-in converter and a voltage converter. There is a difference, and unfortunately I learned that lesson because of a blown up hair dryer.
The first thing I did when I got home was hugged my grandparents and ate Mexican food. The first real thing I did was show them photos from my adventure and presented them with their souvenirs. I was eager to share my experience with them and show them what I did for two whole weeks. I haven’t seen my parents or brother since I have been home, so I am still excited to show them too.
