Visit England

Amy dellacrosse

I studied abroad in London, England, and my favorite part was making so many new friends. We had a great time bonding over musicals and made amazing memories together. The experience was unlike anything I had ever done because you're traveling with people that you don’t know at first, but by the time you leave, you have six new best friends.

Before this trip, I had never participated in a study abroad program, although my family traveled a lot while I was growing up. It’s not the same as being abroad for school—it was a lot more fun being with girlies my age and experiencing everything together.

One thing I noticed about the culture in London was that it felt more neighborhood-friendly and focused on community. Some of the other students and I got to explore on our own, and everyone was very welcoming and sociable, which helped us immerse ourselves in the culture.

SHSU helped me prepare by providing a lot of information that was incredibly thorough and helpful. I especially appreciated the study abroad orientation and all the little goodies we received while attending.

For students considering studying abroad, my biggest tips would be not to overpack and to enjoy every moment. I brought way too much and ended up having to leave things behind because carrying so much luggage while using public transportation was difficult. Most importantly, enjoy it—it goes by so, so fast.

If I had to convince someone to study abroad in just a few sentences, I would say: It really is so much fun. If I had the chance, I would do it a million and one more times.

tina ellison

My favorite part about studying abroad was being in the country and environment of the subject we were studying. It brought everything we were learning to life in a way that simply isn’t possible in a traditional classroom. And, of course, seeing lots of fantastic plays while doing so was an added bonus.

As a graduate student, I had a great time working alongside the undergraduates on the trip. It was fun to see their interpretations of the plays we read, and they were incredibly creative with the group projects we were assigned. Even though the graduate students had different assignments, the experience was just as enjoyable. For example, each graduate student was responsible for leading a discussion on a play, which gave us valuable experience and helped us get a feel for what it would be like to teach a literature course.

SHSU helped me prepare for the experience by providing a study abroad orientation that answered many of the questions students may have before traveling. The information and guidance made me feel much more prepared for the trip.

I would absolutely study abroad again. The opportunity to experience a new place while learning in an immersive environment was incredibly rewarding.

If I had to convince someone to study abroad in just a few sentences, I would say: You’re able to see new places and experience different cultures while earning credit toward your degree!

Dr. Robert donahoo

I think a huge part of education is getting outside the world you are comfortable with. Study abroad allows students to see places they’ve only read about, heard about, or seen on television. They get to figure out what it’s like to have a passport, arrive in a new country, and experience another culture firsthand. For many students, that’s a truly unique experience.

One of the things I love most about teaching drama in London is watching students discover how theater is valued in another country. Students are often surprised by how many people attend performances and how important the arts are to everyday life. Being able to study plays while immersed in the environment where so much of that theatrical tradition exists creates a learning experience that simply can’t be replicated in a classroom.

When I first taught a mixed class of undergraduate and graduate students, I was a little nervous about balancing the different academic levels. What I found was that the students interacted really well with one another, and the graduate students gained valuable experience by taking on additional responsibilities and reflecting on the value of live performance. Every study abroad trip is different, and there is always a learning curve, but watching students engage with the material and each other made the experience incredibly rewarding.

Although I’ve only led two study abroad programs, both experiences were memorable. It takes a lot of work to prepare a program, but once students arrive, the rewards become clear. One of the greatest joys is watching students grow. There is always someone who feels uncertain the first time they navigate public transportation or explore on their own, but by the end of the trip you can see their confidence increase. Watching students become more adventurous, independent, and engaged with the world around them is one of the most fulfilling parts of the experience.

My advice to students studying abroad is simple: prepare, then just go for it. Try things you’ve never tried before. Whether it’s fish and chips, a new city, or a conversation with someone you’ve just met, those experiences are often the moments you remember most. One of the things I enjoy about traveling abroad is that people are often more willing to stop and talk, share stories, and connect in ways that don’t always happen at home.

Overall, my study abroad experiences have been incredibly positive. I love theater, so spending time in London seeing multiple productions is always a highlight. I’ve also enjoyed getting to know students outside the classroom and building connections that continue long after the trip ends. The students have always been a pleasure to travel with, and the experience consistently reminds me why study abroad is such an important part of education.

If I had to convince someone to study abroad in three sentences or less, I would say this: It’s an experience you’ll never forget. You’ll talk about it for years to come. All it takes is looking back at a few photos, and you’re instantly transported back to those moments—I don’t know anything else that works quite that way.