Austin Griffith

Austin discovers a love of fencing while studying abroad in London for an academic year.

Home University: University of Northern Colorado

Host University: Kingston University

Major: English

Why did you choose to study abroad in England?

I could never have chosen to study anywhere else. As an English major, and more significantly an avi

Did you plan on staying all year all along or did you decide while abroad?

I always planned on studying abroad for a full year. Based on the financial cost of attending university and catching a flight across the Atlantic, it made more fiscal sense. More importantly though, integrating into any new school takes time. I didn’t want to have just settled in to the rhythm of attending university here in London only to be whisked back to Colorado.

What do you think are the benefits of studying abroad for a year instead of just a semester?

The most obvious benefit is that you have more time to see everything. I doubt many students return to their home universities without wishing they had a chance to see more. I’m sure that I will return home with that sentiment. However, studying abroad for an entire year at least allows you to reduce the number of places you wished you had visited.

Another benefit is that you are able to take advantage of cultural events on an annual scale. I’ve managed to see both the Chinese New Year celebrations and a Globe Theatre production. Students who only are able to visit for a semester miss seasonal opportunities like those. It’s nice being able to see how dynamic society is over the course of a year.

The biggest benefit though, is that you are better able to integrate into university life. For example, if I had only studied abroad for a semester, I would have been able to join the university fencing team; but I would not have been able to participate in any competitions. I would have fenced with the team rather than as part of the team. So I really appreciate that studying abroad for an entire year has allowed me more opportunities to connect with the student body.

How did you get involved in fencing at Kingston?

I have always wanted to try fencing, but had never really had an opportunity. My home university, the University of Northern Colorado, had a fencing team which disbanded when I began to attend college. When I was researching where I wanted to study abroad I saw that Kingston offered a fencing team among its university clubs. So when I decided to actually attend here, I had to become involved with the club.

Actually getting involved was really easy. The club held a university welcoming event for students who were looking to get involved. I really enjoyed the little bit of fencing we were able to do, so I kept coming back.

Has it helped you meet people? How so?

Getting to fence has definitely helped me meet people. If I didn’t go to fencing, I wouldn’t have met any of the other students that are involved with the club. I also think fencing makes for a good conversational piece. Secretly (or not so secretly in my case) most people wish that they were playing with swords like Zorro or Captain Jack Sparrow. Since I actually get to, people are usually interested to talk about it (or at least make quips about groups of men playing with their swords).

Anything else you’d like to add about your experience?

There is too much to tell. If I talked about how much fun I’ve had swing dancing at the local workman’s pub or how I’m trying to become involved with a student newspaper, you would have to sift through a novel. Unfortunately, it would not be a very good novel since it would lack romance, intrigue, and dastardly villains. The best thing about studying abroad has been like a granted wish from an Arabian genie. I probably wouldn’t even exchange it for more wishes...