Lindsey Sweatland

Major and minor:
Marketing major and Electronic Media minor.

Campus activities:
Circle of Excellence Marketing Chair, Business Fellows Leadership Circle and Mentor, Football Office student worker.

Graduation year:
2019.

Location and type of program where you studied abroad:
Early career experience in the United Kingdom.

Describe your study abroad location for someone who has never been there:
London was a very beautiful, old-fashioned type of place. There is so much detail and craftsmanship in the buildings and the number of museums and galleries they have available to the public for free was incredible. It was a very busy place but there was space for large parks which was very cool to see in the middle of so many buildings and people. Lastly, it was the most diverse place I have ever had the pleasure of visiting.

What's your favorite memory from your time abroad?
My favorite memory from this experience abroad was walking across the street from the hotel to the park that Kensington Palace was located in. I love walking through parks and through any type of natural area because I find it very refreshing and calming. It was our second to last night there and it was a nice way to wind down and reflect on our time there so far and take a breather from how fast the week was going by.

How has study abroad changed you as a person?
It opened my eyes to the rest of the world. This was the first time I was on another continent and there is something scary, but freeing, about being an ocean away. I felt older and more independent, even more so than walking into my dorm for the first time. It makes you realize how big this world is and how fortunate you are to have the opportunity to be abroad.

What professional skills did you gain abroad?
I learned to dress to impress all the time. Everyone in London looks their very best one hundred percent of the time! I felt very out of place in my hoodie. I also learned the importance of patience and following your passions.

What accomplishment are you most proud of during your time abroad?
I am most proud of the fact that I tried new things. I tried new food, different types of tea, and I tried to immerse myself in the local culture. I also attempted to get to know everyone in the program. I made a lot of new friends.

Why should every student study abroad?
Students should study abroad because it gives you an amazing look into what's happening outside of your personal world. It's very humbling to be in a new place and there is so much that can be taken from it.