Alumni Interview with Kelly DiCostanzo

What inspired you to go abroad?

Ever since I started college, I had wanted to study abroad. It always seemed unattainable to me, for various reasons. Finally, in my final year at university, I decided to go for it. While it was stressful at times, I am so glad that I went for it and it truly changed my life. I learned so much about myself and my career path, in one of the most beautiful cities in the world.

Why did you choose Global Experiences?

I was set up with Global Experiences through my Global Education program at Millersville University.

What was your favorite part about London?

I liked how diverse London was and how I was able to meet so many different people, from all walks of life, in such a short period of time.

What made your experience abroad unique?

I had the opportunity to intern with a charity that worked to educate young people on the importance of healthy relationships and prevalence of domestic violence. This was an area and population that I hadn't had experience with before, but it taught me a lot about the importance of prevention. The charity, Tender, was welcoming and the staff really made me feel valued and a part of their team.

How did local staff support you throughout your program?

The local staff, such as Sarah Maddah my program advisor, were very helpful and always there whenever I needed something. They were sure to reach out and ensure that all the interns were safe and enjoying their time abroad.

What's one thing you wish you would have done differently?

I wish I would have spent more time seeing the sights in the city. For many of the weekends, I went away to other cities or countries and feel I did not see as much of London as I would have liked. However, this is even more reason to go back!

Describe a typical day in the life of your program.

During the week, I would spend most of the day at my internship. My work there mostly consisted of secretarial work and assisting the other staff in completing certain tasks. During the evenings, I spent time with the other interns, either at our accommodation or exploring the nightlife of London. I was lucky that the accommodation site and my internship were within walking distance, so my commute was short and less stressful than taking the tube or bus.

What did you enjoy doing in your free time?

I enjoyed spending time with the other interns, exploring the night life of the city, trying all the interesting and diverse food options, and learning my way around the various forms of transportation.

What was your accommodation like? What did you like best about it?

The accommodation was nice and I would describe it as a dorm style arrangement. The only thing I didn't like was the noise level and messiness of some of the other residents. However, I liked having my own space and had a overall pleasant experience.

What is one thing every participant should know before participating in your program?

They should know that while they will always be supported by their internship, the Global Experience staff, and other interns; it is important to remain independent and always advocate for yourself.

What was the hardest part about doing an internship abroad?

The hardest part for me was being away from family and friends and being in a whole new territory. This was the first time I had been away from my family for that length of time, and I admit I was a little scared. Of course, there were times when I had wished my parents were there to help me with a problem, studying abroad gave me the opportunity to advocate for myself and solve problems on my own. It allowed me to realize my own innate potential.

What surprised you most about London?

I was mostly surprised by how nice and approachable everyone was. If I got lost on the tube, for example, all I had to do was ask a passerby and within minutes I was well on my way to the correct destination. With London being so big, even people that have lived there for years get lost. So, people (most) are more than happy to help someone find their way.

What is one thing you wish you would have known before doing an internship abroad in the United Kingdom?

The exchange rate was really hard for me to adjust to. I would think something was really cheap, forgetting to take into account that my bank was charging me not only for using my card abroad, but also the cost of the item in U.S. dollars. My advice would be to get a universal credit card, such as Discover, that does not charge their customers for using the card internationally.

If you could intern abroad again, where would you go?

That's a hard one. There are so many places I would like to go. If given the opportunity again, I would love to go to somewhere in Italy.

What do you feel the biggest benefit of doing an internship abroad is?

Not only do you get experience for the field in which you want to work, you also gain immense intercultural experience and meet so many new people from different walks of life.

Do you have any packing tips for individuals headed to London?

I'm sure you've heard this one before but, roll your clothes! You can fit so much more in the suitcase when the clothes are rolled up rather than folded flat. Also, test pack a few times to ensure you have everything and it is within the weight limit for the perspective airline.

Now that you're home, how has your program abroad impacted your life?

Now that I'm home, I want nothing more than to go back. The time abroad impacted my life in such a positive way and it is an experience I will never forget.

Would you recommend Global Experiences to others? Why?

Yes! Global Experiences and my university provided me with the tools to be more independent and succeed in my career path. I was able to further my studies, while also growing as an individual and becoming more confident and independent.