I never imagined that just three weeks in London could completely change the way I think about speech-language pathology, but it did. I went in expecting to observe some clinical settings and maybe learn about a different healthcare system, but I got so much more. It was truly the most unforgettable experience I’ve ever had.

One of the moments that stuck with me was seeing a choir made up of individuals who had laryngectomies, Shout at Choir. Watching them sing and speak without vocal cords, but with other methods of communication, was something I'll never forget. It really showed me how important communication is in every form. We also had the chance to visit the Doncaster Stammering Association, where people shared their personal stories of living with a stutter. Hearing firsthand how stuttering impacted their experiences, confidence, and journey to acceptance taught me more than any lecture ever could. Each individual lecture brought a new insight while learning from some of the best in the field. From learning about awake craniotomies to learning a whole lecture taught in British Sign Language, every day felt like its own course.

Outside of the academic side, the program was also so special in every way. I made friends that will last a lifetime with people I felt like I’d known forever by the end of our three weeks. We explored so much of the city together, whether it was figuring out the Tube, grabbing dinner in little pubs, or spending hours laughing about memories. The moments in between lectures, sitting in the park or simply walking back from class, ended up meaning so much to me. We all came in as students with different backgrounds but left with friendships and memories I’ll carry with me for a lifetime.

London itself was more than I ever expected. It had so much to see and do that made every day feel like a new adventure. One day we would be walking through Notting Hill, with its colorful houses and cozy little shops, and later we could find ourselves in Soho, with street performers and crowded streets. From the sounds of different accents on the Tube to the mix of cultures blending on the streets, it felt like there was so much of the world in one small area. Since everything was seemingly close, we were able to hop on trains and explore beyond London, traveling to the surreal places of Scotland and Paris.

Looking back at this whole experience, it was truly one of the best things I’ve ever done. It gave me a new perspective and appreciation not just for speech-language pathology, but for the world around me. The second I left, I already missed it and wished I could go back. Time flew by, but we packed so much into every moment. This was a once-in-a-lifetime experience that I will forever be grateful I got to experience and will take these memories and experiences with me forever.

Name: Hailey Tocco
Status: Junior
Major: Communicative Science and Disorders
Hometown: Canton, Michigan
Program: Communication Disorders in the UK