I know there are stereotypes surrounding every international program at Pepperdine. And while I’m not saying that none of them are true, I think it’s fair to say some of them are exaggerated. These “exaggerated” comments especially tend to be amplified around the early application deadline period.
Last year, as a freshman, I heard all of it. It was like an IP war with everyone trying to make their program sound more appealing than all the others.
I’ll be completely honest here. I ended up applying for London because I didn’t want to fit a foreign language into my schedule—that stereotype stands true—though I did also notice that the London alums may have lacked the obviously blatant and loud enthusiasm other programs boasted. I asked around about it.
I’ve heard that London is for the kids who get homesick easily, and they go because the fact that British people speak English is comforting. I’ve heard that London is the ONLY program where MAJOR cliques form because of the people the program draws in, and because of the layout of the house.
The newest one I actually heard recently from a current freshman that said an upperclassman told her that “London sucks.”
Ouch.
Now, instead of getting super defensive about this, I’m going to make couple points.
Number one: don’t judge a program you haven’t experienced.
I spent the summer here in London as a part of the GE program along with around 35 others ranging in grades. Many of them had spent a semester or a year abroad somewhere else.
There were quite a few Florence alums in particular, and I asked them which program they liked better. They honestly couldn’t decide, explaining that each place has its perks and downsides. They said they wouldn’t trade their year experience in Italy for anything in the world, but they wouldn’t mind spending a year in the UK either.
And that brings me to my second point: you will not regret studying abroad, no matter what destination you sign your contract for.
Try to find a Pepperdine student who says, “I wish I didn’t spend my last year in Buenos Aires,” or, “that summer in Florence was such a waste.” It’s impossible.
That is why it pains me to see programs rivaling each other. The decision of where to apply shouldn’t be based off of what house is supposedly better or which program is supposedly more fun. It should be based on where you want to go—simple as that.
From what I’ve heard, all the Pepperdine IP locations are amazing, and, since I’ve spent about 13 weeks here, I can personally say, London included.
To everyone thinking of applying for IP: don’t stress about sorting through the rumors and stereotypes, you won’t regret whatever decision you make, so just go with your gut, seriously.
Oh, and one more thing: just to be clear—I know it’s tough to believe—London doesn’t suck.