NEWS

Semester in London? Absolutely worth it.

CBA senior Rachel Meininger shares what she gained from a full semester abroad

| Author: Alisha Draper

For Rachel Meininger, studying abroad wasn’t a question of if—only when and where. The senior logistics management major from Kalamazoo, Mich., had dreamed of studying abroad for years. When the opportunity came to spend a full semester at Kingston University near London, she jumped in.

“I’ve wanted to study abroad for as long as I can remember,” she said. “Once I got to CMU, I started looking into programs right away.”

A self-described planner, Rachel worked closely with an advisor to explore options in English-speaking countries. After narrowing it down to a few universities in the U.K., Ireland, and Australia, she chose Kingston for its proximity to London, relevant course offerings, and opportunity for independence.

“I was so excited to be away in a new city,” she said. “Being somewhere you know nobody is refreshing, and mistakes are easy to brush off and learn from.”

Lessons outside the classroom

While faculty-led study abroad programs offer immersive short-term experiences with group support, Rachel’s semester abroad required a different kind of confidence—and rewarded it with transformation.

“Going to a foreign country as a 19-year-old girl, not knowing anyone, was such a gift,” she said. “It made me so much more confident in myself and my abilities.”

Rachel took four courses at Kingston—British Life and Culture, Macroeconomics, Geology, and Rapid App Development—all taught in English. With a flexible class schedule, she had time to explore, make friends, and embrace the city.

“I only had classes three days a week, so I’d explore Central London on my off days,” she said. “Walking through town and along the river became my refresh routine.”

Her favorite academic surprise? “Less busywork,” she said. “But that also meant you really had to keep up with the content yourself. You have to be disciplined.”

Embracing the unexpected

Rachel’s time abroad wasn’t without its bumps. Her dorm essentials didn’t arrive as expected, leaving her to improvise with a coat for a blanket and a packing cube as a pillow.

“It wasn’t an awesome start,” she laughed, “but it forced me to explore the town early. In the scheme of things, it could’ve been so much worse.”

Instead of setbacks, she found connection—whether through local students at a favorite pub or the warmth of her university’s study abroad advisor, Paul.

“I know he was just doing his job,” she said, “but it really felt like he cared about us. It always ended up being fun if Paul was there. I miss that guy.”

A highlight reel in the making

For anyone unsure about a semester abroad, Rachel says the key is exploring your options—and not being afraid to ask questions.

“Change can be scary, but there are so many people willing to help,” she said. “It’s okay to feel nervous. That just means it matters to you.”

Her advice for future travelers?

“Explore early. Time will be over before you know it.”

Rachel Meininger sits with three other students at an historic roman bathhouse with a pool and marble pillars in the UK.
Meininger (second from right) made lifelong friendships during her study abroad experience.
View latest news