PR & Advertising in London, UK
The Experience:
Through the University of Oregon’s GEO (Global Education Oregon) abroad program, I spent four weeks in London, UK during the summer of 2024. Along with 20 other UO students, we visited historical sites around the UK; including the Royal Botanical Gardens, Kew, watched two plays and experienced Wimbledon. As a program, we had the opportunity to visit Scotland for a few days, getting a chance to see Scottish Parliament, the Edinburgh Castle and did The Scottish Whiskey Experience. Last but not least, we visited four global public relations and advertising agencies; Wieden + Kennedy, The Hoffman Agency, Elixirr, and Allison Worldwide. It was a great way to learn about how an advertising agency runs and the work they do.
The Studying Aspect:I enrolled in two courses — Global Strategic Communication Practices and Strategic Communication in Politics and Government. From collaborative group projects and individual presentations to real-world observation exercises, I learned about how the UK approaches advertisements, the media, and the difference in culture compared to the United States.
Reflection:
Everyone says studying abroad is the “best experience you can have in college,” no matter the program you choose. As a recent graduate from UO reflecting on my time abroad, I can confidently say I strongly agree. Those four weeks were filled with nonstop learning, sight-seeing and engaging with 20 other students in a different country together. Applying for the trip, I didn’t know a single person going which worried me, just in the slightest. But I’m happy it turned out that way, I was able to make friendships with mostly every individual during our program.