Explore Britain with "Amazing" Study Abroad Program

Do you fancy traveling to one of the world's most intriguing and historical countries? Then you most certainly want to jet off to England and be part of the UC Blue Ash Summer British Study Abroad Program, as I did in the summer of 2011. I discovered that there's so much to see and do in Britain that the possibilities are endless!

London alone has much to offer with countless museums, hundreds of shops/restaurants, and the famous sites. Buckingham Palace truly looks like a palace with the huge black gates and cameras surrounding it, the fuzzy-hatted guards standing completely still (do they even blink?), and those scary looking spikes at the top of the gates, which make you feel as though you went back to medieval times. It was amazing to be standing that close to where the Queen lives and where other previous monarchs used to live, such as Queen Victoria.

The architecture in England is also unbelievable. From the palace, to Big Ben, to all the museums and churches, it's very interesting to look with your own eyes at the history and art behind each building and monument. Prince Albert's monument, Queen Victoria's monument, and Westminster Abbey are other incredible examples of the outstanding architecture in England.

There are also plenty of other options if going to museums or looking at architecture is not so interesting to you. For example, you can take a cruise on the River Thames! It's such a great experience that you will surely never forget it. Sailing by Shakespeare's Globe Theater, St. Paul's Cathedral, the Tower of London, and then finally seeing yet another famous site, the Tower Bridge is an adventure in its own right. The bridge is beautifully crafted and holds not only art and culture, but history as well.

Another famous site that many associate with London is the London Eye. If an overview of London is what you want to see, and if you have the stomach for large heights, then this huge Ferris wheel is what you need to go on! Overlooking the River Thames, the London Eye is yet another masterpiece and landmark of London. It allows you to experience the city of London from a "bird's eye view," where you can take in various sites all at once and take endless pictures in the process.

The striking Harlaxton Manor in Grantham was yet another "fab" place to experience first hand. When you are there, you can expect three meals a day, nice dorm rooms with all the essentials, picturesque rooms to have class in, a friendly staff, and lasting memories.

If you want to try delicious "chips" along with a tasty steak, just go to The Gregory, a restaurant located just outside of Harlaxton's gates across the street. Along with The Gregory, there are numerous restaurants that serve the classic fish n' chips all over England; just remember to call them "chips" and not "French fries."

Overall, Great Britain is a fantastic country to visit. The culture, art, and history are undoubtedly the best to learn about and experience first hand. I had a truly unforgettable time and can't wait to go back someday to visit more sites and experience more of extraordinary England!

[For more information on the 2012 UCBA British Study Abroad Program, contact Professor Mike Roos at michael.roos@uc.edu.]