Rowel Jimenez

I spent the majority of my time in London, England, studying abroad through the Whitman Core program. Most of my coursework focused on business classes, which emphasized global and international perspectives, alongside a communications and writing course tailored specifically to studying in an international context. Academically, the experience was immersive and rigorous, encouraging deeper engagement with course material. Outside the classroom, living in London allowed me to experience daily life in a global city. What I enjoyed most was the balance between structured academics and the freedom to explore the city independently.

One of the most surprising aspects of my time in London was how deeply my extracurricular experiences became rooted in history and the arts. I found myself frequently attending plays, visiting museums, and exploring monuments, which was not something I initially anticipated but became incredibly meaningful. As a Newhouse student, these experiences were especially impactful, as they provided constant creative inspiration and exposure to storytelling across cultures and mediums.
Additionally, I was surprised by many smaller, everyday differences that I had not previously considered. Road signs, maps, and navigation systems were structured differently than what I was accustomed to in the United States, which took some adjustment. Food culture also stood out to me—portions were generally smaller, with noticeably less sugar, which subtly changed my daily habits. The architecture throughout London was another unexpected highlight; many buildings were older, more ornate, and stylistically distinct, giving the city a sense of layered history that shaped how I experienced my surroundings.

This experience contributed significantly to both my academic and professional development. The structure of the classes—longer sessions with smaller class sizes—created a more enriching learning environment where discussion and engagement were emphasized. This format allowed me to develop a deeper understanding of the material and build stronger connections with both professors and classmates.
The additional free time outside of class also played a crucial role in my growth. Without the distractions of a typical semester schedule, I was able to dedicate more time to personal and academic projects, particularly in writing and creative work. Being immersed in an international environment encouraged me to think more critically about global perspectives, communication, and cultural context—skills that are highly relevant to my future career goals. Overall, the experience reinforced my academic interests while helping me develop independence, adaptability, and a broader worldview.

I plan to carry the artistic and cultural inspiration from this experience into my future writing projects. Being exposed to international art, theater, museums, and historical narratives expanded my perspective and influenced how I think about storytelling and creative expression. These experiences encouraged me to approach writing with greater awareness of cultural nuance and global context.
Moving forward, I hope to incorporate these influences into academic and personal writing projects, whether through reflective essays, creative pieces, or research-based work. The exposure to diverse perspectives has motivated me to continue exploring international themes and cross-cultural communication in my studies. While I do not have a specific publication or performance planned at the moment, this experience has laid a strong foundation for future creative and academic work that draws on global influences.

Receiving an award from Honors played a critical role in enhancing my study abroad experience. Because of the financial support, I was able to save money and use those resources to further enrich my time abroad. In particular, I was able to take additional trips to Paris and Madrid, which significantly expanded the scope of my experience beyond London.
Madrid was especially meaningful to me due to my Dominican heritage, which has historical and cultural roots in Spain. Visiting the city allowed me to connect more deeply with that aspect of my identity while also engaging with its art, history, and culture. Without the Honors award, these opportunities would not have been as accessible. The support made it possible for me to fully immerse myself in the experience and gain a broader understanding of Europe and my own background.

Studying abroad ultimately challenged me to become more self-reliant and intentional in how I navigate new environments. Living in an international city required adaptability in both academic and everyday contexts, from managing transportation to balancing independent travel with coursework. It also gave me greater confidence in my ability to operate outside of familiar systems and cultural norms. Beyond academics and travel, the experience reshaped how I think about global interconnectedness and my place within it. I return from this program not only with stronger academic insight, but with a clearer sense of independence, cultural awareness, and long-term ambition.