Penn Abroad Ambassador Joan Bamgboye

Program:

• PGS: International Business in Tokyo
• SA: University of Edinburgh

Ask me about...

I feel that I could be helpful with students worried about:

• Recruiting while abroad and managing extracurricular responsibilities across time zones
• Working in a different language
• Adjusting to different environmental factors (weather, short daytime hours in winter, food, etc.)
• Going on solo adventures

My Experience Abroad:

My experience studying abroad at the University of Edinburgh introduced me to a more independent, self-driven method of education. In-class time was significantly less than what I was used to at Penn, and for the first couple of weeks, I was slightly frustrated as I tried to figure out what to do with my extra time. However, I soon grew to appreciate this as I reframed it as an opportunity to seek learning experiences outside the classroom. I applied the entrepreneurial spirit I’ve seen countless times in class and created worthwhile memories for myself.

Other Highlights:

• On one of my first days in Japan, I explored Tokyo for about 6 hours by myself with just my camera. It was soothing to think and reflect on my surroundings for an extended period.
• In Shinjuku Chuo Park, I visited a cafe a couple of times that had great pancakes, a relaxing atmosphere, and a pretty view of the park. Nearby, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building has an observation deck with a great view of the city. It was cool to see the thick forest of Meiji Jingu in the middle of the dense city.
• In Edinburgh, I saw orchestral performances at Usher Hall with a friend. The university sometimes offered discounted tickets, and Usher Hall itself had discounts for students. Seeing the Nutcracker performed by RNSO before winter break was lovely. There’s a great fry place nearby for a bite before or after a show.
• I took a day trip to North Berwick, a coastal town about 30-45 minutes from Edinburgh. A friend and I walked to Tantallon Castle, enjoying views of the North Sea, grazing sheep, and coastal birds. The castle’s ruins were impressive, and for the walk we rewarded ourselves with delicious gelato in town.
• Edinburgh’s Christmas market along Princes St. was a sweet end to my semester abroad and a great place to pick up presents to bring home.