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Today, my American friends and I are embarking on an undeniably English dining experience: fish and chips. The irony about this is that we have been living in England for four months now and still haven't tried the British delicacy, mostly because none of us are especially crazy about fish. But alas, we feel it is the right thing to do, because let's face it - how could we get on a plane to America without that experience?

One thing my friends and I have learned to love is tea. In fact, you could say it's our acquired obsession. Tea time in England is absolutely lovely because of the way it's served and the customs that guide it. I love being served a whole pot of tea with a side of cream. I pour my teacup about 4/5 of the way with tea and leave room for just a spot of cream at the top. What's more, I adore the relaxed atmosphere of all the tea rooms and cafes. Having tea is a sit down experience in England: tea to-go isn't really a thing here. It's all about taking a break during the day to relax, reflect and of course enjoy some English Breakfast or Darjeeling (my favorites!). It doesn't matter if you have your tea alone or with friends. If I'm alone, I like to read the Bristol student newspaper, but other times I just do nothing at all. That's the beauty of Europe: Europeans really know how to enjoy life. The English are hard workers, but they know the meaning of having a balance.

Tea time has helped me to savor the little moments in my study abroad experience. I've realized that I am happiest when I'm here in Bristol with my friends, just quietly absorbing the culture around me.

If there's one tradition I know I'll be carrying back to America with me, it's tea time.

 

Until next time -

Xx, Anisha

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By anishag22

As I prepare to finish the last assignments of my junior year this week, I keep thinking about how strange and simultaneously amusing the academic differences between England and America are. Sometimes it's just hard to believe that there is such a disparity in the workload. I touched on this in an earlier post upon my arrival in Bristol, but now having completed most of the semester I think I can speak to the costs and benefits of each academic system.

Essentially, my workload at GW is at least three times as intense as it is here in Bristol, and that's saying something because the University of Bristol is not a shabby institution: It's part of the Russell Group (the UK's equivalent to the Ivy League) and ranked in the top 30 universities worldwide. And yet, I find myself sitting here in Bristol writing one essay that counts for 100 percent of my grade in my upper division politics class. In America, I typically have at least five assignments/essays/exams that combine to constitute my final grade. In fact, I'm pretty sure "busy work" isn't even a phrase in England, because busy work doesn't exist. To be honest, "homework" doesn't either. I keep up with the readings which of course helps as you're writing the essay, but I am never quizzed on what I've read like I am at GW - it's just assumed that you know how to pace yourself and do the work required to succeed in the course.

As for which system I prefer, it's hard to say because I like elements of both. I strongly believe that both countries should actually alter the current system: American universities should relax a little and allow students more academic independence through less busy work, but UK universities could use a bit more continuous assessment. There needs to be a middle ground. At GW, I'm constantly feeling deadline pressure for something, but at Bristol that's a rare feeling. The downside about American universities is the constant stress and occasional inability to retain information because of the nonstop assessments, but the upside is that you are continuously engaged in the subject matter. The downside about UK universities is the lack of continuous engagement with the subject matter, but the upside is that with the reduced stress  I have actually found myself doing independent research just for the fun of it - I feel more engaged and excited about my courses here in Bristol. In sum, US and UK universities could learn a thing or two from each other, so here's to hoping that both countries can find that academic "sweet spot" in the near future.

 

Until next time -

Xx, Anisha

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By anishag22

A week ago today, I finally returned back to Bristol after a month of traveling. Ironically, even after seeing so many beautiful places throughout Europe, this past week in Bristol has been my favorite week yet. The reason is simple: Returning to Bristol felt like I was returning home. I've seen six countries and 10 cities in 30 days, but Bristol is still my favorite of them all. I suppose it's a cliche, because almost everyone I know who studies abroad ends up loving wherever they go. But strolling in the sun along the harborside this weekend made me realize just how livable this city really is.

I'm absolutely emotionally attached to Bristol - but mostly because of its people. My flatmates have become family to me, and I've truly met some of the kindest people in my life here. There's a communal friendliness in the air that's unlike anything I've ever experienced. Bristol also has such a distinct culture: it's Banksy's hometown, of course, but the street art is just one example of a general laid-back, cool vibe pulsing through the city's veins.

The truth is that since I've been traveling so much recently, I haven't really had the time to properly explore Bristol like I want to. We are too often caught in the trap of school to gym to dorm and back again without making it a point to see all there is to see. That's why I am so looking forward to the end of exams:  May 30th. I get two whole weeks of leisure before heading back to California on June 14th, and I intend to do a whole lot of local sightseeing before I get on that plane to America. Even thinking about leaving Bristol so soon is devastating because I know that if I had the option to stay another semester I would do it in a heartbeat, but I just have too much to attend to stateside, academically and otherwise. Before I left America, I remember people telling me about how sometimes a semester abroad is too short - how people get attached and wish they did a whole year abroad. Well, add me to the list. My advice for prospective study abroad students is this: If you can make a year abroad fit into your academic requirements, jump in with both feet and just go for it. I promise you won't regret it.

 

Until next time-

Xx, Anisha

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By anishag22

Today marks the final day of my month-long spring break adventure, and I´m wrapping it up in Vienna, Austria. Before coming to Vienna I was in Italy and then Prague, so upon arrival I was pleasantly surprised by how much less "touristy" Vienna is in comparison. Vienna has so much to offer - its history, music, culture and pristine gardens have captured my heart. Over the past month of traveling, it does get exhausting at a certain point because every city starts to look the same. Vienna has been uniquely refreshing because it is a beautiful major city that just happens to be less popular for tourists, thus allowing me to see the sights without getting overwhelmed by my fellow travelers.

I´m not quite sure why Vienna is the hidden gem of this trip. When you´re here, you would think it would be flooded with tourists because of how much it has to offer. My best friend and I have had an amazing time here going to concerts, hanging out in Viennese cafes and of course checking out the ultimate snack market - "Naschmarkt." But Vienna is not an extremely popular study abroad destination these days. In my study abroad deliberations, I was actually strongly considering Vienna as an alternative to Bristol, but in the end I decided that learning German wasn't exactly at the top of my to-do list. At the end of the day, I´m so glad I chose Bristol, but leaving Vienna is bittersweet. I already have a list of what I´d like to do on a return trip - seeing the Vienna Philharmonic is a must, and a sidetrip to Salzburg to do the Sound of Music tour is too!

I feel so lucky and fortunate to have had this amazing opportunity - I´ve traveled through Europe for 30 days straight, and I can safely say that my worldview has changed as a result. For now, it´s back to Bristol for me as I prepare to buckle down and push through the last of my exams while still savoring every moment I have left in the city that´s become my home.

 

Until next time -

Xx, Anisha

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By anishag22

Tomorrow, I'll be making my way by train to the Eternal City, Roma. The past week in Italy has been amazing - I've seen the famous Venetian canals and soaked up the sun in Florence while enjoying fabulous gelato along the way. Italy has lived up to the stereotypes of the Southern European countries in that Italians do indeed enjoy a slower pace of life - slower than I'm used to now in England. For example, you will never get your check at a restaurant unless you ask for it, and even then the waiters are in no rush at all to get it to your table. In a way it's nice to experience a more leisurely meal, but I supposed I'm just too acclimated to the American dining experience to not get at least a little impatient. One thing I can't complain about is the weather - this is definitely the most sun I've had since coming abroad. I've also noticed that Italians are pretty friendly people. Part of that is because most of these cities I'm visiting survive off of tourism - without it, they simply wouldn't exist, especially in Venice where it was sometimes hard to move through the intense crowds (and this is the low season, they say)!

If I had more time in Italy, I would love to venture out to a smaller town so that I could get a more authentic Italian experience. The farthest off the beaten track I've been is Pisa, which as you can imagine is still pretty touristy. One thing I've learned from this super long spring break is how I like to travel. The past few weeks have been very fast paced, going from one city and one country to the next - I can hardly believe that it was three weeks ago that I started the trip in Dublin. I think I prefer to travel at a slower pace- spending maybe five days or so in each place. I also prefer visiting smaller cities and less visited towns. It is in that method of travel that you truly get to know a country or a city, from the inside out. Granted, the big tourist-attracting cities attract tourists for a reason, but I just think that sometimes it gets too overwhelming and commercialized for my taste. In other news, today is my official three month mark of being abroad! I truly cannot fathom how it has been three months since that chilly day in London when I stepped out of Heathrow and into the greatest adventure of my life.

 

Until next time -

Xx, Anisha

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By anishag22

Friday marked the end of my trip to Paris, and it was also my last visit to the City of Lights for this semester. I feel so lucky to have been able to spend a weekend plus a whole other week in Paris thus far. Leaving Paris, I felt like I had gained a good grasp of what the city is about. I can find my way on the Paris metro, know the best and most picturesque times to visit the Eiffel, and I now know a bit about the French lifestyle. Paris has truly captured my heart, so I've decided to list a few reasons why.

 

1. Picnicking on the Seine. It's free, it's fabulous and during spring it is absolutely gorgeous. There is nothing better than taking your crepe or sandwich down to the river's edge and letting your feet dangle over the ledge as you take in the stunning views of Paris.

2. Paris's museums are to die for. The city is home to some of the best and most famous artwork in the world. On my most recent visit, I went to the Van Gogh special exhibit at the Orsay, and it was truly awe-inspiring to see so many of Van Gogh's pieces together in one room. My favorite thing to do is stand close to the painting from the side, because you can actually see how thick the paint has been applied. You would never know that just by seeing the painting in a textbook!

3. The history. From Saint Chapelle to Notre Dame, Paris is home to some of the oldest and most beautiful architecture in the world. The almost 1,000-year-old Saint Chapelle is a testament to ornate Gothic architecture, with stained glass windows that tell the story of the Bible from creation onwards. As I gazed up at these windows, I was struck by how much time and effort must have gone into preparing every single individual stained glass scene by hand.

4. The shopping! And I don't mean just Champs Elysse. The shopping that I enjoy the most in Paris is on little side streets and neighborhoods off the beaten path, like Montmarte (The stunning views from Sacre Coure don't hurt either!).

Up next for me is Venice, Florence, Rome, Prague and finally Vienna, so stay tuned for more from my travels!

 

Until next time -

Xx, Anisha

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By anishag22

This week marks the start of my month-long spring break adventure, with my trip currently underway in Ireland. My mom and I began our trip in Dublin, and we are now on the west coast of the country in Galway. While I absolutely loved Dublin, Galway has a certain small-city charm that makes it feel undeniably Irish. Upon thinking more about why Galway captured my heart, I realized that it's due to its similarities with Bristol.

Galway is basically the Bristol of Ireland: it's smaller than Dublin but thrives off its large student population. Both Bristol and Galway are lively cities that offer a more authentic experience of the country as opposed to the two major urban draws: London and Dublin. I'm realizing it's not just Bristol that I adore, but perhaps all European college towns.

A city dominated by young adults makes for an interesting city indeed. There's always something going on every night of the week and there's usually an urban city center as well as quieter areas full of natural beauty. Simply put, college towns have it all.

While there's something to be said for big cities and their endless variety, I can't help but feel that they lack the "sense of place" that comes with small city college towns. Studying abroad is about expanding your horizons and trying new things, and for me, Bristol has been a completely different type of city than any other I have lived in. Going to a new country is great, but changing it up even more is better.

Until next time -

Xx, Anisha

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By anishag22

Before I came to Bristol, I had my life all planned out: Continue interning in PR until graduation, then get a PR job right away in San Francisco. While it's likely that I'll end up back home in California eventually, being in Bristol these last few months has changed my outlook on a lot of things. I am absolutely loving my time here, so much so that it's made me consider what my life could be like if I moved out of the country or deviated from my PR plans for a little.

The truth is, no one can predict what will happen in the next few years, but I know that my time abroad has opened my eyes to new possibilities. I'm still extremely career-motivated (just like most GW students) and know that I'll most likely start out a career in public relations, but I think that I'm a little less hard on myself now. For example, last summer I applied to countless internships and would get so upset at rejection. Now, I'm a little more go-with-the-flow. I see it more as "If it works out, it works out, and if it doesn't, that's alright too."

At GW, students are so insanely career-motivated: the pressure is always on to have a great internship and be one step ahead of the pack. At University of Bristol, students are much more easygoing yet still focused on academic success. It's nice to get a taste of the latter, if only for one semester.

The beauty of 'the future' is the fact that it is never set in stone. Everything is malleable because we are constantly evolving, growing and learning new things on a daily basis. In the short time that I've been here, Bristol has allowed me to grow, mature and enjoy the day-to-day. My ideal future three months ago looks a bit different from my ideal future now, and that's okay. If who we are is a sum of all of our experiences, then I'm certainly glad that my time in Bristol is a part of it.

 

Until next time -

Xx, Anisha

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By anishag22

The last three consecutive weekends, I have left Bristol to take weekend trips: First Paris, then Wales, then Berlin. This weekend I have finally been able to relax a little and enjoy all that this wonderful city has to offer. One Bristol student recently created a stunning time-lapse of main attractions  in the city, and watching it made me realize how much I have grown to love my new home in Bristol.

As I'm now about halfway through this study abroad adventure, I feel as though I can give some useful advice to prospective study abroad students. My advice is this: Find a balance between traveling and taking the time to explore what's right around you in your own city. At this moment, I feel like I've found the perfect balance, but I know that if I had taken any more weekend trips, I would have felt like I was missing out on experiencing Bristol. One of my best friends who studied abroad in Florence last semester gave me some great advice before I left. She told me to stay put in Bristol for the first month, because that's when genuine friendships are built - It's the time for you to establish a connection to your new home.

I took her advice, and couldn't be happier that I did. Looking back, I've realized that in my first month I made friendships that have been a defining part of my study abroad experience. I had so much fun just exploring Bristol and following my flatmates around to all the best spots in town - after all, what better way is there to assimilate than to do as the locals do?

Your time abroad is precious, so I can only recommend that students make the most of it however they feel is right. But if I've learned anything from the past few months here, it's that finding the right balance between travel and local exploration makes for a fulfilling and amazing time abroad!

 

Until next time-

Xx, Anisha

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By anishag22

As I sit at my computer typing this blog post, I can't help but feel shocked when I look at the date. Seriously though, when did it get to be March? Let alone mid-March? Have I really been in England for 2 months now?

Time is flying by so much faster here than it does back home. This weekend I'm headed to Berlin, though it will be my last weekend trip for awhile, which is in a way relieving because all of this  back and forth from Bristol has been a little stressful. In just two weeks, I'll be headed off on the adventure of a lifetime: one month of nonstop travel with my parents and then my best friend. It's surreal that I'll be going to Ireland, Scotland, France, Italy, the Czech Republic and finally Austria in the span of 30 days - I feel so lucky to have this opportunity (Big thanks to UK higher ed for the month-long "Easter Break!")

My realization of how quickly time is passing has helped me to remember to try to enjoy every second of this experience. At this point, I'm feeling  well-adjusted and acclimated to Bristol. The culture shock has worn off, and what's left of any 'homesickness' only creeps in when, for example, someone explicitly mentions California.

I still distinctly remember one day about 2 months ago now when my American friends and I were sitting in the local Bristol Starbucks, silently sipping our drinks. We were about 3 days in to our Bristol experience, and we were hating it. Starbucks was our safe haven of familiarity, but even there we didn't feel wholly comfortable. We were all simply too put off by cultural difference to let anything 'new' in. My friends and I look back at that time now and laugh, and it's great to see how far we've come. I am about as integrated as I could possibly be with my 10 English flatmates and I have even started incorporating a few British slang terms into my daily vocabulary!

When I was in Paris two weeks ago, I saw how different it was for my friend who is living with other Americans within her program. Although she obviously faces a language difference that I don't, I think that her experience would be so much richer had she been able to live with French students. I whole-heartily recommend any students considering studying abroad who are reading this to think about fully integrating yourself by stepping outside your comfort zone and choosing to live with non-Americans. My decision to do so has truly been one of the highlights of my study abroad experience thus far!

Until next time-

Xx, Anisha

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