Many students dream of traveling the world, immersing themselves in a new culture, and gaining lessons they can bring back into their careers. For Seton Hall senior education major Lauren Hall, that dream came true this summer in Liverpool, England.
Hall attended Liverpool Hope University, an exceptional trip from the start.
Liverpool Hope University in Liverpool, England | Photo via Lauren Hall
“Even though it took me four flights to get to Liverpool, and two flights to get back home, it was worth it,” Hall recalled after a canceled flight midair between Atlanta and Manchester forced her to turn around, adding three extra flights to her journey. Less than twenty-four hours before leaving England, her return flight was canceled, too.
“Instead of taking one straight flight back home, I had to take two,” Hall said.
Despite the travel chaos, Hall found herself immersed in an unforgettable experience.
“I absolutely loved exploring Liverpool’s city,” Hall said.“I was able to dive deep into their culture. I got to experience the Liverpool football parade after their big win.”
A highlight was traveling to London to try the viral TikTok food spot “Spud Bros,” where she even appeared in one of their videos.
“I fell in love with potatoes,” Hall said.
For Hall, choosing this program was a natural step in her journey as an education major. Having previously studied abroad in Rome and Greece, Hall knew she wanted her last trip to connect directly to her career goals.
She said it was her dream to teach abroad since she was a freshman.
“When Doug, [The Director of Study Abroad and Global Engagement at SHU] told me there was an opportunity to teach abroad in England, I knew I could not give up this opportunity,” Hall said. My mother encouraged me to fulfill my dream before I graduate, and it was the best decision I could have made.”
The experience not only gave Hall cultural memories but also reshaped her view of teaching.
“Teaching abroad helped me deepen my understanding of what it means to teach a diverse population of students,” Hall said. “I learned different strategies and ways to be the best teacher I can be.”
The way English schools focus on the whole child is one of Hall’s biggest takeaways. Hall said she learned that school is not only about academics, but it also teaches students about life and morals.
“Teachers taught their students how to help their friends, what it meant to be a good friend, and what true friendship was. They taught their students about God and how to pray. They taught their students about the homeless and how they can give back,” Hall said.
Now, as Hall steps into her role as a first-grade student teacher this fall, she plans to bring those lessons into her classroom.
Hall said she learned that students should gain knowledge, not only strive to learn and pass their academics.
“In my three weeks in England, I never once saw an exam be administered,” Hall said. “I did see students engaged and having more advanced vocabulary than students here in the United States. As a student teacher this fall, I will be like the teachers in England who teach to help others learn, not only so they can pass an exam.”
Hall’s study abroad experience was more than just a trip; it was a turning point.
“Studying abroad changed my viewpoint on life and made me more of a well-rounded person,” Hall said. “It’s something I will carry with me into my future as a teacher.”
Italia Wiley is a writer for The Setonian Features Section. She can be reached at italia.wiley@student.shu.edu.
