Xiaomei Wu, NYUAD Class of 2014, really experienced the interesting dynamics of the city. "Everything here is an antique! It is like all of London is a museum. Basically every street and every house has a history," she said. "But it is also a city with both historical and modern elements. It's both old and young."
Throughout their three-week course, taught by London School of Economics professor Simon Hix and NYU New York professors Joseph Tucker and Michael Laver, students were exposed to the inner workings of the European Union. "We got to meet with members of the European Parliament, ambassadors to Croatia and Bosnia, and even got to visit the House of Lords and the House of Commons. I was surprised to see that the speakers still wear wigs!" said Tine Paulsen, NYUAD Class of 2014.
Wu was impressed to feel the city's political power play out in her day-to-day life. "The UK definitely has a very important role in Europe, and it's also a key member of the EU. Being in London I could feel a real Europe. The concept of EU and Europe was no longer in the book. It was all around me."
Being in London I could feel a real Europe. The concept of EU and Europe was no longer in the book. It was all around me.
Wu also took time out of her busy schedule to experience some authentic British culture. "I saw two plays while in London. There is rarely any theater in my home city, so it was exciting to see a live play! I also saw the Rosetta Stone at the British Museum, which was a five-minute walk from our dorm." Paulsen also took the opportunity to explore, taking a tour of the city with her resident advisors. "We took the tube from place to place, including the Prime Meridian in Greenwich, and then took a boat tour under Tower Bridge."
Much like her fellow students who went abroad, Wu couldn't wait to get back to the warm Gulf weather. "London is very cold. I miss the sun in Abu Dhabi!"