Meadows Student Reflects on Transformative Summer Abroad in London

This summer, my SMU Meadows education was enriched through an abroad internship with the Meadows division of Corporate Communication and Public Affairs. I interned with HeadBox, a tech software company based in London, and I assisted the public relations and marketing team on the business’ expansion to the United States.  

As I’m earning a degree in public relations and strategic communication in Meadows, I was able to strengthen my skills and use my public relations coursework in the industry. I spent six weeks in London working with HeadBox and supported the integrated marketing communications strategy. Each day in the office, I collaborated in teams and worked with various sectors of the company, from marketing executives, to software engineers, to business development specialists and fellow student interns. A key emphasis of the CCPA coursework at SMU Meadows is our “internal network” and relationship-building with all those we come into contact with during our professional lives. My internship with HeadBox demonstrated this concept coming to life, as I connected with members of all departments.  

Working and Learning  

Highlights of my work experience included creating blog posts, conducting market research, managing social media, composing news releases and corresponding with journalists regarding expansion plans. Each day looked slightly different, and some days even included site visits with the events team.  

This SMU Meadows program couples internship opportunities with an abroad class covering topics on globalization, economics and communication. The class was unique in that it is only offered abroad and challenged me to think critically about today’s most pressing world issues. My class of just fifteen students met weekly on Mondays, while spending the remainder of the week in our respective internship offices. On class days, each student would present on topics as prevalent as capitalism, economic theories throughout history and present day, trade policy and climate and environmental issues.

Global Discovery & Adventures  

My program allocated ample time to leave the classroom and office to truly engage with the culture and understand what it means to be a “global citizen.” I am especially thankful that SMU offers the opportunity to travel to a new region and engage fully with the people, the history, the business hubs and the culture. London surprised me in that it is a global city and the convergence of cultures, languages and lifestyles in such a metropolitan area was more evident than I previously envisioned. Its position as an epicenter of such variety made it an exciting and educational location to live.  

My most memorable experience in London was attending Royal Ascot, Britain’s famous horse races. Spending the day at the racecourse with my entire class and our professor was an enjoyable way to celebrate all of our hard work and friendships we made. Of course, standing less than ten feet away from King Charles and Queen Camilla did not disappoint either.  

I am also a dance performance major in Meadows, and London is a hub for dance and the arts. I visited the Royal Opera House to see Royal Ballet performances, took classes at dance studios throughout London and attended live music and theater performances in the West End. Engaging with my major through the arts in this way deepened my appreciation for the arts through exposure to new perspectives and artistic visions. 

Impact 

I will always carry with me the lessons I learned and the ways of life I discovered this summer. My London experience pushed me to grow in my ability to adapt, my professionalism, my acceptance of others and self-reliance. I will always be grateful for the multitude of support I received from SMU Meadows. Living in London was a formative experience, and my SMU journey would not feel complete without it.  

SMU Abroad programs elevate each area of study and offer highly specialized programs across all five schools. Each student can find an abroad program that will boost their education and shape them into global citizens ready to tackle new challenges.  

For more information, visit https://www.smu.edu/abroad and schedule an advising appointment today.