When I first came to London, I expected it to be similar to big cities in the U.S. To a certain extent, my assumptions were correct; there were tall buildings, lots of people, and many things to do and see. However, I did not expect London to be as worldly as it is. Even though I had always heard that London was diverse and fast-paced, I did not realize how worldly it was until I arrived.
I began to experience London's diversity early on. On my second day in the city, I mistakenly stumbled upon "Little Bangladesh," also called "Banglatown." I found this to be such a unique part of the city, especially because "Banglatowns" are not common in the U.S., and I personally had never visited one. This small part of London had murals and historical plaques around the area, which told the story of Bangladeshis who came to London specifically during the post World War II period. This area is known for its restaurants and remains a food hub to this day. I hear it is famous for its curry! Banglatown is just one example of the many cultural hubs of London, but in my opinion, it is one of the most overlooked.
London's worldliness is also prevalent in the classroom. In most of my courses, I sit among so many international students and, honestly, few Brits. This has been quite enriching, as it has allowed me to connect with people from, quite literally, all over the world. I regularly talk with classmates from countries like Japan, Australia, Ukraine, Italy, Lebanon, France, and so many more. This has been especially beneficial during my international affairs classes because I can hear from so many different perspectives. From these small chats, I feel like I learn so much about the world. This has been the most invaluable part of my study abroad experience thus far.
This is not all to say, however, that English culture is overshadowed. Food culture in London is particularly huge; on every street you can find at least three pubs or restaurants that boast about their "fish and chips," "Guinness," "Sunday roast," and "afternoon tea." Even though many of these places are catered towards tourists, there is a way to know the where the locals actually go; after working hours end, usually from 5pm to 8pm, at certain pubs or restaurants you will see hoards of businesspeople crowding outside. I have seen up to 100 people standing outside these little pubs all dressed in similar work attire, holding their drinks, and chatting away. Before coming to London, I knew pub culture was big, but I did not realize how often people frequented them. One of my favorite parts of the day is walking back from classes and getting to see how many people are crowded around these pubs with their friends. This showed me that Brits focus on work-life balance, which is something I think Americans sometimes have trouble figuring out. To me, this part of English culture truly encapsulates the saying, "work hard, play hard."
My time in London has been incredible thus far. Even though I expected to learn more about English culture, I never expected that I would also learn about other cultures. This has been one of my favorite parts about living in the London. I plan to continue learning and growing during my time here. I hope this experience will further enrich my understanding of cultures and continue to encourage my exploration of the world.
Genesis Lukasiewicz
Fall 2024
GW Exchange - King's College London
Elliott School of International Affairs
International Affairs & Criminal Justice Double Major