Becky Roush >>>>

Amazing, is the word that comes to mind when I think of our study abroad program this summer. The program leader that traveled with us from Ohio State was more than accommodating and was wonderful to study with. The landscape department at Myerscough was fantastic. They invited us into their homes, often spent their weekends with us and showed us a good part of Northwest England. I learned so much about landscaping and was so inspired that I have already landscaped (sidewalk included) my own home. We saw so many sites, Castles, Abbeys, Gardens, and huge cites, all things I will never forget. I often think about England and the good times we had. Someday I will return to see the rolling hills covered in stonewalls, not to mention the sheep!

<<<< Troy Maggied

During the seven weeks I spent in England (six studying and one traveling), I believe I experienced the "true" England. Staying in a rural area of the country as opposed to London or another large city, the communication and interaction with the local people was probably one of the things I value the most from the trip. I also learned a great deal about the constructed landscape and landscape design in general. The hands on experience was invaluable and something that I, and most of the other students on the trip, feel is lacking from our programs at OSU. On a personal note, I gained a great deal of confidence in myself and my abilities. Due to plane accommodations I was forced to arrive into the country on my own a day before the group and I also left on my own at the end of the trip. It was a nerve racking experience, but one that I was very fortunate to have experienced. As for our hosts, none of us could have asked for a warmer, more caring group of individuals to have as mentors, and I feel, as friends. The trip was a great success overall and something that I have thought about everyday since and will never forget.

Cindy Schroeder >>>>

I learned a lot from my trip to England. I learned about landscape. I learned about England and I learned the most about myself. The English are just like us, except that they dress up a lot more to go out on weekends and that they appreciate the beautiful countryside more than I ever did. England is a very small country and is more beautiful than any man made building or sculpture or even landscape. It is hard for them to relate to large scale schools or projects. The most fun thing I learned about a landscape was learning how to build a stone wall and to make mortar and to make a sitting area for a backyard. I learned what plant material costs and I even identified more plants than I thought I could. I learned more in the first day of classes than I would probably retain in one class at OSU. I learned the most about myself. I left the U.S. pretty confident of myself. When I got to England, I felt as though I couldn't do anything for myself and nothing was what I anticipated. As time moved on and I began to realize that I was a student in England, I began to realize that I had to do things for myself or I would never truly experience a study abroad program. Now, as I look back, I know I gained ten times the confidence that I left with and this summer in England was ten times more than I anticipated!

<<<< Kelly Mahl

I have to say that I was quite leery of the whole trip at first. I was afraid of being homesick and missing everyone but it was nothing like that at all. It has been one of the most influential things that I have ever experienced. I learned many things, not only bookwork but also hands on experience. We looked at many gardens formal and informal, learned about English culture, and even had plant ID sessions. Above all though, this opportunity gave me a chance to make life long friends with many wonderful people, and made me want to travel within the USA more. I would recommend this trip to anyone who is outgoing, likes to have fun, and wants to broaden their outlook on life.

Matt Van Druten >>>>

I probably learned more in six weeks in England than in a whole year at school; culturally and academically. I learned that we are somewhat limited in what we can grow here compared to England because of climate. I saw that the English tend to mass plantings together quite often because of limited availability of residential space. I sometimes imagined what they would do if they had the large spaces that we have here in the states; their home gardens and landscapes would be insane! I learned that as people, the English and Americans are quite similar for the most part, just trying to live day by day and make the best of things. Of course there are differences, but when it came down to working or playing together, it went well because we all got along as friends. As for myself, I learned that I will always live in the United States. I love to travel, but I love this country. I also realized that life is very short. I'm not going to waste time anymore doing nothing (like watching too much TV or sitting online for too long). There is too much to do and see. I used to take quite a few naps, but forget that, there's so many ways to spend my time. I'll stop and look around sometimes so I know what's going on, but I will forever be more active and optimistic in general. Thank you Pablo, John, Andy, and the twelve of you for making this one of the best and most meaningful experiences of my life.