Editor’s Note: Staff writer Emily Jones is one of the four PLNU students studying abroad in London this semester.
From the sunny beaches of San Diego to the bustling, historic city of London, the two cities bring drastic differences that go beyond the eight-hour time difference — climate, lifestyle, architecture and unique history behind each city shape both.
Point Loma Nazarene University offers study abroad opportunities in over 50 countries on every continent except Antarctica. This spring, a total of 90 students are studying abroad through semester and spring break programs across 27 countries, according to Chris Corbin, assistant director of PLNU’s Study Abroad department. This is the highest enrollment PLNU has seen since the office reopened after the COVID-19 pandemic.
Currently, four PLNU students have begun their semester abroad in London, England, at Richmond American University London (RAUL). This experience brings cultural learning experiences, the fostering of new relationships and a new chapter of life to grow in.
London offers an English-speaking environment while being a global city. The city serves as a gateway to Europe, allowing students to travel to other countries and experience various cultures.
One of the advisors for RAUL — who also oversees the PLNU students — Chiara Mortarino Bowie, said common challenges international students faced when first arriving in London were homesickness and adapting to a new culture, town and academic structure. She also gave advice for those struggling with these challenges.
“Socialise with your classmates, housing buddies, go out and explore,” Bowie said in an email interview.
The Stay Club North Acton, a student housing accommodation with studio apartments, is where PLNU students are housed alongside numerous other schools studying abroad at RAUL. The apartments are a 47-minute walk away from the school, allowing students to walk, bus or tube (the London underground transit system) to class.
Vinicius Baorretto, a Stay Club North Acton worker, said that students tend to get a cultural shock when coming to London due to the transportation changes.
“There are people that come from the city, that are more built for car environment, and they never had the chance to get like the public transportation that London provides,” Baorretto said. “I think some regions of like, America, for example, are very clear about that.”
Baorretto said that the accommodation supports integration for international students by assigning an extended check-in time frame and providing the basics for a new start of life.
“It’s kind of planted as a blank sheet that you can write your own story inside,” Baorretto said.
Rachel Cicciari, a third-year business management major, is one of the four PLNU students studying at RAUL. Cicciari said that she came abroad by herself, and while there was excitement, there were also nerves.
“Being abroad has been amazing, but there are also challenges that I don’t think are talked about enough,” Cicciari said. “At the beginning, it was hard to adjust and say goodbye to what felt normal, but I wouldn’t change it for anything.”
Cicciari said it is a once-in-a-lifetime experience where she can learn how to live independently and navigate the world on her own.
This time is not only a change for the students, but also for the workers and locals who interact with these students coming from various backgrounds.
“For me, it’s a pleasure to work with international students, with so many backgrounds, enriching my experience here as a human being,” Baorretto said. “The experience you get [from London] sometimes depends on the residents to push themselves to come here.”
As PLNU students studying abroad this semester continue with their studies, it allows a time for open-mindedness, flexibility and adaptation.
“The first few weeks were tough, but now I’m truly reaping the rewards,” Cicciari said. “I’ve grown to love the adventure, exploring new places and seeing parts of the world that many people never get the chance to experience. It’s been a huge privilege, and I wouldn’t trade it for the world.”
