With Thanksgiving on the horizon, it feels like the perfect time to reflect on the incredible opportunity I had this past summer to intern abroad in London, England, through IES Abroad. As one could expect, this experience was nothing short of transformative, offering professional growth, cultural immersion and unforgettable connections.

If you’ve ever considered studying or, as in my case, gaining professional experience abroad during your time at Mizzou, let me be another voice among the choir: do it. For me, it was a pivotal step toward aligning my major with my career aspirations and building a network that I wouldn’t have gained otherwise. Though programs come with additional costs, the investment in yourself is worth it. With proactive planning, scholarships, financial aid, additional jobs (thank you, T/F Film Fest) and the support of my church families at Harvest Baptist Church of Blue Springs and Faith in Columbia, I was able to make it happen. My journey to this experience, however, was set on the rails of expectant prayer and a loose hand, allowing Christ to have full reign over my plans and expectations.

And – whew – did He exceed them.

That said, I’d love to kick off this reflection series with one of the most memorable parts of my summer: my trip to Bournemouth, England. While many encouraged me in droves to explore other countries during my time abroad (and I had visions of castles in Dublin, the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, and strolls in Amsterdam), the Lord had different plans for me.

A Change of Scenery

Before leaving for London, I only knew one person from England, my family friend Oshy, as we affectionately call him. Oshy lives in Bournemouth and had invited me to visit long before I knew London would be my internship location. It turned out to be the perfect opportunity to gain a more comprehensive view of England by exploring life outside the city.

The two-hour train ride to Bournemouth was an adventure in itself. The train was significantly overbooked, though I was able to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with fun, chatty locals the entire way. My twin sister, Aris, had joined me for the weekend, visiting from Mizzou’s Trulaske study abroad program in Alicante, Spain, where she worked as a Student Manager. Her company made the journey even more special, and we traded stories and laughs along the way.

When we arrived, Oshy greeted us with the same humor and hospitality he’d shown earlier that summer when he toured me around London. This time, he gave Aris and I a glimpse of his hometown, starting with a grocery store run to stock up on chocolate and other British snacks for our upcoming road trip. As we drove around, there was an immediate sense of comfort – something about Bournemouth felt deeply familiar, reminiscent of my own hometown, Kansas City.

Durdle Door: Nature’s Perfect Getaway

After meeting his parents and grabbing some sweatshirts, we headed towards our main destination: Durdle Door. And what can I say – it was absolutely captivating.

This breathtaking natural arch overlooking the Jurassic Coast glowed with turquoise waters, though its iciness deterred all but the most adventurous spirits. This was exactly the getaway I needed after working a month in the “hustle and bustle.” We spent our time soaking in the beauty, scratching our names into the limestone, mulling over where the Lord was taking us in our lives, talking to other visitors, and even racing back to the car – a comical feat.

Later, over dinner with Oshy’s family, I gained valuable insight into life in the UK. We discussed everything from England’s housing crisis and education system to the current elections and the biracial experience in Bournemouth, which contrasted the town’s hyper-diverse neighbor. These conversations were incredibly insightful, offering a side of England I wouldn’t have seen otherwise.

A Taste of English Life

The following morning, we enjoyed a traditional English breakfast (British bacon is an absolute win, but I’ll pass on the sausage!) and tea (which I do prefer to coffee) before catching the train back to London. There, I finished showing Aris around before her flight that evening. Although the trip was short, it was full of cherished memories and meaningful conversations.

Standing outside of London gave me clarity and perspective I hadn’t realized I needed. It affirmed that, while I can enjoy city life for a season, my heart belongs to quieter, more peaceful places. Much like someone from New York or L.A. visiting the Midwest, I saw a side of England that felt grounded and familial. It was beautiful to see a different lifestyle and engage with a family unit, an intimate and illuminating experience students may or may not get the chance to participate in.

Always More to Explore

Though traveling to other countries may be a potential part of your itinerary while abroad, I can’t urge you enough to explore your host country in every way possible. Exploring the underrated gems within your host country can be just as rewarding. For me, Bournemouth wasn’t just a new spot on the map – it was a warm reminder of what matters most: faith, family, and finding joy in the simplicity of life. This trip left me with a deeper understanding of England and a new appreciation for its culture. These memories are now a treasured part of my journey, and I’m grateful for every moment that brought me closer to the people and places I hold dear.

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Learn more about this blogger’s study abroad program: Global Internships