Samayee Gupte

My study abroad semester in London was an unforgettable experience that transformed me both academically and personally. Living in a new country pushed me to step out of my comfort zone and become more independent. My courses encouraged me to explore the city, with each landmark and event offering a chance to learn something new. One of my favorite moments was interviewing Londoners and creating a three-minute documentary about the Graffiti Tunnel in Leake Street, which allowed me to connect with the city in a meaningful way. I also had the opportunity to go on solo trips, which gave me the confidence to interact with various people and immerse myself in the culture.

What surprised me most was how much I enjoyed talking to different people and learning from their perspectives. Before going abroad, I only had a faint idea of what I wanted to do in the future. But after this experience, I realised that I enjoyed discovering new stories through people and became more interested in the non-scripted, documentary space.

This study abroad experience strengthened my interest in storytelling and documenting reality, giving me practical skills and confidence to learn from diverse cultures and people. It also revealed what I want to do in the future, academically and professionally.

Building on my London experience, I am planning to intern at a non-scripted documentary company in Los Angeles this semester to gain hands-on experience and grow my skills in documentary development and production.

Receiving an award from the Honors program made it possible for me to study abroad in London. The funds allowed me to purchase plane tickets and cover travel expenses, making it easier to fully immerse myself in the experience.