Learning Point, Highlight and Chlallenges

By:

Van Neih Lian

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Van Neih Lian

<i>Home Institution</i>: Hope College <i>Expected Graduation Year</i>: 2024 <i>Academic Major / Minor</i>: Political Science <i>Destination</i>: London, UK <i>"Hello" in your host country's language</i>: Hello <i>Program Provider</i>: IES <i>Demographics</i>: Asian/Asian American, U.S. Immigrant, First-Generation American, First-Generation College Student <i>Future Career Goals</i>: My future career goal is to become an ambassador for the United States. <i>Top Three Study Abroad Goals</i>: My top three goals while studying abroad will be to experience the culture of London, learn about the government institutions, and conclude my internship in the parliament if given the opportunity.

There are many learning points, highlights, and challenges I have faced so far living in the United Kingdom (London). I was really excited to come to the birthplace of democracy and, should I call it, the mother of democracy with the signing of the Magna Carta and events that followed the historical movement. It is a beautiful place to live in, and I enjoy every second of the time I get to spend here and traveling throughout Europe.

First, the culture here is different, like how we greet people, speak and live our daily life. In the United States, you do not have to worry about strikes interrupting transportation or being unable to get to places around the city. Subsequently, in London, you must be aware of your surroundings, especially transportation. In the United States, you will be driving your own car and worried about the condition of the road while traveling, but here in the rush hour, everyone is jam pack on the train. One other thing I noticed is that travel for about one to two hours is normal here in London; it is about an average traveling time for residents here.

Secondly, interning at the parliament has been a highlight of my stay in London. The building, the member of parliament, and the environment differ from where I am used to, but I enjoy every moment. Walking through the entranceway to the House of Parliament gives me a sense of pride, and I can accomplish great things in life. It gives me hope for my birthplace of Myanmar that they have a future to hold on to no matter the price because an immigrant like myself can say I have interned at the United Kingdom Parliament. A dream that was too great of my parent and my predecessor has been accomplished by me (Van Lian), son of Tial Nawn and Sui Mang. This internship will enable me to achieve great things in the government and to represent Burmese culture on the international stage.

Lastly, the school systems in the state and the United Kingdom are different. During an exam, the staff was really strict, and I felt a little bit suffocated in some of the rooms. However, back in the state, yes, we had an examiner present in the classroom, but it was relaxed, and we could function normally.