Summer Study Abroad in London: Big Lessons from In and Out of the Classroom

When I first decided to study abroad in London, I expected to learn about negotiation, the subject of my summer class. I didn’t expect to learn so much about myself.  

As a Division I swimmer at Vanderbilt University, I’m used to structure. My days are carefully planned around practices, workouts, classes, studying, and recovery. Every day has a clear purpose.  

Leaving that environment for three weeks at London School of Economics meant stepping into something completely different. For the first time in years, my schedule wasn’t built around swimming, and I had to figure out how to structure my own days.  

Instead of letting the extra time disappear, I used it intentionally. I explored different neighborhoods after class, studied in cafés instead of the library, visited museums on weekends, and made time to reflect on what I was learning instead of immediately moving on to the next obligation. That freedom taught me something important: discipline isn’t created by a schedule. It’s created by the choices you make when no one is telling you what to do.  

Academic lessons that extend into life 

Academically, my negotiation course challenged me in ways I hadn’t experienced. Rather than memorizing formulas or preparing for exams, we spent each day negotiating realistic scenarios with classmates from different backgrounds. Every exercise forced me to think beyond my own perspective.  

One lesson that stayed with me was the difference between positions and interests. Before this course, I thought successful negotiation meant convincing someone to agree with your solution. Instead, I learned that better outcomes come from understanding why each side wants what they want. Once you uncover those underlying interests, solutions become much more creative.  

Surprisingly, I realized this idea applies far beyond business. As an athlete, it’s easy to become attached to specific goals or outcomes—a qualifying time, a starting spot, or a particular result. Studying negotiation reminded me to focus on the underlying objective instead. Sometimes there are multiple paths to achieving what really matters, both in sport and in life.  

London as a living classroom  

Living in London also pushed me outside my comfort zone in smaller ways. Something as simple as navigating public transportation or finding a grocery store became an opportunity to become more independent. I learned to trust myself, ask questions when I didn’t know the answer, and get comfortable with uncertainty. Those moments may seem insignificant, but they added up quickly.  

The city itself became part of the classroom. Walking through neighborhoods with centuries of history, hearing dozens of languages, and meeting students from around the world constantly reminded me there isn’t just one way to think, learn, or solve problems.  

Conversations inside the classroom often continued over dinner, on the Tube, or while exploring the city. Those discussions gave me perspectives I wouldn’t have encountered back home. One of my favorite parts of the experience was seeing how quickly complete strangers became friends. Everyone had arrived in London from different universities and different countries, but we were all navigating the same new experience together. Exploring the city after class, trying new restaurants, and sharing stories about our different backgrounds made the experience feel much bigger than simply taking a summer course.  

Because I’m in investment banking, I also appreciated studying in one of the world’s largest financial centers. Walking past firms I had read about in class made my long-term career goals feel more tangible. It reminded me that learning doesn’t only happen inside a classroom. Sometimes simply being in a different environment changes the way you think about your future. 

Freedom to redefine who you are 

Looking back, my biggest takeaway wasn’t about negotiation. It was learning that growth often happens when your usual identity is temporarily removed. At Vanderbilt, people know me as a swimmer. In London, I wasn’t defined by my sport. I was simply another student learning, exploring, making mistakes, and discovering new interests. That experience gave me a greater appreciation for trying new things without worrying about being an expert. It reminded me that some of the most meaningful growth comes from saying yes to experiences that feel unfamiliar.  

When I returned home, I brought back much more than photos and souvenirs. I returned with greater confidence, a broader perspective, and a new appreciation for slowing down long enough to reflect on what I’m learning.  

At Vanderbilt, people know me as a swimmer. In London, I wasn’t defined by my sport. 

Study abroad challenged me academically, helped me grow personally, and reminded me that the best education often happens outside the classroom. If you’re considering study abroad but aren’t sure whether it’s worth stepping away from your normal routine, my advice is simple: Go. Your classes will teach you something new, but your experiences will teach you even more. 

Ellie B. | Vanderbilt University | London School of Economics Summer, England | 2026