By Matteo Travers, Community Manager
In our Alumni Spotlight series, we highlight Alumni who have followed their path of self-authorship to continue their learning inside, outside, and beyond the classroom. Check out the story of Erin Meehan (London, Fall 2024 | Lehigh University) below!
What did you learn through studying abroad? How has the experience changed you?
Studying abroad in my first semester of college taught me so much about living independently, navigating unfamiliar places, and advocating for myself. It also built self-confidence–I came away from it thinking that if I could do that, college back in the States is much less intimidating in comparison. I feel like I grew into myself as a person through the experience.
What was it like getting to know a new city, away from everyone you know?
I found it really exciting! It was a chance to test myself, make new friends, and connect to a new place. I fell in love with London, and one of my favorite parts of the semester was being able to explore various areas of the city, experiencing everything from West End shows to the parkour community to adorable Christmas markets. I had so much fun connecting to a completely new place, and even though I’m back in the US now, I’ll always have a soft spot for London.
What courses did you take, and why did you take them?
I took a bunch of general education requirements while in London, so now that I’ve transferred to Lehigh, I have a head start on my general requirements and can spend more time in classes specific to my major.
What was your transition like from Verto to your post-Verto plan? How did it impact your confidence level?
My transition to Lehigh has been pretty smooth. While coming in the Spring semester means there are fewer orientation activities, I found it less overwhelming than everything I hear happens in the fall. I worked with a really great advisor and was able to get into all the classes I needed for this semester and set up a convenient class schedule. As I mentioned before, coming to Lehigh after studying abroad gave me so much more self-confidence. Sometimes, if I’m feeling unsure about doing something, I’ll remind myself, “If I could plan and execute a solo trip around Europe, I can walk into the housing center and ask the front desk about registration.”
Verto was the first time you lived abroad. Now that you’ve traveled abroad internationally, what’s next on your list?
Taiwan! I’m really hoping to teach English there this summer, or at least sometime in the future. I also plan to take advantage of some of Lehigh’s study-abroad programs. Now that I have a taste for travel, I can’t stop!
What are some must-dos for students thinking about London?
Obviously, you have to go see the main sights. But one of the best things about spending a semester there is that you also get to know the city on a much more personal level. While you’re there, please, please treat yourself to at least one or two West End shows. They are absolutely amazing, and the prices are a fraction of the cost of Broadway. I’d also recommend studying at some of the cafes and bakeries around London! I used to find a different cafe every Monday and spend the afternoon there with my homework and my aesthetic drink 🙂 It’s great for motivation! I also recommend spending an afternoon just walking and seeing what you run into! There’s something fun around every corner, and sometimes the best adventures are the ones you don’t expect.
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