Laura Huston, Global Business Institute: London Spring 2024
Hello! My name is Laura Huston, and I spent a semester abroad in London through Pitt’s Global Business Institute this spring! While in London, my classes are run through CEA CAPA in conjunction with Pitt. While there are a plethora of differences in life between London and Pittsburgh, I want to discuss a few
that I have quickly picked up on in the classroom environment. Fortunately, my schedule has aligned to where I have classes only twice a week. I am extremely appreciative of this as it allows me the opportunity to take weekend trips and further explore what London has to offer. However, classes only meet once a week for 3 hours and 15 minutes, which differs from the setup at Pitt. The longer class period allows for a lot of open communication and discussion between the class and provides plenty of opportunity to dive deep into class topics.
The class sizes here are also much smaller and my courses tend to be more project and paper-based, rather than numerous exams. I’ve had around one presentation a week or a couple per week and written assignments that align; however, I know others who don’t have the same workload, so it is very dependent on the courses and professors you choose. Although it was an adjustment, I have become very comfortable researching and presenting ideas, so I am very grateful for this aspect of the learning culture in London!
Another thing I have enjoyed are the field aspects of the courses offered here and the hands-on learning environment! For each of my classes we have had the opportunity to travel around London, learn more about specific boroughs, and expand our knowledge of the city. In addition, some of my classes, such as my marketing class, have attended museums and tours that help to expand further on class lectures. The
projects I have worked on so far have been helpful in gaining hands-on experience in areas such as advertising.
I find the environment of my classes abroad to be highly educational, while at the same time relaxed and collaborative. You are able to build wonderful connections with not only your professors, but also the other students within your classes. I’ve enjoyed the classroom set up and work that we’ve been assigned as it creates an active learning environment and it has been extremely interesting gaining a new perspective from across the pond!
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