Last summer, the Warrington College of Business introduced a new study abroad program in London, England for undergraduates. The program, based at London’s Huron University, offers students not only the opportunity to take classes but also requires them to complete an internship, which can be beneficial to their long-term career goals.

Students earn a total of 14 University of Florida credit-hours in the program: eight from two UF electronic platform business courses, and six credits from Huron, including credits earned in the internship. On-campus housing for UF students is available at Huron.

Vi Nguyen enjoyed her internship at Quintessentially Magazine tremendously. Nguyen reported to both the assistant editor and the fashion editor, working on a spectrum of assignments, including research and acquisition of clothing and other samples for the magazine’s fashion layouts. As a tourism and hospitality management major, she believes this experience will give her a leg up on the competition after graduation.

"International work experience in my field is very beneficial," Vi says. "Traveling and working abroad puts me a step above my competition."

Studying abroad is uniquely valuable to an individual’s development for many reasons, but especially because learning opportunities aren’t limited to the classroom and the workplace. Brittany Love, a marketing junior, believes that being active and making the most of her time abroad help her fully appreciate the experience.

“I literally had the time of my life,” says Brittany. “From working at Wimbledon to sailing in Yarmouth to traveling to several different countries, I honestly still feel like it’s a dream. To experience Live 8, land an amazing internship, and see London win the Olympic Bid, is unforgettable. I went in with no expectations and came out with one of the most amazing, fulfilling situations of my life. I have nothing but great memories and happy thoughts whenever I think of London.”

Classes for UF students at Huron are not limited to business, but include courses such as the “History of London” and Photography. Nguyen greatly enjoyed her photography class and, as one of the world’s oldest capitols, London offered plenty of great scenes for her to shoot.

“My teacher was from New York and really broadened my photographic creativity. A true beginner, I learned to get out of the “face-to-face” angles of photography and changed to different perspectives. I also liked the class because we ventured outside of the classroom and saw many of London's sights.”

Above all, students grow tremendously as individuals and professionals. Kristjana Kristjansson, a junior majoring in economics and political science, states that “the people” were the highlight of the experience. “I could not have asked for a better group of people to travel and live with in London. I made some great lifetime friends and also a few contacts in London.”

Opportunities such as this add greatly to an undergraduate’s educational experience. “A student’s point of view is expanded and enhanced,” says program coordinator Joe Rojo. “Culturally, students learn to appreciate other nationalities and they gain maturity by having to do things for themselves. This program also adds a lot to their professional development, especially if they make an effort to be a part of the program they join.”

Love agrees. “I now have confidence and a better perspective of what it takes to succeed, on an international level, in business. Interacting with and being immersed in a completely different culture has given me a much better outlook on working with others—and I learned a lot about my own culture at the same time.”

The Warrington College of Business also offers study abroad opportunities in Madrid, Spain and Rouen, France. The Spain and France programs are offered every fall and spring semester, and the England program all three semesters (fall, spring and summer). For more information on study abroad opportunities offered through the College, contact Joe Rojo at (352)273-0165 or visit our Web site: warrington.ufl.edu/sb/intlprograms/uf/.