 I
first heard about BUNAC's (British Universities North American
Club) work program from a friend at school. I had always been
passionate about.
England and was planning a summer visit when the possibility
of working abroad all of a sudden presented
itself. I immediately inquired about it at the study abroad
office and realized that being a full-time university student
(or recent graduate) and obtaining a passport were virtually
the only prerequisites
needed to apply for the program. So I applied, received my legal
work documents and a guidebook on living/working in the UK,
and waited for June of 1999 to take off for London!
I must say that it was hectic
upon my arrival. Figuring
out the Tube system in London, reading newspaper ads
looking for rooms available for rent, exchanging money, and
entering numerous stores, coffee shops, and bars to hand out
my resume (called a C.V. in Britain) all proved to be a bit
stressful. Yet it was also the most exciting, challenging, and
rewarding experience I have been through. Having BUNAC nearby
was reassuring; they
helped answer my questions and tried
to make the transition an easy one. Advertisements and
listings were displayed in their office as well which helped
many program
participants land jobs and accommodation. I chose to be a bit
more adventurous and just wandered around the streets of London
myself looking for something to catch
my eye. After some persistence, I did find summer employment
with Pret a Manger, a coffee shop with chains all over London
and several parts of the UK. My store was located in the Tower
of London, and I
had the glamorous job of operating a bike cart (complete with
umbrella) selling ice cream and drinks to the thousands of tourists
that visited London every day. It was not a job that
will help me land
the career of my dreams, but I guarantee you I've never
had so much fun in my life.
Soon after landing a job, and after checking out several
housing possibilities, my friend and I found a room for rent
in Leytonstone, in the East End of London. It was in a comfortable,
nice house in a typical neighborhood, and we had two other
housemates, one from England and one from France. It was great
having a "home" instead of living out of a hotel
or hostel, and being able to cook, do laundry, watch TV,
and relax.
Once settled comfortably in
our house and receiving a stable income, I really felt at
home in London. I felt like I was living my own life, and
not just taking a "vacation." I made lasting friendships
both with my housemates and my coworkers that have opened
my eyes to so many more possibilities and ideas than I ever
imagined. I also met unforgettable people that have created
many of my memories from London; an Italian study abroad student
in the Tube station on Queensway, American travelers on the
night bus, the
English man that owned the fish and chips shop down the street,
the French couple we stayed with during our weekend trip to
Paris, the friendly Beefeaters
that greeted me each morning at the Tower of London.
and the numerous international tourists I interacted with
everyday at work. I fell in love with both the cosmopolitan
feel of London as well as the traditional British culture.
I miss the bobbies roaming
the streets, the wonderful cider and beer at the pubs,
the English music, the beautifully landscaped parks and gardens,
and even the unpredictable rainy weather. By working, I became
immersed in British culture and experienced a part of life
that most travelers never see. I could afford to travel during
my free time and still avoid debt once I returned home. So
whether you yearn for
the culture and beauty of Wales, Scotland, Ireland, or England,
I urge you to take advantage
of the opportunity to work and have the biggest blast of your
life!
(695 words)
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