UTK’s Engineering in London program has provided me with what was potentially the most influential month of my college experience so far. Students have nearly unlimited freedom in their spare time, which allows them to explore London’s diverse and thriving mix of cultures from all around the world. The city, over its long history, has developed unique neighborhoods and boroughs, each with its own atmosphere, including the happily chaotic Camden Town and the bustling streets of Westminster. Restaurants and markets everywhere contain many ethnic cuisines, which was without a doubt my favorite part of my experience abroad.

Circuits and Thermodynamics were respectfully challenging at times, but Professor Michael W. Berry and Assistant Professor Andrew Dickerson believed students should have plenty of time to explore the city out of class as opposed to drowning in homework. To compliment in-class topics, our group took regular trips to various museums and destinations around the city. Circuit’s class included a trip to Bletchley Park, where Alan Turring worked on defeating the Enigma in World War II. Thermodynamics class, which centered largely on heat engines and thermodynamic cycles, included a trip to the Kew Water and Steam Museum, which houses several impressive steam engines. The translation of information between field trip and class was smooth and comprehensive, which made typically abstract concepts much easier to understand.

As a whole, though, I consider the connections established in London the most influential part of the trip. We had a class of 27 UTK students at various points in their college career. Consistent classes and evening outings accelerated the formation of friendships among the group, and by the end of the experience I felt I could consider quite a few as close friends. We plan on reuniting upon our return to school in the fall, and I look forward to seeing everyone again!

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