Hello prospective study abroad students,

My name is Wayko Wagner, and I had the privilege of spending a few weeks during my winter break studying abroad in London through the International Business in London program. As someone with a lot of international travel experience, I knew I wanted to study abroad at some point during college, but I didn’t want to spend an entire semester away from home. When I discovered the two-week International Business in London program, I knew it was the perfect opportunity.

My time in London created memories I will carry with me for the rest of my life. The program excellently organized tours to help us immerse ourselves in the culture. One of my favorite excursions was our trip to Bath, a historic city in England renowned for its Roman-built baths, elegant Georgian architecture, and cultural significance. Beyond historical sites like Bath, we also explored modern cultural landmarks, such as Fulham FC’s stadium, which, in my opinion, was one of the highlights of the trip. As one of the oldest stadiums in the country, it was rich in history, and despite not being a huge soccer (football) fan before, I became one that day.

This was my first time traveling abroad without my parents and with an academic purpose. I enrolled in the Topics in Finance course, which I found fascinating, as it broadened my perspective on the role I will have as a future finance professional in an interconnected world. London is one of the world’s major financial hubs, and experiencing its business environment firsthand was incredibly valuable. One of the most memorable visits was to Lloyd’s of London, an insurance marketplace that houses over 91 companies under one roof. The history and structure of Lloyd’s were truly fascinating — a must-see for anyone interested in finance. I also appreciated attending our alumni event, where we had insightful discussions about life in London, the differences in work environments between the U.S. and the U.K., and how alumni navigated their early careers in a new country. Honestly, they made a strong case for moving to London!

Overall, I cannot imagine spending part of my winter break any other way. It was fun, educational, and action-packed! A few pieces of advice: First, pack lightly. It’s easy to overpack, but doing so will limit your ability to bring back souvenirs. I packed light and was able to bring home much more. Second, take full advantage of your free time outside of class and program activities. 

"My friends and I booked tickets for events and museums in advance to make the most of our time."

Some of our highlights included seeing Hamilton and visiting the Churchill War Rooms Museum, the National Portrait Gallery, and some incredible restaurants. There is plenty of free time to explore — make sure you use it wisely!

If you're considering studying abroad, this program is a fantastic way to experience London’s rich history, vibrant culture, and global business environment in just two weeks. I highly recommend it — enjoy your journey!

The Global Access Ambassador Scholarship program provides awards to study abroad for a summer, semester, or academic year. The scholarships are intended to support students who study abroad with the intent to serve as Global Access Ambassadors upon return to the UI campus. Upon completion of the study abroad program and return to UI, award recipients are asked to submit a photo and an open letter to prospective students or suggest an alternate means of sharing with prospective students.

Please note that the opinions and views expressed by ambassadors are solely those of the students and do not reflect or represent the views of International Programs or the University of Iowa.

International Programs (IP) at the University of Iowa (UI) is committed to enriching the global experience of UI students, faculty, staff, and the general public by leading efforts to promote internationally oriented teaching, research, creative work, and community engagement.  IP provides support for international students and scholars, administers scholarships and assistance for students who study, intern, or do research abroad, and provides funding opportunities and grant-writing assistance for faculty engaged in international research. IP shares their stories through various media, and by hosting multiple public engagement activities each year.