October in Manchester
By Sasha O.
Published Nov. 3, 2025
The first time I received a grade back, it definitely made me pause. It was for my Chinese class, where we were asked to write an essay about our language-learning journey. When I submitted it, I felt confident that I had met the expectations, so seeing a 75% initially surprised me. Wanting to understand how…
Finding balance in Edinburgh
By Tom W.
Published Oct. 3, 2025
It’s hard to believe that it’s already been a month since I arrived in Edinburgh. The weeks have flown by in a blur of classes, and I’m still getting used to the rhythm of life here. One of the biggest challenges so far has been learning how to juggle my classes while also enjoying all…
September in Manchester
By Sasha O.
Published Oct. 1, 2025
The very first sentence spoken to me in the U.K. caught me completely off guard. Standing at an airport Starbucks, the worker looked up and asked, “Are you alright?” I hesitated before answering, slightly confused. “Yes… I’m alright,” I replied, wondering if I looked distressed after my flight. In the U.S., that question usually checks…
My time at Oxford University
By Nick H.
Published Aug. 6, 2025
https://flic.kr/p/2rkYkif This is me in front of Big Ben. There are many important statues in this park I am standing in. For the month of July, I spent my entire time studying at the University of Oxford with the Kinder-RAI program. This was an amazing experience, as I got to eat so many different foods,…
London Tube
By Lily P.
Published Aug. 5, 2025
When it comes to getting around London the underground transport, otherwise known as the Tube, was probably the easiest public transport I’ve ever come across. Coming from the U.S. where, at least where I’m from, the only way to get around really is having a car, I had no clue what using public transport will…
The friends I made along the way
By Audrie S.
Published Aug. 1, 2025
When I started this program, I was nervous about making friendships. However, I have found some of the most amazing people who have changed my life for the better. Even though some of these people I only knew for a short amount of time, the love I have for them can never replicated. Staying here…
Riding the Tube
By Landon A.
Published Aug. 1, 2025
If you’re like me, coming from a rural Missouri town, then something you are likely incredibly unfamiliar with is public transportation (specifically the kind that actually works!). This was one of the biggest culture shocks to me from coming to the United Kingdom to study abroad, thanks to the Kinder Institute, for a month. Going…
Exploring English soccer
By Jack D.
Published July 9, 2025
During my time in London, I was able to visit multiple soccer (football) stadiums. Soccer has been my primary sport since I was young. I started playing around age 6 and played all the way through high school, and have always kept up with the Premier League (the top English Soccer League). When I was…
The beauty of humans
By Audrie S.
Published July 7, 2025
Before going on this program, I wanted a way to commemorate my time here, but not the basic souvenir postcards and magnets. I have this notebook that I got the last time I was here, two years ago, that would be perfect to easily carry around. Throughout my time here I have asked people I…
New friends in a new country!
By Lily P.
Published July 2, 2025
https://flic.kr/p/2rhahEh Prague! Coming to a new country for the entire summer not knowing anyone was for sure an intimidating task. I somehow really didn't feel nervous to come abroad even though I had no expectations for what was to come. There was lots of orientation the first week/weekend which gave me a chance to meet…