I’m not sure where the time went, but I’m somehow already halfway done with my program. So far, it has surpassed my expectations by miles, as I’m sure it will continue to do. Here, in no particular order, are some of the reasons why:
- The people: study abroad programs attract people from all over the world and from all different backgrounds, which makes for a fascinating group of people wherever you go. The Hansard Society Scholars program accepts students from universities all over the US and from all different majors, and the program is so much better for it. In my group, we have the obvious political science or international affairs majors, but also students studying international business, industrial and labor relations and even finance and economics. This diversity has made the program all the more interesting because each scholar brings something different to the table.
- London: London is a gem of a city. With its unique blend of academia, history, arts and everything else you can think of, it has an entirely distinct personality from anywhere else I’ve visited (and if we’re being honest, it’s a pretty long list). What is also excellent about London is that it is so easily accessible from other parts of the world, be that the United States or elsewhere. Due to London’s prominence on the world stage and central location to Western Europe, I’ve been able to travel and visit friends all over Europe and have also met up with others when they’ve visited London; just this past weekend I was able to see four friends from different universities who happened to find themselves in London.
- The internship: I will admit that I was skeptical, at first, about being placed in an internship as opposed to applying for one like I had in the past (note: Hansard does require scholars to submit internship preferences to inform their placements). However, my placement could not be a better fit, and I don’t know anyone on the program who feels otherwise. Being able to work in Westminster is such an incredible opportunity and I am grateful to be able to contribute to such important work.
- Pub food: traditional British foods such as meat pies or a Sunday roast are addicting. You can find them just about anywhere and will likely always leave satisfied.
- The Hansard Society: the program is run by the Hansard Society, a leading parliamentary think tank based here in London. The society is a fantastic steward of the program and takes great care to provide scholars with every opportunity that they can, including access to exclusive events and extra excursions. For example, in the first week of out internships, we attended a reception in the speaker’s residences in the Palace of Westminster and were able to hear John Bercow, speaker of the House of Commons, deliver a speech. This week, we will be attending the play, What Shadows, with the society as an excursion.
Another thing that is important to me about this program is that it takes itself quite seriously. Both the Hansard Society and the scholars program specifically are highly regarded in Parliament, and we as scholars are treated with respect because of this esteem. While any study abroad program will have value, there is something incredibly special about being welcomed this way and appreciated for your skills with a very small adjustment period.
There are a million more things I could say about this experience, and I’m not sure where to start. So, for the moment, I will instead say that attending the Hansard Society Scholars program has already had a massive impact on my Northeastern career and will continue to have influence in my life for a long time.
<a data-flickr-embed=”true” href=”https://www.flickr.com/photos/134539786@N06/35246946386/in/album-72157684703860005/” title=”Westminister”><img src=”https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4253/35246946386_86e400944a_c.jpg” width=”450″ height=”800″ alt=”Westminister”></a><script async src=”//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js” charset=”utf-8″></script>
As I continue the program, I am excited to delve deeper into my internship responsibilities. Thus far, I have written briefs for my MPs, drafted PQs and Early Day Motions, and attended several meetings and events that I would not otherwise have access to. In the coming weeks, I will be sitting in the private guest’s gallery to view Prime Minister’s questions. While PMQs are open to the public, the public gallery is separated from the chamber by a wall of glass, and the sound imported through speakers. The private gallery is only for guests MPs can personally vouch for and I am humbled to be among this group.
Later on, I will be visiting the constituencies of both of my MPs in Scotland. I am excited about this opportunity because it will allow me to experience first hand the communities I am working for in Parliament. This will also be the first time I have traveled for business (or something like it anyway) and am looking forward to meeting my colleagues who are based in the constituency offices.
For both of the MPs I work for, they have minimal staff based in London and a handful of staff based in the constituency offices. This is true of many MPs, and makes for an interesting office dynamic. Since you are located miles apart, digital communication is imperative to the day to day functioning of the office. So while I have met all of my colleagues in the constituency offices over skype and spoken to them on the phone, it will be nice to finally see them in person.
This coming week is chock full of events, for work/class and for leisure, and I am excited to see what else comes my way. As an American and lover of the fall season, I can’t help but think about how both Halloween and Thanksgiving are approaching fast. After speaking with local friends, I’ve found that there seems to be a consensus that while Halloween isn’t quite as big a deal here as it is back home, people do still celebrate. Thanksgiving is a tough one for all of us here, since it is generally a big family holiday. However, we’ve already started planning our friendsgiving and I can’t wait to see what kind of feast we can whip up in our kitchen.
Check back next week to hear more about my internship experience and some reflections on my time thus far in the UK!
