This story is featured in the 2023 edition of the HPU Magazine.
Featured above: Drs. Amanda Allen, pictured far right, and Scott MacLeod, pictured far left, led the Humanities in London Maymester course. During a weekend excursion to Oxford, England, the class toured the city and parts of Oxford University. Here they’re seen standing in the square surrounding the Radcliffe Camera, and behind them is part of All Souls College.
By Erin McGovern, Class of 2023
Before coming to High Point University, I always knew I wanted to study abroad.
As a history student, traveling and seeing the history we talked about in person made all the difference to my education. Taking a history course on the Humanities in London Maymester program made what I was learning that much more real.
I had only left the East Coast of the U.S. once in my life prior to this experience. The idea of living in another country for a whole month felt surreal to me.
It didn’t hit me that I was studying abroad in London until the night before my flight when I was saying goodbye to my family and friends. To say I was anxious would be an understatement.
Saying Farewell to Fear
I was afraid of the culture shock, and I was nervous I was not prepared to travel internationally.
Did I have all the proper documentation? Did I forget anything essential while packing? How different was living in another country going to be?
I was scared to say the least. But by the time we got to the airport, my anxiety took a backseat and my excitement sparked. I realized that I was finally fulfilling a lifelong dream – I was studying history in a country that I spent so long talking about!
I had quite a few “aha” moments that connected the dots between my education and my experience abroad. However, the first was one I will never forget.
Before our class’ first excursion in London, Dr. Amanda Allen, one of the professors leading the trip, had mentioned we would experience a lot of emotions when visiting these sites. Initially, I brushed aside her comment.
During our first group trip to Westminster Abbey, I remember jumping up and down with joy when Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament became visible.
I was finally seeing it all.
The things I had only read about. The things I had only ever seen pictures of. The things I spent hours in lectures fascinated by. They were finally right in front of me, in person. It was a magical moment.
And after a five-minute walk to Westminster Abbey, I started to cry. To be standing in front of Westminster Abbey was one of the most insane experiences I’ve ever had. The architecture, the 750 years of history right before my eyes, the thought of standing in the same spot as so many prominent historical figures — it was all so beautiful.
Big World, Big Dreams
Being at these historical sites made me appreciate what I studied even more.
Our trip also lined up perfectly with the late Queen Elizabeth’s Platinum Jubilee. Being a part of the once-in- a-lifetime celebration was such a special experience. All of London was celebrating and the environment was electric. People from all over the world gathered to see the extravagant pomp and circumstance. Not to mention, I had the chance to see the Royal Family in person.
There is something so humbling and astounding about seeing where the history you’ve studied for years took place. Walking through Westminster, touring the Tower of London, visiting the castles and palaces of the Royal Family, and seeing ancient ruins made my studies tangible.
Making the world my classroom has better prepared me for the world after graduation. I am grateful to have had the opportunity to participate in activities that fostered my passions, studies and dreams, but also expanded my knowledge of the world, pushed me to try new things and got me outside of my comfort zone.
Upon returning from the trip, I can say that I am more willing to try new things and explore further. The world is filled with interesting people with beautiful stories and cultures. It is humbling and exciting to learn about these cultures as it gives a new perspective on life.
Studying abroad made me realize that although the world may be big, it is not something to fear. Instead, the idea of a big world should be exciting and intriguing.