First Week Reflection in London, Marketing Study Abroad – Whitney Lohse

Spending my first week in London with the Marketing Study Abroad has been an incredible experience. This program is well-organized, full of meaningful learning opportunities, and led by knowledgeable professors with focused students. I could tell that this trip would be special from the moment we landed. Dr. Mac, Professor Phinney, Professor Don, Dr. Dan, and Hannah Cole have made it such an incredible experience by helping each of us truly experience these countries to the fullest. Even in just one week, they have already made this trip unforgettable. You can tell how much they care about us, not just as students, but as individuals. Every day has felt smooth, intentional, and thoughtfully planned to balance both business education and cultural experiences.
This program feels like the best way to see Europe because it’s been so carefully developed over the years. They know the best ways to see these countries, the best companies to visit, and the hidden gems you wouldn’t get to see on a regular tourist trip. From touring the stunning palace of Versailles and walking through the historical halls of Oxford University to visiting Design Bridge and Partners to learn how brands are built today, I’ve already seen how this program beautifully combines deep history lessons with present-day knowledge of how companies work and grow in a global market.
What really made the transition fun, though, was being surrounded by fellow Aggies. There’s truly no better way to travel than with a group of like-minded students who are just as excited to learn, explore, and experience new things. Even when we were confused about cultural differences or navigating public transportation, it felt like we were figuring it out together and laughing through it. I can already tell that the friendships and memories I’m building here will be some of the best parts of this entire journey.
London itself is fascinating—the city feels like a perfect mix of business, history, and daily life all packed into a relatively small area. I have loved seeing how many businesses operate alongside incredible historical sites, creating a unique blend of past and present. There are so many public spaces for social interactions and leisure, which give the city a lively, communal feel.
I’ve also noticed a lot of cultural differences compared to the U.S. For example, walking on the sidewalks is different; here, it’s hard to tell which side you’re supposed to walk on, unlike in the U.S., where people tend to stick to the side matching traffic flow. On public transportation like the Tube, people generally don’t talk to one another, and if they do, it’s always quiet and reserved. Servers at restaurants don’t automatically bring the bill, as that might be seen as rushing you out—you have to ask for it instead. Tipping isn’t customary here, which is a big difference from the U.S., and water is served in small cups with a pitcher on the table, so you refill your own glass rather than having waiters constantly topping it off. These subtle customs show how differently people interact day to day, and it’s been eye-opening to observe.
Looking ahead, I can’t wait to continue growing both personally and professionally throughout this trip. As a marketing major, I’m especially excited to see how businesses operate from a global perspective and to learn how cultural differences impact consumer behavior and branding. Even in the short time we’ve been here, I’ve already noticed so many subtle differences in how people interact, communicate, and go about their day. I know these kinds of observations will help me become a more well-rounded marketer and business leader in the future. On a personal level, I’m also looking forward to deepening friendships with the incredible students on this trip.