Meet Lena Bannon, an ASA Oxford alumna who was born and raised in Boston, MA, but is currently living in the college town of Durham where she attends the University of New Hampshire. Lena lived out her childhood dream to see more of the world when she studied abroad in spring 2024.
"It's so fascinating to me that there is a huge world out there and we are expected to just settle to live in one place," Lena said. "I was so excited to hear about ASA and the many programs they had and opportunities for people like me to live out their dreams. Studying abroad was something I was always going to do, the only question was when and where and ASA answered both with ease."
ASA: Share three quick fun facts about yourself!
LENA BANNON:
a. I have 7 siblings. 4 sisters and 3 brothers, and yes, all from the same parents.
b. My father immigrated from Galway, Ireland, so before studying abroad I had
traveled there a bunch!
c. I am a proud aunt of 4! I am very family-oriented and absolutely love being an
aunt.
ASA: You studied abroad with ASA in Oxford in Spring 2024. Why did you choose Oxford? Was it the right decision for you and why?
LB: I went into it without any clear plan or specific idea of where I wanted to go. I just knew I wanted to be close to Ireland so I could visit family, and I figured England would be the best option. I’d heard of Oxford before and knew it was beautiful, so I thought, “Why not?” I usually have a “what’s the worst that could happen?” attitude, and that’s exactly how I approached this decision. I knew I’d be happy wherever I ended up, and I was just grateful to have the opportunity to choose.
ASA: Was there anything that surprised you about Oxford that would be useful for incoming study-abroad students to know?
LB: One thing that really surprised me about Oxford was how much there is to do and see! I initially thought it was a small town, and that I’d see everything within the first couple of weeks, then spend the rest of my time traveling. I couldn’t have been more wrong. I remember during my last few weekends, my friends and I were still discovering new restaurants, historic sites, and interesting shops to explore.
ASA: Where was your favorite spot within a five-minute walk from your accommodation?
LB: If I answer this honestly my answer is Subway; I was borderline obsessed, it was a little part of home for me! But other than Subway, there was a huge park full of beautiful rivers, paths, and bridges that I went to almost every day. It was super peaceful and everyday my friends and I found new paths to take. It extended all the way into the town of Oxford, which was convenient.
ASA: How did the academics at Oxford Brookes compare to what you were used to back home?
LB: One of the most challenging aspects for me was the difference in the way my area of study—child development and teaching—was approached compared to back home. I knew there would be some differences going into a new country, but it was still hard to adjust. The biggest change I noticed was the workload. There were fewer assignments, but each one was graded heavily and worth a lot of points. In some of my classes, there were only two assignments for the entire semester. It was a lot of pressure, especially since I’m more used to having lots of smaller assignments with a few big ones mixed in.
ASA: Did you meet anyone while studying abroad who impacted your life in some way?
LB: Yes! I met so many people from different parts of the world, and I’m fortunate to now have some of the best friends I could ask for. These friendships have opened my eyes to just how big the world is and how lucky I am to have had the chance to connect with such a diverse group of amazing people. They’ve inspired me in so many ways, and now I have friends I can visit in different countries. It made me realize how much there is to learn from others, and how important it is to embrace different cultures and perspectives.
ASA: Did you travel much beyond Oxford? If so, where did you go? Share one highlight from each trip!
LB: I had the chance to go on several amazing excursions during my time abroad! I visited Ireland a couple of times, including for St. Patrick’s Day, which was an unforgettable experience! I also made frequent day trips to London, which was super easy and affordable by bus—quick, cheap, and the perfect way to explore the city! In addition to that, I traveled to Edinburgh, Scotland, and the Canary Islands in Spain, which ended up being my favorite trip. The Canary Islands had such a unique vibe, and the scenery was absolutely stunning! What I learned is that traveling can actually be really affordable if you plan ahead. With a little research, you can find great deals on transportation and accommodations, and the experiences you get are worth every penny. It’s all about making the most of your time and budget and being open to new places and adventures. Studying abroad gave me the chance to explore so much more than I expected, and I’m grateful for all the trips I took!
ASA: What was your favorite meal in Oxford? Have you ever recreated it at home?
LB: My friends and I got a lot of Sunday roasts, which is a big thing in England. It usually consists of roasted meat, potatoes, and vegetables, and it’s often enjoyed with family and friends. Roasts can be pricey, but it is worth it after a long week. I haven't tried to recreate it at home yet, but I think it will be simple enough.
ASA: Paint us a picture of your life now, about half a year on from studying abroad. Do you feel like study abroad played a role in your personal and/or professional development?
LB: Now, about half a year after studying abroad, I feel like I’ve changed in so many ways. I’ve definitely fallen in love with being on my own. Living in a new country pushed me to become more independent and self-reliant, and I’ve carried that confidence with me since returning home. I’ve also focused a lot more on my mental health. Being away from everything I knew helped me slow down and really check in with myself. It gave me the space to focus on what I needed, and I’ve been prioritizing that balance ever since. I still look at photos from my time abroad every day, and every time I do, I feel so proud of myself for stepping out of my comfort zone and making that experience happen. It wasn’t always easy, but it was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. The memories, the people, the places—they've all left such an impact on me. Now, it’s like a fire inside me that pushes me to want to travel more, to see more of the world, and continue learning from new experiences. Studying abroad didn’t just change how I see the world, it changed how I see myself. It made me realize how capable I am, and that motivation has carried into both my personal life and my future goals.
ASA: What advice would you offer to students who are currently studying abroad with ASA Oxford, those heading there soon, or students who are considering signing up for this program?
LB: My advice would be: Say yes. I know it sounds simple, but it’s honestly the best advice I can give. I’m someone who tends to be very anxious, but once I got to Oxford, I was so proud of myself for making it there. I realized I was living a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and that’s when I made the decision to embrace it fully. Say yes to new experiences, even if they seem a little outside your comfort zone. Take every opportunity to explore, meet new people, and try things you wouldn’t normally do. You’ll never get this chance again, so make the most of it. Push yourself to step outside your usual boundaries—you’ll be amazed at how much you grow and how many incredible memories you’ll create.
Thanks Lena!