Kali Dennis

Overall Experience

My experience in London was absolutely life-changing. Iowa State and the London College of Fashion helped out with the transition and made the experience the best it could be. I had the opportunity to learn from professionals in the industry, and learn about London from people who have lived there for years. The experience gave me a much deeper appreciation and knowledge of the city. I was also so lucky to be able to travel to about 7 different countries while I was abroad. The opportunity opened my eyes to the world and gave a great look into the fashion industry.

Learning experience

I honestly think I learned how to be a better person. I was thrown into this experience with brand-new people. I had to learn how to open up, trust, and grow around these students, but they had to do the same. I think the excitement and fear of it all allowed me to become vulnerable and connect with others around me at a deeper level. I had to be smart about everything, personally, financially, physically, etc. It was a challenge to be in a whole new world pretty much on my own, but I took advantage of the people, environment, and resources to help. I was able to try so many new things, and just learned to say yes to everything! (responsibly)

Memorable experience

The most memorable experience has to be the nightmare from Germany to Amsterdam. We stayed the night on the floor of the smallest train station ever, in Germany. Once we finally got on the train, someone in our group got their bag stolen. We also had to get off the train and transfer onto a new one (this was at 5:00 am). The whole situation was a mess, and would never do that again, but we bonded. Our group bonded over the trauma, and it's funny to look back at now, knowing we all made it home safe without too much missing. Amsterdam was worth the travel pain.

What did you not expect?

I didn't expect the class structure to be the way it was. We had the whole term (semester) just to focus on and create one big project. I did not take a single quiz or test. The classes also met once a week for about 2-3 hours. It sounds like a lot but it was honestly ideal. It allowed us to have so much free time and work time.

What advice would you give?

Money comes back. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, being so young, and so able. Take advantage!

How has this experience impacted your life?

This experience has given me the best insight into the fashion and design world. The tutors, or professors, are industry professionals and currently working in their positions on top of teaching. This allowed me to really learn from someone who is up-to-date on what's happening in the fashion world. It was inspiring learning from people who have such a passion and love for what they do. It also gave me so many different ideas and routes that I could take after graduating from Iowa State. Personally, I have become much more mature and confident. Being abroad has allowed me to see that the world does not just revolve around the United States, which it really feels like living here. It was completely eye-opening seeing different people and cultures, and just trying new things allowed me to grow exponentially. It only makes me want to go back and see even more. I will look into moving somewhere in Europe after school.

How did you learn about this experience?

I had known I wanted to study abroad ever since high school. Choosing Iowa State was heavily influenced by their study abroad program. As I got into the university, I began looking at the study abroad website to see what opportunities were available. I was INSTANTLY drawn to fashion school in London, because that just sounds like a dream to me. I got in contact with who I needed to and went!

International Connections