Author: Ella Raper |Major: Biochemistry | Semester: Summer 2 2025

Weekend trip to Paris!

Studying abroad always felt like something so off in the distance. It was something I hoped to do “one day”, but it often felt that “one day” was never going to come. That recently changed during the summer of 2025, when I spent a month in London studying at St. Georges, University of London. I took the Frontiers of Human Health course, because as a biochemistry student aspiring to go to medical school, this class offered the chance to learn medicine from its source. I was taught by physicians and researchers who work at the front lines of global health. In addition to the unique course, I was also very excited to get to experience Europe for the first time and immerse myself in a city known for its vibrance, history, and scientific leadership.

I studied abroad from early July to early August. This singular month was packed full of academic rigor, exploration, and an incredible amount of personal growth. Even though I traveled alone and did not know a single person in my program beforehand, that uncertainty quickly became one of the most life changing parts of the experience.

The Frontiers of Human Health course was structured so that each day focuses on a different major topic in medicine: cardiology, immunology, oncology, neuroscience, infectious disease, and more. Our instructors were not just professors but practicing clinicians and specialists from across the United Kingdom.

One of the most rewarding parts of the program was my research placement within a lab studying what could cure Leukemia. From culturing cells to analyzing drug responses, I learned techniques I couldn’t have dreamed of beforehand. At the end of the program, I presented my research to a selected board of judges. It was the first time I had ever felt like I was actively contributing to the world of science.

While my weekdays were filled with academics, exploring London was an exciting portion of the trip. I spent every afternoon and weekend wandering through the city, trying new foods at Borough Market, and learning history at countless different museums.

However, the most memorable experience of my entire trip happened outside of the UK. I took a weekend trip to Paris, which was something I had dreamed about doing since I was a little girl. Getting to watch the Eiffel Tower sparkle at night was surreal. It was everything I had ever dreamed of. I also enjoyed having three days to walk around the city, eating delicious pastries, and learn about a culture I had never been around.

Traveling alone taught me independence and confidence, but traveling with new friends taught me how quickly connections can form when everyone is in a new place. We bonded over studying for exams, completing our research deadlines, navigating public transportation, and so much more.

One of the most valuable lessons I learned during my study abroad experience is that growth requires you to step outside of your comfort zone. Before leaving the states, I had so many worries. Whether it was not knowing anyone, living in a new country for a month, navigating the biggest airports in the world, or adjusting to an unfamiliar environment. Those worries are what ended up shaping me the most, and I returned home more adaptable and more certain about my passion to pursue medicine. Studying in a different country taught me that science is truly global. We often find ourselves living within a tiny bubble, but healthcare issues are human problems, not just American problems, and solving them requires collaboration across the world.

My biggest piece of advice is to simply take the chance. Apply for the program that sounds difficult, even if you’re nervous. Go, even if you don’t know anyone else. Being uncomfortable is worth the growth that comes from experiencing the world. Be open to new cultures, new people, and new ways of thinking. Studying abroad in London was one of the best decisions I have ever made. I left with new friends, invaluable research experience, and an excitement for my future in medicine.