Last day!

Hello again! I'm wrapping up our blog on the last day in London and of our course. Hard to believe that today is the last day of our trip! It's been a whirlwind--feels like we've been here forever, and also like we just arrived yesterday. Throughout our time here we've experienced so much--the British Museum, Bethlem Museum of the Mind, Black Cultural Archives, Tower of London, a Hindu Temple (BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir), Chinatown, the Freud Museum, and a day trip to Oxford, to name a few activities. We've also spent time discussing psychology, and how it relates to the different aspects of cultures, neighborhoods, and and people from all walks of life.

Today we began with a our last classroom session.  We wrapped up a few details about traveling home tomorrow, and then did some written reflections on our experiences.  Then we had a discussion about what experiences, activities, and discussions were most useful to the students' learning.  We also discussed any experiences that hindered their learning, as well as how the course met their expectations.  Overall, everyone was engaged and it was a thoughtful, productive conversation.  Students will be turning in an analysis paper about their experiences in London, and how they connect with cultural psychology theories.  I'm looking forward to reading these papers and hearing more about their experiences!

In the afternoon, students went their separate ways for COVID testing (a requirement to reenter the US), and any last sightseeing or travel-related errands they needed to finish.  We met up for our last group dinner and went to a restaurant on the South Bank, right along the Thames, called the Anchor--another traditional English pub to bookend the trip.  Good food and good conversation ended our evening and the trip.  Everyone will be up early for flights home tomorrow, but overall there have been many wonderful experiences!

Final pic!  Lorelai Buford, Alyssa Karasek, Quinn Smith, Madeline Hazelwood, Jesse Quickel, Laruen Helsel, Sophie Strombom, and me

Rayven and Alyssa show off their octopus friends during a break in class time

Festive outdoor area of our final dinner (we ate inside because London is COLD!)