By Karina Valdes
London’s rich history and vibrant culture were the backdrop for a three-week global communication study abroad experience for students at the University of Miami School of Communication. Led by Joseph B. Treaster, professor, and Gina Presson, lecturer, the duo were accompanied by Ben Ezzy, manager of broadcast operations, who documented the experience.
Smiling students walk the streets of London on their way to visit the Wall Street Journal.
Juniors Julianna Sondon, majoring in journalism and minoring in public relations and history, and Elliott Wyndorf, majoring in communication studies and minoring in strategic communication, participated in the program over the summer.
Professor Treaster, in the navy blazer, speaks with students and Richard Bourdeaux, standard editor for the Wall Street Journal, London.
Sondon heard about studying abroad in London when Professor Treaster stopped by one of her journalism classes to share details of what students can expect to experience on the trip.
“I started thinking about it, and I was like ‘I would love to go to London.’ I would love to get journalism credits being that’s what I was studying,” said Sondon.
Sitting on a grassy knoll, students converse with Birgit Maaß, UK correspondent for Deutsche Welle, who shared her professional experience and insights.
For Wyndorf, the decision was one he had made years earlier.
“I knew that I wanted to study abroad entering college. I also knew that I wanted to be in a place that could challenge me, but where I could be comfortable communicating with others in the only language I can fluently speak,” said Wyndorf
Students on the London study abroad trip were immersed in the city, while also learning and applying communication techniques in briefings and discussions with professionals in agencies and media outlets including the BBC, Edelman, The New York Times, CBS News, Chelsea FC, and ABC World News.
Students sit in the locker room of FC Chelsea during their tour of Stamford Bridge, the stadium where the team plays, after they learned all about the communication techniques the club utilizes.
When Sondon learned of all the major media outlets, as well as the public relations and communication agencies students visit while in London, her decision was confirmed.
“Being able to make those contacts very much enticed me and made me want to go,” said Sondon.
Students take in a presentation at the Wall Street Journal.
While in London, the students were able to take in the richness of the city while working on assignment. They had discussions with reporters and editors, learned from top public relations and advertising experts, and put what they’ve learned in the classroom to the test. Through this experience, Wyndorf became more self-assured in voicing his ideas.
Elliott Wyndorf, center, sits next to Professor Treaster, far right, during a briefing at The New York Times.
“It gave me the confidence to be myself and contribute ideas and questions in high-stakes professional environments,” said Wyndorf.
At CBS News, students got a behind-the-scenes look at how broadcast news stations operate.
For Sondon, visiting the various communication outlets cemented her career aspirations.
“This trip definitely solidified that broadcast is what I want to pursue. Interning is one thing, working somewhere is one thing, but being able to visit multiple TV stations, especially abroad, see those places and see how each individual station works beyond solidified for me that this is definitely what I want to do,” said Sondon.
In the board room at Edelman, students discuss ideas and learn about effective communication strategies.
The trip also pushed the students to improve their writing skills.
“Journalistic writing is very specific, so having Professor Treaster on the trip and being able to visit newspapers, and even the written assignments that we did, gave me a lot of practice in this writing style. Then, to go to these newspaper offices and see how things work in real life was definitely very helpful and a very good learning experience,” said Sondon.
Posing in front of the BBC before spending the day learning all about the major news outlet’s operations.
Through this intensive immersive study abroad experience, students honed their communication skills, but also discovered the value of embracing cultural diversity.
Immersing themselves in the culture and history of London, students take a guided tour of Oxford.
“I learned how to write concisely, but effectively, like a journalist. I also gained a newfound appreciation for how meaningful cultural diversity is,” said Wyndorf.
When the students traveled to London, they were prepared to tour media outlets and agencies, but they were pleasantly surprised by some of the unexpected places they visited.
Julianna Sondon poses for photos at Oxford.
“I’ve never heard of Brighton, England and I had the best time ever in Brighton. All of the weekend trips that Professors Presson and Treaster took us on, the cultural sites, were definitely my favorite parts,” said Sondon.
The 2023 London study abroad group poses in front of the London Eye.
For Wyndorf, his favorite experience was enjoying a variety of cuisines.
“The London food scene is extremely underrated. International food from all different countries make for amazing dishes that are all throughout the city,” exclaimed Wyndorf.
SoC student Maddie Bassalik, UMTV station manager, practices live shots on the streets of London with help from Brian Kelly, freelance videographer for ABC News.
Global Communication, London Summer is a six-credit program that immerses students in the dynamic and cutting-edge world of global communication in London, as well as its culture. For more information, please visit https://goabroad.miami.edu/index.cfm?FuseAction=Programs.ViewProgramAngular&id=10292.
The Global Communication, London Summer 2023 video was produced by Ben Ezzy. Stills used in this piece were taken from his videos.
