Each year, Quincy University students have the opportunity to travel abroad through the J-Term program, immersing themselves in new cultures. But beyond the experience, many return with a fresh perspective of culture, their own and the ones experienced.

This past January, seven students traveled 3,645 miles across the Atlantic to London and Edinburgh. Immersed in cultures rich with history, architecture, art, and new customs, the group had no choice but to embrace the lifestyle change for two weeks.

“I’ll never forget being able to be at the same palace, the same castle, the same prison and fortress, walk the same hallways as people that we hear about in history,” Alyssa Marquis said, who had been anticipating this trip for a while, eager and already familiar with British and Scottish history.

Jarring differences in public manners, sidewalk etiquette, and the difference in water availability are all things the group had to accommodate to; some found it easier than others.

“Being in a new place with new routines and constant sightseeing can be mentally exhausting. By the end of each day, I was pretty worn out, but the experience was worth it,” Alexis Stufflebeam said.

A big city crowd like London can be difficult to accustom to. The pace is quicker, and people less cheerful at times.

“There were many hasty comments made back and forth and we found that the people were not always polite. They did not have the basic Midwest manners I have been taught,” Stufflebeam said.

“In London, people are always on the move—walking everywhere or relying on public transportation, especially the Tube. We were pulling in around twenty two thousand steps a day. In contrast, it’s rare to see everyday Americans walking as part of their daily routine; we tend to be more car-dependent,” Marquis said.

While the trip can be a schedule-packed two weeks – some students find that it’s worth the sore feet.

“The walking doesn’t get tiring or boring because there are so many sights to see. It was honestly my favorite part about the whole trip,” Maria Lopez said.

Students on the trip found that after the adrenaline of being in a new country wore off, they were hit hard with truly how different the world carries on around them.

“Our group was pretty disappointed about the food due to the lack of seasoning. But I think we were also able to appreciate what Europeans would consider a social norm that was out of whack for us like, not tipping,” Gabe Orosco said.

When they acclimated to a new lifestyle, culture, and society, the group realized what the traditional American experience offered or lacked from the United Kingdom.

“I came home with a criticism of how wasteful our country is and how we are always in the car and not using public transportation,” Stufflebeam said.

If you’re thinking about taking the next trip out of town on the schools J-Term trip, stay tuned this spring semester for more information to come.

“It’s completely worth the money. Its good to do it once, to see and understand all of it, than never see it at all,” Lopez said.