Peyton Moriarty '21 is a history major who studied abroad in London last semester. At the University of London, Goldsmiths College, Peyton took classes on sexualities, the modern Middle East, and Serbia, which complemented her study of history at Bryn Mawr.
At Bryn Mawr, Peyton is a member of the Fencing Club, and she continued practicing the sport while abroad.
“Knowledge of fencing enabled me to join the University of London Fencing Club, where I had my best and most interesting interactions, with fencers of a variety of ages and backgrounds. Participating in that club was probably my favorite piece of the whole London experience," says Peyton.
In addition to her on-campus activities, Peyton visited more than 20 museums, where she viewed collections relating to art, medical culture, military history, dentistry, science, Sherlock Holmes, and sewing machines.
“The real highlight of the experience was just being in London: I'm a history major with a dream to work in museums, and I chose this program because it was the closest to central London, and to a massive core of history and museums,†she says.
In addition to her study abroad experience in London, Peyton participated in Nanyang Technological University's summer study abroad program in Tianjin, China, in 2018.
“My experience there was similar to my time in London, in that I found that while the courses were interesting, the locality and culture were the true highlights,†says Peyton.
Reflecting on her study abroad experiences, Peyton offers the following advice:
“Take the first week to familiarize yourself. Make sure you know what the academic expectations are in this new institution, and let your professors know that you're a study abroad student. Finally, plan to have at least one social event, and at least one exploratory event, once per week—that way you never feel too lonely, or without purpose.â€
Each year, about one third of the junior class studies abroad, usually for one semester, at one of more than fifty approved programs. Students may begin to think about study abroad in their first year and are welcome to visit the Study Abroad Resource Library in the Lower Level of Guild Hall and to begin to explore approved programs.