My summer in London with British Studies was the best experience of my life. Through British Studies, I traveled to places and saw things I never thought I would. I met so many different types of people, and had the time of my life.  I wouldn't trade my experience through British Studies for anything. After studying in London for the summer, I am dying to go back!!!

—Haley Lewis, USM,
Class of 2006

The British Studies program not only brought me to an amazing place I'd never been before, but it also helped me learn more about a different style of journalism and a different culture. The majority of our lectures were outside the classroom and with people in the actual field of journalism so it gave me ample time to see and hear about Britain first-hand. We also had a lot of free time to do our own travelling. The whole experience was very enlightening and an absolute blast, and I came back to the States a better person for it!

—Amanda Hill, Lyndon State College,
Class of 2006

British Studies is one of the best decisions I have ever made. The whole month was incredible. I had so much fun with Dr. Davies and all of the people I met. I got to see so many interesting places and things. On top of being immersed into the British media, theater, and pubs, we got to go to Edinburgh, Scotland, which was AMAZING. I also was fortunate enough to take a trip to Rome, Italy. This experience is definately unforgettable and I recommend it to everyone.

—Mailena M. Vo, University of Arkansas,
Class of 2006

Taking part in the British Studies program has been one of the most inspiring, educational, thought-provoking and rewarding things I have ever done. It was also the most fun I have ever had in a month. The program provided me with the opportunity to see things I never would have been able to see even if I had visited the UK on my own. It was an experience I cannot possibly forget, and I cannot wait to go abroad again.

—Megan Garner, University of Arkansas,
Class of 2006

British Studies was one of the best things I've ever done. This is not a paid plug for the program, but I really did learn more that month in London than all of the years I've been at school. You learn so much easier because you are living and experiencing the things you are talking about in class. The laid back atmosphere of the classes makes learning the material easier. You bond quickly with other
students and experience things together that you will remember for the rest of your life.

—Houston Steelman, USM,
Class of 2006

Intro to British Journalism was the most interesting course I took during my academic career at USM. Physically being at all of the places we were reading about and having a one on one experience was so much more valuable than just sitting in a classroom. Aside from this course, the London experience as a whole was life changing. Living and exploring the city over a four week period gave me a chance to embrace the culture and lifestyle. From historic sites, to just about every pub in the city, I was able to experience it all! I encourage all students to take advantage of this amazing opportunity!

—Megan Watts, USM,
Class of 2005

British Studies was such a fulfilling academic experience for me. Besides having access to such an incredible city like London, the friendships made while studying abroad have proved to be indestructible. Surrounded by my peers, we experienced Europe as if we were seasoned travelers, taking weekend excursions to Wales, France and Italy all the while establishing a sense of independence and responsibility. Though our arrival in London was bittersweet due to the July subway bombings, each of us left the program with a forged respect for the people of London and the experience we shared in our "home away from home".

—Caroline Shull, USM,
Class of 2005

I learned a lot about British journalism, which in itself was an eye-opening experience, but more than that I learned that there's so much more to the world than I thought, and that there was nothing stopping me from seeing all of it. I learned more about myself than I could have ever imagined, and I made friendships that I never could have without the British Studies Program. I couldn't put a price tag on my memories and experiences from that summer, and I would do it again in a heartbeat.

—Lindsey Mayhall, USM,
Class of 2005

The summer I spent in London studying British Journalism was one of the most beneficial classes I took my entire collegiate career. In an age where professors are teaching "community journalism," the British Studies program brings a fresh international perspective to the communications field. By immersing yourself in actual newsrooms and production facilities, the classwork becomes less about theory and more about practical real world experience. In addition, you'll also have ample time to explore London, the British Isles and even continental Europe. You can experience anything and everything from the British Gran Prix, to Wimbeldon, to the British Open, to the running of the bulls, to the Tour de France, to the Farnborough International Airshow. One of the most vibrant and eclectic continents is at your fingertips!

—Matt Tripp, Auburn University,
Class of 2003

British Journalism was one of the best life-changing experiences that I had while in college. The people I met, the places I went, and Dr. Davies' field trips were all worth the money. The program gave me the opportunity to see different cultural lifestyles up close and personal, and it made me realize that the United States is just one of several different kinds of cultures. My advice for students thinking of taking British Journalism: There is no such thing as "I got enough money." If you think you have enough, think again! London is quite expensive, yet
fun! But if I had to do it it all over again, I wouldn't change a thing.

—Matt Lantrip, USM,
Class of 2003

Throughout my entire education, my experience during British Studies was truly unprecedented. I learned first-hand about other cultures while making realizations about my own culture. With the classroom structure combined with free time, this program is the perfect blend of education and fun. We visited top-notch journalists and media organizations and toured historic sites, but we were also able to branch off into groups and travel to other countries in Europe. In addition, studying abroad opened my mind to new ideas, and it has even helped me on the job. Not only on the job, but it has also helped me to get jobs. When employers see that you are "worldly," they know you have a greater perspective than others might have. The British Studies program changed my life in so many ways. I encourage other students to take advantage of this wonderful opportunity!

—Elizabeth Slade , USM,
Class of 2002

The British Studies program was a complete learning experience. Because we were totally immersed in the culture, we got a much clearer idea of what British Journalism is. From visits to the BBC and the Parliament press area to reading daily editions of the tabloids and visiting historic printing presses, we learned all aspects of the British press. I would encourage anyone to sign up. The month spent in London was one of the happiest of my life. My classmates, Dr Davies, and the local guest lecturers made the experience truly amazing and very memorable. If I may make an extra comment, the trip to Fleet Street, and especially St Bride's Church was especially moving. Seeing the memorials to fallen journalists, being able to light a candle for them, really brought a new sense of what it would mean to be a journalist. It was a warm moment to contemplate the idea of community and the more philosophical ideas behind the profession.

—Emily Evans, USM,
Class of 2002

The British studies program opened my eyes to the world of true professional journalism. When my fellow classmates and I met with top-notch writers for large publications, I was able to see how successful journalists worked in the real world. Although British and American journalism differ on some level (with the First Amendment being an obvious differentiation between the cultures), the drive to inform the public is the same. I take into account today how to those well-known writers perceived the power of the press, and I do my best to follow their lead.

—Jami Maday, University of Southern Indiana,
Class of 2002