During my years of studying in Shanghai, I frequently traveled back to my home country to participate in immersion programs. It helped to keep touch with the local education system and the English language (I was studying in a local school in Shanghai and the classes were entirely in Chinese). While waiting for secondary school to start after returning from Shanghai, I went to London for a month-long summer camp.
The program was held at Marymount International School in Kingston-upon-Thames, and it was a residential program. After a 13-hour flight, I was picked up by the facilitators at the airport, and it took approximately an hour to arrive at the school. I was in time for the initial orientation, and was led to the room where I would stay for the month. I remember settling down and admiring the beautiful garden and field while peeking out from the room. The weather was pleasantly cool in August, and I enjoyed it very much.
During my time there, I participated in various workshops and English language skill lessons. However, at that point of time, what stood out to me the most was the wide range of sports, games, city excursions and indoor/outdoor activities that I truly enjoyed. I had the opportunity to meet and interact with students from all over the world, including several Russians, Japanese and my roommate from Kazakhstan.
Coincidentally, I visited during the year that London hosted the Olympics and I was able to buy some souvenirs for my parents. I remember visiting Legoland, Buckingham Palace, several castles and museums, and going shopping at Hamleys and other places around London.
I do recall feeling homesick at one point, as it was my first time traveling alone to a place so far from home and away from my family. However, the days were filled with interesting workshops and fun activities that kept me immersed and engaged, and I quickly got over my homesickness. I believe that it was this experience that made me truly enjoy traveling across the world and since then I had never felt homesick when alone elsewhere and began appreciating solitude.
I enjoyed the food while I was there, although I remember having potatoes in almost every meal. I always looked forward to the night snacks and a cup of hot chocolate at the end of the day. The cuisine was very British, and I don't recall having rice or noodles like the ones I ate at home.
I had a fantastic time, and the hosts were very friendly. It was a meaningful experience that helped me improve my English skills as I prepared to return to Singapore for my secondary school education. Traveling alone overseas at a young age and interacting with international students was an impactful experience, and I would always be thankful for having had the opportunity for these exposures.