What do you mean this is my last blog post? Wow, how time flies! I could’ve sworn we just got to London, yet we left London and our flats behind two days ago. It was strange, coming into Stratford-upon-Avon and realizing just how different life is here than 2 hours south. I noticed it almost immediately- how quiet it is, how I could hear the birds chirping and the wind blowing, and even how people move slower here. Nobody seems to be in a rush; they’re simply living- living in the same place that Shakespeare once did, and they probably don’t even give a second thought about it.
As someone who is spending little time in Stratford, exploring historic sites of literature and history, I found it fascinating to be standing in the same place that Shakespeare once did. I almost found it difficult to imagine the famous playwright enjoying his days in the same town, let alone the same cottage, as I was in. However, simply walking around Stratford, I can see now how Shakespeare had such a strong imagination and fascination with the world around him; this place almost forces you to. I do believe that my understanding of Shakespeare’s life and work was enriched by visiting Stratford. Being engrossed in the culture and significance of this place has opened my eyes up to the true art of literature and storytelling, and how important these things are for society. I believe that it’s beyond important to realize how badly humans crave the arts and our need for connection and shared experiences, which is why theatre and English deserve more recognition than they get.
This program has been absolutely incredible in more ways than one. Being able to understand different perspectives and lives other than our own is part of what makes studying abroad so special. This experience has shown me that art is everywhere, in the grand and mundane alike, and has made me appreciate just how rewarding it is to view the world through that lens. I always thought it so silly when people would say how studying abroad changed them, but I now understand exactly what they mean. It happens without you realizing it, in a way that is so subtle yet so dramatic at the same time. I would be crossing a busy London street and suddenly realize just how much has shifted. The unfamiliar becoming familiar, the intimidating becoming routine, and feeling a sense of peace in a city 4,000 miles from home. I will forever be in debt to this program, and I’m not sure I can put into words how grateful I am for the amazing professors (shoutout Shawn and Susan) and the University who made all of this possible. London, I will be back. Just you wait.
Cheers! (for real this time)
-Emmy
Theatre in London U of A 