Hi, my name is Rachel Bronson.  I am a Junior International Relations/Political Science major.  Last summer I spent three weeks studying in Cambridge, UK at Corpus Christi College of Cambridge University studying International Security with MI5.  This summer I will be blogging from Besancon, France then in the fall I will spend my semester abroad in Belgium!  While in England, I lived in a dorm but for my next two trips I will be living with a host family and I couldn't be more excited!  England is NOT known for their fine cooking, I think I actually lost weight while I was there because the food at the school was not good at all and when students didn't eat the lamb option at lunch it was served for dinner! Gross! But, France on the other hand, OMG I can't wait to try all the food especially the bread! What made my study abroad experience in England so fun was becoming friends with the locals! The director of our program was in her 20s and willing to take us around and introduce us to her friends.  They took us punting, the boat things that you drive with a big pole, and to a beer festival in a garden and hosted an "American" party because they were just as excited to learn about us as we were about them! I am going into my next study abroad experiences with an open mind knowing each program will offer new experiences but I can't wait!
HINTS: 1. check the weather before you leave, I planned on England being cold and rainy but they had a record breaking heat wave while I was there and had all the wrong clothes with me! 2.  Don't bring super high heels that are not wedges, there are lots of cobblestone streets! 3. Everything is more expensive in Europe, and when getting money at an ATM remember that it isn't taking out American dollar amounts but its taking out the amount in foreign currency. 4. There is no 24hour Walmart so if you do get sick bring things with you such as stomach medicine and things like that. 5.  DO NOT EAT SUSHI IN ENGLAND! BAD IDEA!!!!!!!!