A Slower Life

Throughout the month of June, I had the immense pleasure of studying abroad in England with the College of Business Administration. During our short month across the pond, we studied Operations Management (MGMT 331) and International Business (BUSA 419). Our courses, which were led by Dr. Kyle Tippens and Dr. Monty Lynn, focused heavily on the role of business in British history and culture. Throughout the course, we got to tour local businesses to see the practical application of the concepts we discussed in class lectures. Local businesses we toured included Morgan Motor Company, The Oxford Artisan Distillery, and New Lanark (an 18th-century cotton mill that remains in operation today). In addition to business-focused sites, we toured areas rich with history, including Blenheim Palace, The Churchill War Rooms, Westminster Abbey, The Kilns (also known as C. S. Lewis House), and The Scottish Highlands.

On one of our free weekends, a friend and I, went to see The Royal Air Force Museum, The Imperial War Museum, and Silverstone (a former Air Force base turned into a world renound Formula One raceway). 

In addition to my coursework, I also remained in-country to help lead the inaugural trip of Summer Scholars, a week-long study abroad experience for rising high school sophomores and juniors. During this trip, we stayed two nights in Oxford and three nights in London. During our time in Oxford, we attended the evensong at Christ Church and the Grand Opening of ACU’s Oxford house located at 163 Woodstock Road. In London, we visited the Tate Modern Museum, Explored Covent Garden, and attended the musical Wicked (which was absolutely amazing). 

One of the most noticeable things I experienced on my trip was that the pace of life in England was slower than ours in the United States. It seemed that people had a much greater sense of a work-life balance and made it a point to pause in their day to enjoy tea, food, or, yes, a pint of beer. This was refreshing to experience, especially as someone who is always going and going, and I hope to incorporate this practice into my life at home. Additionally, although the traditional English food wasn’t my favorite, I did appreciate the diverse ethnic cuisine that England had. The best food I have had while I was here was Indian street food. 

Although there were many positive experiences on this trip, I also had to work through  a deep sense of disconnection and loneliness. For someone who had never traveled outside of the country, a month and a half was a long time to be away from my family and friends. Nevertheless, I found ways to cope with being so far away from home, like spending time in nature at Port Meadow, staying active, and speaking with family and friends frequently. Overall, this experience was definitely life-changing. I gained a better understanding of who I am and formed meaningful relationships with my peers and professors that will last a lifetime.

The Radcliffe Camera