I’ve gone through all of my international student enrollment. (I refuse to take on the different spelling that the British has here.) It’s so strange to think of myself as an international student, but I surely am, and had someone comment on my ‘accent’ for the first time the other day. I didn’t know how to respond. I’ve also had people ask me where I’m from - I thought this would be obvious in my accent, but so far it hasn’t been.
I went into the city of London for the first time on Monday. It was alot like New York, only with accents. There are TONS of accents in London, not just British. I met a gal from China at Westminster University, but I thought she was also from the U.S. because her English had the lack of British flair. That’s when she told me that her language tutor was from the States and not London - go figure.
I met three Americans - the only Americans that attended the student enrollment. I didn’t realized what a trek it was to commute from Northeast Newbury Park to Oxford Circus. It’s nearly an hour to get to where I need to be! Another frustrating realization. So it does make it difficult when I meet these students, and they all go out together and have fun, while I’m having to worry about training it back to Newbury.
It’s very strange to be in school again. Although classes haven’t started, I still have the college feeling. Enrollment was for all new international students, so even if you’re a postgrad, you’re required to attend. There's a faint feeling of newness, like I should find the closest Bed, Bath & Beyound to purchase a pink and black matching bedroom set. Between opening up a bank account and getting cash in the UK, to dealing with my host family, it's has definitely felt new. I think they are unsure that I am capable of getting from place to place on my own. However, I’ve done very well at commuting and we’re working through that.
The other students I met are incredibly diverse. I met two french gals to start out with, and out of desperation, planning on staying the night with them in the city so I wouldn’t have to go back up to Newbury Park. In the end, I didn’t stay with the French girls. I felt a bit uncomfortable staying with them. I also met two guys studying my same MA program, they are both from the Middle East, and were a little too clingy for me. But they were nice to talk with for a few minutes.
It’s unfortunate, but expected, that I would feel more comfortable with the American gal I met on Tuesday. Her name is Caitlin, and so far, she’s been a Godsend. She’s from Tampa, so we immediately clicked. Though we’ve done a good job associating with everyone, we’ve also gone out shopping together, made plans to run and market hop on Saturday and I’ve seen her ridiculously ‘post’ flat. It's incredibly spacious, modern and overlooks one of the busiest streets in the city. It's very exciting to meet someone who felt just as lonely as I did when she first arrived. We’ve both left behind loved ones, but we’ve had such a blast together that it’s been very comforting.
I also met another Rotarian scholar - Angela. She’s from Germany and is LOADS of fun. We went on a boat down the Thames River (which I found out is pronounces “Tims” here - go figure.) We all had drinks and socialized. Next thing I knew, Angela was dancing all over the dance floor - she was a good dancer too!
Since commuting back and forth to London, I thought I’d find myself constantly trying not to stare at the girls clothing, fashion and style. So far, the only problem I’ve had is trying to keep from eavesdropping in on conversations. It’s been sort of a guessing game lately, each person as their own accent and I’ve found myself listening to the locals talk and trying to guess from where in Europe did they come.
So far, I’ve had Ireland, Australia, India, Ghana, AMERICA (yes, there’s a british-american accent that I hope I don’t end up developing while here!) It’s been quite a guessing game.
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