My name is Claire McCusker and I am currently on the Europe Marketing Study Abroad trip and have just arrived in Paris, France! But lets take a quick look at my past few days here in Europe (specifically London).
From the moment I stepped foot in Oxford, I could quite literally feel the history buzzing in the air. Our very first tour took us through Balliol College, established in 1263, which shocked me as this was about 500 years before our great nation was founded. Our guide, Felicity, was full of fun facts, but my favorite was about the “Man in Time” statue. Apparently, students here love to dress him in the most ridiculous outfits as a form of light rebellion. Something about that made me feel right at home—turns out college students are chaotic in the best way, no matter the country.
Oxford was the perfect introduction to England’s deep-rooted traditions, but it was in London where our global business program really kicked off. Our visit to Design Bridge and Partners—a branding and marketing company—was a huge highlight. I originally thought they might be some kind of engineering firm (oops), but with the help of our group presentations it turns out they’re behind big-time campaigns for brands like Coca-Cola, NASA, and Guinness. They also work with smaller campaigns such as one in New Zealand that was focused on the health initiative that used kiwi fruits (yes, the fuzzy ones) to raise awareness about testicular cancer. Equal parts creative, impactful, and slightly ridiculous—which I loved made this company particularly compelling.
One of the coolest parts of this experience so far has been just talking to people. I had a conversation with a university student here in London, and when I asked her what she thought of the U.S., she paused and said, “Honestly, it’s too clouded by politics for me to even have a clear opinion.” This kind of response made me stop and really think. It reminded me why programs like this matter—it’s not just about seeing the sights or checking boxes, it’s about learning how others view the world (and us), and how those views shape how we do life, business, and everything in between.
I’ve also noticed how different the rhythm of life is here. People actually take their time. Meals are slower, conversations are longer, and even something as simple as a walk through a park feels more intentional. It’s refreshing, and honestly, a habit I hope to bring back with me. Even in its differences, as I’ve been walking through London—its red-brick buildings, historic churches tucked between skyscrapers, the cobblestone alleyways and hidden cafés—I can’t help but think of Boston. Half of my family is from there, so I’ve grown up visiting ever since I can remember. There’s a comfort to Boston I’ve always loved: the history, the grit, the energy. But London feels like an older, more layered version of that. Where Boston hints at history, London practically lives in it. And yet, they both pulse with that same feeling—of ideas colliding, people moving with purpose, and something exciting always just around the corner. Being here has made me appreciate the roots I have in Boston even more, while also seeing it through a totally new lens.
We’re only a few days in, but I already feel like my perspective is shifting in the best way. I came here to grow—personally, professionally, and globally—and so far, England is delivering. A big part of this success is because of the wonderful faculty that accompany us as well as the program and staff that support us. I am so grateful for this opportunity and cannot wait to see where the rest of the trip takes me!
