Name: Alexys Lemans
Major: English Language & Literature
Program: GVSU Partnership with Kingston University
Traveled Abroad Before: Yes

Q: What is the first thing that comes to mind when you think of your study abroad experience?
A: Friendship. Though I was only there for a semester, I built friendships that I'll cherish forever.

Q: Why did you choose this destination?
A: I had been lucky enough to travel to London when I graduated high school (and promptly fell in love with it!) and wanted another opportunity to explore the city, country, and surrounding countries.

Q: What are some things that surprised you about the campus, the classes, the culture, customs or traditions?
A: There was hardly any coursework throughout the semester! I was shocked that our grades for the class were primarily based on an essay or two and a final assessment.

Q: What are some things you would like students to know about studying abroad in this destination or the program provider you studied with?
A: Kingston University is a short train ride from central London, the key reason I chose this program. Kingston itself is wonderful, with plenty to do if you don't feel like venturing into central London, but I wouldn't pass up any chance you get to hop on the train and go. The program is okay; I found the international office staff at Kingston to be considerably less helpful than I'd have liked but I muddled through fine on my own.

Q: What advice would you offer?
A: Don't pass up any opportunity to travel! The beauty of studying abroad is learning about new cultures and lifestyles, and what better way than to experience as many as you can? If you do it right, you'll leave with knowledge far beyond what you learned in the classroom.

Q: What was your academic goal while studying abroad?
A: I wanted to learn as much about the culture in the UK as I could. I absorbed every bit of information I could.

Question? Email Alexys!