Office of Study Abroad

Profile: Meryam Bnyamin '26

Major/minor: Politics and Sociology majors, Legal Studies minor

Study abroad program: King's College London (Arcadia), Fall 2025

Reason you chose this program: I've always wanted to go to London, and KCL had great offerings for courses relating to my majors/minor! I also loved the location of the campus being right in the city.

Favorite classes: Comparative European Politics

How did you incorporate your Brandeis areas of study into your study abroad experience? I took courses related to my major, and I spent a lot of time learning about politics and law in the UK through my own exploration of the city. I was also given the opportunity to visit the House of Lords through a Brandeis alum.

Housing situation: I lived in KCL housing, in a suite, but with my own room.

What were some parts of your identity that you thought about while considering study abroad that other students may want to talk to you about? I'm Middle Eastern and queer, so I was really looking for either community in London.

What was your greatest challenge? Homesickness for sure. I was really missing my family and friends, especially the first month. I found ways to consistently communicate and keep in touch with them though!

Favorite memory: My favorite memory was going on an excursion to Wales, where I got to go surfing for the first time! The view was incredible, even thought it was freezing!

What do you know now that you didn't know before? Even as a "foreign" student, your student status abroad can get you many perks! I got free museum admission, discounts, and so much more.

Fact about the United Kingdom that you think people would be surprised to learn: The UK is a really diverse place! There's so much outside of London, and I wish I got to explore it all.