March 14, 2022
Genesis Diaz '23
Notes from Abroad: Genesis in England
Genesis '23 (left) with a friend at the Hever Castle garden
Genesis Diaz '23, an International Relations major with minors in History and Gender, Sexuality, and Women’s Studies, is studying abroad at the University of Brighton in England
Hello! My name is Genesis Diaz, and I am studying abroad at the University of Brighton in England.
I have been here for a month already, but the amazement has not gone away. When I first arrived, I could not believe it. My 14-year-old self (who was obsessed with One Direction, and therefore, fixated on visiting the United Kingdom) was ecstatic to see the red two-story buses and the telephone cabins. It really looked like in the movies. I felt I was in a movie. However, this place has been more than that. Being in England has also been about meeting new people and learning that English people say “cheers” instead of “thank you.”
Studying abroad has been about visiting castles, learning about the history behind each palace, and trying not to go crazy with the fact that here they drive on the other side of the road. So, in that mix of crossing off activities from my bucket list and getting surprised by all the unexpected things, there is no moment I regret coming to England. Not only has it helped me to make that little 14-year-old Genesis happy, but it has also allowed me to get a broader perspective of the world and develop my cultural understanding. As an international relations major, I strongly believe that these abilities will permit me to grow as a person and be of benefit in my academic, social, and personal life.
So thanks to G. Dale Smith, and Ruth Peterson for being a key part in making this experience possible, or like the English would say… cheers to them!
Genesis in front of Bodiam Castle:
Genesis with other study abroad students in front of Buckingham Palace:
