While only being in England for a week, it felt as though I was there for a lifetime, and I wish I could spend another lifetime there. I went into this program knowing next to nothing about the cities we would be exploring and staying at and I left with an incredible amount of knowledge and gratitude for these places. 

     Every city we visited was different from the previous, each had their own characteristics and charm that set them apart. Each place had their own unique landmarks like the Tate in Liverpool, to University College in Oxford, to the home of Shakespeare in Stratford-Upon-Avon. 

     My favorite city, was Liverpool, which happened to be the first city we went to. The combination of being in England finally after waiting close to a year, to the start of some wonderful friendships, to being in a smaller town and seeing what was all there. Taking the tour to see the Beatles landmarks such as Penny Lane, Strawberry Fields, and the Philharmonic was definitely my favorite part of Liverpool. Never would I have imagined to see such musical landmarks. 

     Next, traveling to Birmingham visiting the Bullring & Grand Central, one of the biggest malls in the entire Untied Kingdom. While in Birmingham, we were able to take a day trip to Stratford-Upon-Avon, the birthplace of famous English playwright William Shakespeare. To not only see the hometown, but the home and burial of one of, if not, the most famous author of all time is beyond belief. 

     Oxford was a great city, seeing the college campuses and the collection of old churches. Walking around to the back of the university and seeing the greenery reminded me of the countryside of England that I always picture in my mind. 

     Going to our last city, London, the cultural Renaissance of the country. Seeing so much history here, which include the London Tower, the British Museum, Abbey Road, or even the underground system (“The Tube”). The collection of museums, theaters and parks all within a close distance to each other. 

     Visiting England was such a wonderful experience and one that I will never forget. I hope one day to travel back there, along with other countries around the world. I want to thank Professor Tunceren and Professor Monroe for being such great professors to have with us on our trip. I want to thank everyone at SPC and at EF for making this tour possible for every one of us.
– Jack, SPC England Study Abroad Program, March 2023