London, England, had always felt like a place I would only ever see in the movies. Double-decker buses rolling down historic streets, red telephone booths at every corner and a city full of culture and innovation. It was the kind of place that felt distant and almost unreachable. Somewhere you imagine visiting “someday.”

So many students have their own “someday” locations – places that seem too far, expensive or simply unrealistic.

But they’re not.

The Office of International Affairs at Ohio State turns those dreams into real opportunities. Through a wide range of study abroad programs, students can explore new countries while deepening their understanding of their studies in ways that extend far beyond a traditional classroom.

As a Marketing major, I knew studying abroad would allow me to experience business in a completely different environment. So, when I stumbled upon a global marketing course that traveled to London over spring break, it felt like the perfect fit academically and personally.

Here was my opportunity to finally visit a place I had dreamed of seeing while continuing to expand my perspective. When I was accepted into the course, the excitement was immediate. I would be entering my first international experience, learning about global business in a city where culture, innovation and industry intersect every day.

For one week, London became a classroom – and the city wasted no time in pulling me in.

Countdown to London

Leading up to the trip, our class met weekly with our instructor, Vandana Agrawal, to prepare for what we would experience in a new country. We discussed the realities of international business, the challenges companies face when expanding into new markets and how consumer behavior shifts across cultures.

These conversations helped us think beyond domestic strategy and consider what it truly means to operate on a global scale.

Preparing for the differences between the U.S. and the U.K. was a key part of the experience. Every country approaches communication, business practices and daily life in its own way. Recognizing those nuances helped us arrive with curiosity rather than our own assumptions.

“If you can push yourself to see that there are different ways of doing things and thinking about things, that open-mindedness really goes a long way,” Agrawal explained.

Our class also worked in groups to research current events in the U.K. and prepare presentations on the organizations we would tour on our trip. Those included government institutions to global brands, cultural organizations and major sports entities.

All of that preparation gave us the confidence to engage thoughtfully with the professionals we met and gave us a strong foundation for traveling abroad. But still, no amount of reading, research or discussion can fully replicate the feeling of arriving in a new country and seeing those lessons unfold in real time.

Minding the gap

Arriving at Heathrow Airport felt surreal.

We stepped off the plane just as the sun was rising in a clear sky, and it felt like the warmest welcome. Even after the long flight, I had just enough adrenaline to carry through the rest of the day.

We wasted no time settling in, immediately taking in the city’s blend of history and innovation through places like Greenwich Park, the Royal Observatory and a river boat tour along the River Thames. Seeing landmarks like Tower Bridge and Big Ben alongside the city’s modern skyline was our first reminder of the unique culture and innovation that continue to shape and define London.

The tone was set.

The rest of the week moved quickly. We navigated “The Tube” each day, visited museums and explored neighborhoods across the city. We immersed ourselves in what London had to offer, spending time at Borough Market, strolling Portobello Road, attending a West End show and experiencing the overall everyday rhythm of the city alongside its major landmarks.

Meeting with Ohio State alumni who now live and work in London added another layer to the experience, showing us the many paths a global career can take.

However, the heart of the trip came from our professional site visits. Hearing directly from the professionals behind the work brought a sense of clarity. They spoke candidly about adapting to shifting consumer behavior, navigating cultural differences and responding to global market trends – lessons that can’t fully be understood through a textbook.

Here is a snapshot of what each visit offered:  

• U.S. Embassy: Learned how diplomacy and marketing intersect on a global scale, where communication strategy and national branding shape international relationships and public perception.
• Anthropologie: Gained insight into how a global retail brand adapts its in-store experience, merchandising and messaging to reflect local consumer preferences while maintaining a consistent identity.
• Historic Royal Palaces: Explored what it takes to sustain a brand for centuries, balancing historical preservation with modern storytelling and audience engagement.
• West Ham United: Examined the fast-moving world of sports marketing, where fan loyalty, sponsorship strategy and digital engagement fuel long-term success.
• Oxford College: Experienced a distinct academic environment and reflected on how cultural tradition and context shape the structure and identity of higher education.
• Euromonitor: Observed how global data and market research inform business strategy, helping companies anticipate trends and navigate competitive international markets.

These visits added a new dimension to everything we had studied in the classroom. Each conversation built on the last, connecting theory to practice in ways that simply can’t be replicated through slides or case studies.

What began as a class quickly became something more: a firsthand look at how global business operates and how adaptable you have to be.

Growth beyond borders

The impact of this trip extended far beyond the week we spent in London. It changed the way I approach learning, reminding me that some of the most valuable experiences happen when we step outside what feels familiar and challenge ourselves to see the world differently.

Experiences like this are more attainable than many students realize. At Ohio State, study abroad is supported through a range of scholarships, grants and financial aid options designed to help bring the cost within reach for more students, including funding that can even help cover essentials, like passports.

Some are based on financial need; others on academic focus or participation in specific programs. Many can be combined to make an international experience far more realistic than it first appears. Taking advantage of these resources can shape more than one week abroad. It can shape the way students approach their education, their careers and the world around them.

Alyssa Kyff, global education program manager for the Fisher College of Business, works with students to help them navigate the resources needed to make their experiences possible.

“Study abroad is designed to be accessible, and there are many resources in place to make that possible,”  Kyff said.

These opportunities give students the chance to move beyond what feels familiar and see their field through a broader lens. Whether it’s one week or an entire semester, they help build confidence, adaptability and a clearer sense of direction.

London reminded me that what I’m working toward reaches far beyond campus and that I’m ready for what comes next.