Hannah Brookens
Overall Experience
My experience studying abroad in London was truly life-changing. I am incredibly grateful to Iowa State University and the many people who supported and guided me in making this opportunity possible. What I loved most about London was the endless opportunities to explore, learn, and experience new things. From discovering different areas of the city to traveling to the countryside and other countries, every experience allowed me to grow both personally and academically. During my time at London College of Fashion, I took courses in fashion styling, luxury entrepreneurship and brand management, and visual merchandising. Each class encouraged me to embrace and expand my creativity, whether through styling editorial photoshoots or creating a 3D window display concept for a company. These experiences strengthened both my creative and professional skills while exposing me to new perspectives within the fashion industry. Beyond academics, living in London taught me to appreciate the little moments in life and to fully embrace the present. Some of my favorite memories include simply walking around the city and exploring new places. I am thankful for the opportunity to experience so much during my time abroad — from attending more than 20 theater productions and taking day trips to the countryside to climbing to the top of Saint Paul’s Cathedral and watching the sunset over the Thames River beside the London Eye. None of these experiences would have been possible without the encouragement and support of my professors, who inspired me to fully immerse myself in the city and make the most of every opportunity.
Learning experience
The most valuable learning experience I encountered while studying abroad was learning the importance of stepping outside of my comfort zone and embracing uncertainty. Moving to a new country challenged me in ways I had never experienced before, but it helped me grow both personally and professionally. During my time in London, I pushed myself to try new things, explore unfamiliar places, and take advantage of every opportunity. Whether it was traveling, attending events, trying new foods, or exploring the city alone, I learned that some of the best experiences happen when you are willing to embrace the unfamiliar. One of the biggest lessons I learned was not letting the fear of doing things alone stop me from experiencing them. Although it felt intimidating at first, becoming comfortable exploring independently helped me grow in confidence, independence, and adaptability. Overall, studying abroad taught me to be more open-minded, willing to take risks, and fully present in new experiences — lessons that I will carry with me throughout both my personal life and future career.
Memorable experience
One of the most memorable experiences I had while studying abroad was riding the London Eye at sunset for the first time. Ever since freshman year, I had dreamed about studying abroad in London, so seeing the city from above felt surreal and emotional. In that moment, it finally felt real that I was living in London and experiencing something I had worked toward for years. Watching the sunset over the Thames made me feel excited, grateful, and fully present in the moment. That experience set the tone for the rest of my time abroad and inspired me to fully embrace every opportunity. After that night, I made it a goal to constantly explore the city, try new things, and make the most of every experience. Looking back, that ride on the London Eye represents not only one of my favorite memories abroad but also a moment where I realized how much I had grown by stepping outside of my comfort zone.
What did you not expect?
One thing that surprised me most about studying abroad was how quickly London began to feel like home. Before leaving, I expected to enjoy the experience and grow from it, but I did not expect to feel such a strong sense of belonging and connection to the city. As I spent more time exploring London, commuting to classes, discovering local cafés and neighborhoods, and building routines, I began to feel comfortable and confident navigating life independently in a completely new environment. That feeling surprised me because it showed me that I am capable of adapting to new places, embracing change, and creating a sense of home even far outside of my comfort zone. Another unexpected part of my experience was discovering how much I loved the creative and editorial side of the fashion industry. Through my coursework, editorial photoshoots, and exposure to London’s fashion culture, I became increasingly interested in magazine publishing, storytelling, and creative direction. Having the opportunity to see my work published and collaborate on editorial projects made me realize that I could truly see myself pursuing a career as a magazine editor in the future, with the long-term dream of working for Vogue. This experience changed the way I approach both my professional goals and my personal life. Professionally, it gave me the confidence to pursue ambitious career goals that once felt unrealistic or intimidating. It showed me the importance of creativity, collaboration, and stepping outside of traditional expectations in order to grow. Personally, studying abroad taught me to be more open to change, trust myself in unfamiliar situations, and take chances on opportunities that may lead to unexpected growth and success. It reminded me that some of the most meaningful experiences happen when you allow yourself to dream bigger than you originally planned.
What advice would you give?
My advice for students who want to study abroad is to have fun and truly make the most of your time. Time goes by incredibly quickly, so I recommend researching places you want to visit, things you want to do, and experiences you hope to have before arriving. Some of my favorite memories in London came from simply walking around the city and exploring without a plan. Those moments allowed me to immerse myself in the culture fully and appreciate everyday life abroad. My biggest piece of advice is to enjoy the moment, step outside your comfort zone, and say yes to new experiences. Often, the unexpected moments become the most memorable parts of studying abroad. Most importantly, take advantage of every opportunity that comes your way, because studying abroad is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that can change your perspective, build your confidence, and create memories that will stay with you forever.
How has this experience impacted your life?
This experience had a significant impact on me personally, educationally, and professionally. Personally, studying abroad helped me grow in confidence and independence while allowing me to explore new cultures, travel, and rediscover my love for art, history, and creativity. It also gave me lifelong friendships and memories that I will always value. Educationally, studying abroad challenged me in new and creative ways. Through classes like fashion styling and visual merchandising, I gained hands-on experience in creative direction, teamwork, and storytelling through fashion. Creating editorial photoshoots that were later published helped strengthen both my creativity and confidence while pushing me outside of my comfort zone. In terms of my long-term career goals, this experience reinforced my passion for the fashion industry and expanded my vision for my future career. Being immersed in London’s creative environment inspired me to pursue bigger goals within the editorial and fashion world, including my interest in magazine publishing and creative storytelling. Studying abroad also taught me the importance of balancing professional goals with personal experiences, creativity, and exploration.
How did you learn about this experience?
I first learned about this study abroad opportunity during my AESHM 111L class freshman year, and later heard more about it from my academic advisor. She believed the program would be a great fit for me and highly encouraged me to apply. I later learned that she had also studied abroad in London and described the experience as life-changing. After hearing about her experience and the impact it had on her personally and professionally, I knew it was an opportunity I wanted to pursue for myself.
International Connections