Aashna Gupta
UMBC Faculty-Led: Social and Ethical Issues of Information Technology in the UK
Major: Political Science
Minors: English and French
Predeparture
Hey all!
I leave for Newcastle, England, in just a few days. The last week has been a whirlwind of doing the following: 1. Working hard to get my research and office work out of the way. 2. Shopping, mostly online, and packing for the trip. Newcastle is very chilly, so I have a lot of sweaters and jeans, plus a dress for our professional event. 3. Doing a lot of devotions and exercise to cope with overwhelm.
Oh, shoot! I didn’t even introduce myself. My name is Aashna Gupta. I’m a rising senior *sniff* majoring in Political Science with a double minor in French and English on the Journalism track. I’m also a Sondheim Scholar, member of the Honors College, and co-vice president of UMBC Maryland Student Legislature. I spend my free time listening to audiobooks, going to the gym, and doing crafts. I am looking forward to making connections with other students and to documenting my journey.
The class associated with this faculty-led program is called “Social and Ethical Issues of Information Technology” and it involves writing about the ethics of AI, online stalking, and other technology developments. We also have a scheduled industry talk. I am taking it because I am interested in AI safety, data privacy, and wiretapping. I’ve set the following goals for my time abroad:
- Improve my intercultural communication skills. I have experience with online exchange and friends from other countries, but there are still gaps. Intercultural communication is particularly important for social sciences professionals, including researchers and college professors. It is learned from experience and practice.
- Decide what area of public policy I want to work in. I am interested in public health, criminal justice, and AI safety. It’s almost senior year, and I have to specialize for graduate school. I am therefore hoping this trip will show me what kind of policy interests me most and suits my temperament.
- Get out of my comfort zone. I am somewhat shy and don’t know the students who will be on program with me, since they are CMSC majors and students from Singapore. I brought a reading book and an embroidery kit with me, since I need quiet. At the same time, I am hoping this trip will help me come out of my shell and become close to my peers, maybe even vulnerable.
I’m counting down the days until I can share my experience in Newcastle. While we wait, check out my book and beautiful devotional!
In-Country Post #1
I landed in the UK with my family a day before the program started. Then, we came to Newcastle University, and they helped me move in. That afternoon, the school’s study abroad manager showed us where the shops are in town. We then walked around for essential shopping, where I made sure to buy whole foods, since that helps with wellbeing and energy.
I’m also a yoga girl, and yoga teaches us to eat smaller portions of whole foods, so I try to have smaller portions during the day. However, if I am walking a lot, I have a sandwich with a protein in the middle of the day. I bought bananas, berries, energy bars, and ingredients to cook meals.
My first full day on program was hard. Since, as I mentioned, I didn’t know anyone, I felt lonely. After a city tour, I wandered away from the group and got lost in Newcastle. Then, my parents suggested that moving forward I stay with the group. Although I understood this is safe, I still had a hard time making friends. I thought, in the words of Taylor Swift, “the rain would last forever and ever”. On Monday, we had our first day of school. Although I was somewhat shy, I walked to the classroom with a classmate. During orientation, we had speed friending activities, which helped me feel more comfortable with the group.
To keep myself healthy, I’ve been cooking regularly. I always make breakfast in the apartment kitchen, and I make dinner if I don’t have other plans. It’s also been surprisingly easy to find food in Newcastle as a pescatarian or flexitarian. Here’s what I ate on the first day of classes.
Breakfast: Instant oatmeal with a banana, plus a cup of Earl Grey tea.
Lunch: I bought a tuna sandwich with corn and lettuce from the canteen at Newcastle University. I also had my second cup of tea.
Snacks: I ate a few Cadbury milk chocolate drops from my room.
Dinner: I went out with a friend and ordered a salad with chickpea falafel and hummus. I also ate part of the pita bread, since I walked a lot that day and wanted protein and carbohydrates. I drank chamomile tea before bed since it helps me calm down.
A study abroad program is a marathon (or in this case, a half marathon) because the days are full of classes, schoolwork, trips, and social activities. Therefore, it is important to fuel yourself and find time for exercise. While I’ve been in Newcastle, I’ve been walking everywhere. I also do online yoga classes a couple of days per week. I find this very calming, and it helps me reenergize after classes or site visits.
Aside from eating well and exercising, it is important to interact with group mates and staff regularly. On Tuesday, after class, I went to a nearby Pizza Hut with my professor, his wife and son, and two classmates. The conversation was lively but draining. I felt safer and more connected to the group than on the first day. People are wired for social interaction, even if there isn’t anything to gain from it. That moment reminded me of one of my favorite quotes: “Sometimes, it’s the smallest decisions that can change your life forever.”
-Keri Russell
On Wednesday, we went on a day trip to Tynemouth and Whitley Bay. After class, I took the Newcastle Metro with the group. I enjoyed hearing the operators say, “Mind the Gap” and listening to the calming selection of music on the train. The program coordinators cultivate community with all-program activities, such as this one. Conversation with some students from Singapore flowed.
Let’s talk about what I ate and did during the trip. On the way to the beach, I ate raw nuts, berries, and a slice of pita bread from my book bag. I also ate an energy bar two hours later. Also, my friends and I walked a lot during the day, which helps us burn off calories and relieve stress. My fitness app showed I burned 101 calories with the walking!
In the early afternoon, we walked around Tynemouth, where I bought a keychain as a gift. Then, we learned about Tynemouth Castle, which felt like another story about male heroes. We went from there to Whitley Bay, where my friends and I went for a leisurely walk. Then, they shared cakes from Valerie’s Tea. I skipped out, and just sipped some chai tea while we all shared laughter. I recommend bringing your own snacks on excursions or site visits. This saves you money and potentially a lot of sugar.
For dinner, the entire group ate at a fish-and-chips shop. It is hard to avoid heavy food during a trip, even if you have a kitchen. I am a pescatarian, so I ate cod and chips. It felt warming and comforting after a long day of walking in the cold. When you’re abroad, you allow yourself an occasional unhealthy meal. At the same time, be sure to eat whole foods and drink water regularly.
Thursday, my classmates and I visited PROTO Digital Production Facility, a studio for shooting movies and producing games. The studio had virtual and augmented reality headsets that people can use, as well as a camera. Artificial intelligence is being used everywhere, the guide told me, and the staff are researching how to use it in production, while also ensuring it’s safe. A confession, I used AI to edit some of the photos in the blog. Although it’s been exciting to look at them, I’m fully aware that people commit crimes by using AI to generate images or replicate voices. AI is a double-edged sword.
I spent the rest of Thursday working on schoolwork and this blog. My class is writing intensive, so I worked on two essays in my room. On Friday morning, we had a writing workshop in class, then I went to a cafeteria inside the medical building to buy coffee and a sandwich. Here, I learned the cafés on campus don’t have alternative milk options, except for an Americano with soy milk. I have lactose intolerance, and am used to finding alternative milk almost everywhere. This will be an adjustment.
Aside from schoolwork, I’ve been shopping in Newcastle. I’ve been to Tesco, an Americanized grocery store, a drugstore, and a local mall. When I first came to Tesco, a staff member replied, “Yes, dearie?” when I asked him for help. Although Brits are reserved, they’ve turned out to be kinder than Americans. They also often call younger women “love” or “dearie,” which I’m not used to. Words of affirmation are important to me, so that was heart-warming to hear, even from a stranger.
Week 1 of England is in the books!
The first full Saturday of the program, everyone walked on Holy Island, which is a historical landmark in northeastern England. Even though it was cold and rainy, the area was too beautiful for photos. The drive to Holy Island goes over the sea during low tide. Holy smokes! We arrived at 11:16 in the morning, then hiked up to a tower, where our study abroad manager told us about the island’s significance in British history. I also bought myself a scented soap bar for $7.15 from a gift shop. I love scented skincare products and candles.
After our visit, we had a short drive into Bamburgh, a small town that is famous for Bamburgh Castle, which is almost like a museum. During the ride, I ate raw nuts, half a pita, and red grapes-another favorite collection of snacks. Then, I discovered my love for European cappuccinos. Sipping on one midday, alongside my peers, felt very calming.
Walking around Bamburgh Castle was almost like stepping into history. I love reading war history books, but I almost wanted to get away from seeing weapons. However, stepping into the castle’s chapel felt soothing, especially when I looked at the stained glass on a window. My mom and her family are Sikhs, and I’m trying to be. An important Sikh teaching is that God is one, hence connecting with any idea of God is very therapeutic for me.
On the way down, it suddenly started to rain hard. When I got back to the bus, my pants and sneakers were wet. It was also hard to see anything behind my glasses, so I fell asleep for about half the ride back to my apartment. It was an exhausting day.
Sunday was a free day, so I spent the morning editing a paper and making plans for a weekend trip. After a quick lunch at my desk, I ran errands with a group member. Alongside my groceries, I picked up an inexpensive watercolor kit at the mall. I spent the rest of the afternoon working on this blog and doing chores. For dinner, I had canned salmon, pita bread, and oven-roasted vegetables. Shoot…I haven’t bought anything for my best friend and my boss back in Washington!
Monday after class, I ran back to my room, ate a quick snack, put my laptop away, and then caught the bus into Durham. As a group, we visited Angel of the North, an iconic statue in northeastern England. The Angel has a list of tributes, mainly to those lost to suicide and people who died as children. My grandfather died three years ago, and the visit felt like the perfect way to honor him.
On Tuesday, I started the day with some schoolwork, then walked to a nearby café for a soy milk cappuccino. I went from there to class, which ended around noon. Afterwards, I went back to my room and did work for about an hour and a half. Later that afternoon, I went grocery shopping and discovered a lovely outdoor market! The store sold fresh produce, so I bought plums and cherry jam. When I got back, I worked on this blog.
That evening, I walked to a nearby bar for an all-program board game night. While drinking a ginger beer, I played three rounds of UNO with some students. There were continuous laughter and stories. Despite being introverted, I have become close to my peers and the program staff. I will treasure my friends from this program. I’ve been able to share laughter with my group members and we have made plans to spend time together in the remaining week and a half.
Here’s what I ate on Tuesday. After feeling unwell, I’ve been working on fueling myself enough, especially when I am walking a lot. Even though I tend not to eat a full lunch, I try to eat filling snacks and get a lot of protein in.
Breakfast: Instant oatmeal with a banana and crunchy peanut butter, plus Earl Grey tea.
Lunch: Another collection of snacks. Today, it was a small pack of oatcakes, some reduced-fat cheese, and red grapes.
Snacks: A soy milk cappuccino before class, and Tesco energy bites when I got back from shopping.
Dinner: Microwaveable egg noodles, carrot roundels, and kale tossed in teriyaki sauce from Tesco. I also baked a piece of salmon in the oven.
On Wednesday, I ran to a nearby bus station after class. We took a long bus ride to the Beamish Museum, an incredible living history museum in northeastern England. I walked through everyday life in the 1800s and a 1950s town. There were interactive activities, ponies, and walks through forests and flowers. This was very calming.
It was a fascinating way to explore my interest in history, and even more detailed than historical fiction books. The experience also included some of the most delicious ice cream I’ve ever had. After the bus ride home, I was overwhelmed. I can’t wait to explore more of England, including history. Well, it’s time to make some dinner. I’ll write about Roman history soon!
On Thursday, class was cancelled because some of my group-mates were sick. So, I worked on schoolwork for about an hour. Then, I went to a shopping center to get gifts for my friends back in DC. I recommend looking for inexpensive items that your friends will use, as opposed to souvenirs from touristy places. Later that morning, I got ready to visit Vindolanda, a World Heritage site in northeastern England. It holds preserved Roman writing, some of which was done by women, and stone walls on the ground. Holy smokes!
At Vindolanda, the guide explained how staff take precautions to make historical online games accurate. Online games are often used for learning, especially in elementary and middle school. I sporadically use them to practice my French, but don’t find them entertaining. Still, hearing her talk about history and online learning was fascinating.
After our conversation with her, we had time to explore Vindolanda. The site is filled with rolling hills and flowers. There are also fountains and a rapid stream, which felt very calming to look at. The museum fulfilled my fascination with history, and I picked up a book about Roman history along the way. It was also centering to get away from the city for an afternoon. I believe nature is good for wellbeing, so my advice is to get outside when you have free time.
On Friday, our writing workshop was asynchronous since some of my peers are still sick. So, I woke up at 7, made oatmeal with fruit and peanut butter, then started cleaning my apartment. I folded my laundry and put aside everything I would need for a weekend away with my parents. After an hour, I walked to a café to work on peer editing and this blog. Then, I ran some errands before going back to my apartment to study a bit. After 2 PM, I met my parents.
We stopped to run errands during our drive into Northumberland, then arrived in the early evening. It was refreshing to be surrounded by fields after two weeks in the city. We arranged our stuff in our little cottage, then got started making dinner. I’ll confess I am homesick, so the Indian food was welcome. Also, the last two weeks have been very busy, so I am thankful for the quiet. There will hopefully be uninterrupted time to edit and research my essays, as well as work on this blog.
Final thoughts post
The next day, I woke up early and started the day with my devotions, breakfast, and schoolwork. In the late morning, my parents and I left for Bamburgh. I showed them the cafés, then we ate at the same one I’d been to with the group. Afterwards, we walked around the coastal town, and I ate a small square cake. This felt very relaxing after many long days. We also saw high tide at Holy Island! For the rest of the afternoon, we went to Alnwick. I was amazed to see Alnwick Castle, which is where parts of the Harry Potter movies were filmed. I have not read or watched Harry Potter for many years, so I vaguely remember them. I also thought about how castles in the UK don’t have much to do with women’s history.
Then, after visiting the castle, we walked along the markets. There, I found some Toblerone, then decided to buy it as thank-you gift for the program staff. A few hours later, we returned to our cottage. For dinner, I made vegetable, egg, and cheese wraps, since I was craving something simple. The next time you hear from me, I’ll be in Edinburgh with my dad!
Sunday was one of the most exciting days of my life so far. I woke up early to drive my mom to Edinburgh Airport, where she’ll fly home. There were many turbines along the ride, indicating Scotland is environmentally progressive. After the airport, my dad and I went to Scotland’s Royal Botanic Gardens. Although it was chilly outside, the diverse flowers and trees were very calming to look at. We spent about an hour and a half there, then ate lunch in our car.
That afternoon, we visited the National Gallery of Scotland. While looking at Scottish art, I was stunned by the landscapes. I have always appreciated art and relax by painting or making crafts. Then, my dad and I spent the rest of the afternoon at the Royal Mile. We saw the outside of Edinburgh Castle, which is stunning. We also walked into many souvenir shops and ate delicious ice cream. I loved the peanut butter flavor! It tasted almost like peanut butter, except creamier. In the early evening, we drove home, and I made dinner. The next morning, we packed up and headed back to Newcastle University.
Looking back, it was very refreshing to spend a weekend with my family. I was homesick and somewhat lonely. I also get overwhelmed easily, so going to London with the group would have been too much. My parents were also eager to spend time with me, since I live with them, and we are tight-knit. The experience reminded me of another favorite quote: “Courage doesn’t come by doing what everybody else says. Courage does by doing what you know is right.” – Nikki Haley
On Monday, I arrived at the university early and reorganized my stuff. Then, after class, I sat down in my room with a midday snack and studied for three hours. I had a quiz coming up, so I wanted to put in some review. Later that afternoon, the group visited the Newcastle United stadium. Although I am not fond of sports, I loved hearing about the community and history the stadium has made. I also saw how close everyone has become, including myself and some other students. Study abroad cultivates close friendships.
After the tour, I came home to study a little more and work on this blog. I also decided to make an udon noodle stir-fry for dinner. It was very cold and rainy, so I wanted a comforting meal. I recommended eating what you crave when you’re abroad. Being on a program like this one, especially if you’re introverted, can be taxing.
On Tuesday, I did not have class because of the exam. So, I studied for an hour and a half, then went to a café for my morning coffee. After I came back, I took the exam, which was much easier than I expected. Following a quick lunch, I went to the mall for last-minute souvenirs. At 2 PM, I got back to my apartment and worked for another hour. Then, I decided to relax with an online yoga class.
After yoga, I gathered my souvenirs to put them away. I also packed a box of fruit-filled biscuits to take back to DC! I love cookies and energy bites here in Newcastle, since they are light and not overly sweet. Later that evening, I ran to Tesco to buy fudge, which I’m also planning to bring back to DC. Then, I went to a nearby bar for our last board game social. My friends eventually showed up as well. The evening was filled with laughter, plus a memorable game of UNO. I also drank amazing Scottish cider.
Since my schedule is usually busy, I want to talk about how I manage my schoolwork and role as a Study Abroad Ambassador. Even though class starts at 10 AM every day, I wake up early to do work. This helps me find uninterrupted time. I also work on my schoolwork during my lunch time, unless I’m with the group. However, I try and avoid working on other things during class, since it’s hard to focus. Here is a snapshot of everything I did on Wednesday, including schoolwork.
7 AM: I woke up and got ready for the day.
7:30 AM: Breakfast was a fruity bread bun, lightly toasted with peanut butter. I also took the time to read my devotional.
7:45 AM: Time to work on schoolwork.
9:00 AM: I got ready and walked to class. I also got a cup of coffee at the nearby Tesco.
9:45 AM: I got to class early, as usual.
11:30 AM: Class finished early, so I had a quick conversation with my professor.
11:50 AM: I walked to a café on campus.
12:25 PM: Lunch! Today, it was a baked potato filled with beans and a side salad. I also used the break to work on homework and write my journal.
1:05 PM: I went back to my apartment to put my school supplies away and refill my water bottle.
1:30 PM: I walked to a group social. Today, it was in a cat café!
2:00 PM: We arrived early. The time we spent in the cat café was very relaxing. I also enjoyed trying their mango juice.
3:25 PM: Time to walk back to my apartment.
4:00 PM: I used the time to send emails and work on this blog. Also ate a nutrition bar for a snack.
5:00 PM: Wrote my plans for the next day, using Google Tasks.
5:30 PM: Time to prepare for the evening. I packed a snack box, then went to Costa Coffee to get desserts for myself and my dad.
5:50 PM: Got home, refrigerated the desserts, then read emails while waiting for my dad to come.
6:05 PM: Rearranged the food and came down to meet my dad.
6:20 PM: I ate dinner in a nearby park with my dad. He brought homemade Indian food, and I provided the snacks (crackers and a plum) and desserts. Then, I cleaned out the fridge and he brought my unused food with him.
6:50 PM: My dad left, so I went back to my room and caught up on email. I also ate a shortbread slice from Costa.
7:20 PM: Wiped my desk with a cleaning wipe, then filled in my fitness app and study abroad budget.
7:36 PM: Got online for a few minutes, then prepared my book bag and clothes for the next day.
7:50 PM: Changed into my PJs and got cleaned up.
8:00 PM: Began working on a watercolor painting project.
9:00 PM: Drank chamomile tea and lay in bed.
9:30 PM: My mom FaceTimed me, so I talked to her for a few minutes. Then, I fell asleep.
Thursday was the last day of the program. I can’t believe how fast it went! Breakfast was a bread bun that I filled with crunchy peanut butter. I also had Earl Grey tea. After working on my final paper for an hour, I walked to class, got a coffee, and worked on some more homework. After class, I went to a café to continue working on the final paper. Lunch was a baked potato filled with egg salad and a side salad. Then, I went back to my room. I packed and got ready for my flight home, then worked on this blog. I also went to a convenience store to look for gum, though I didn’t find any. Shoot! Around 4, I hopped on a call with a Writing Center tutor. If you’re doing a faculty-led program, tutoring services are available, and I recommend taking advantage of them. That evening, we had our farewell dinner at a bar. I spend most of my time playing cards with my peers, and there was endless laughter. My dinner consisted of heavy appetizers and another Scottish cider. The program cultivated community, even though I didn’t make friends with my flatmates. Then, feeling rather tired, I called an Uber back to my apartment, where I put my stuff together and drove back to the alpaca farm with my dad.
The next day, he and I hopped on our flight home! There’s so much I’m going to miss: walking everywhere, drinking Scottish ciders, the sun being out all day, and the cafés. At the same time, I’ll confess I was very homesick. Anyway, here is my mini diary from the airport!
5:45 AM: Okay, I’m up.
6:03: I finished my shower and morning skincare routine.
6:15 AM: Breakfast was another whole wheat bun with crunchy peanut butter and a coffee. I also took the time to read my devotions.
6:25 AM: I sat down to write my journal.
6:30 AM: Dad and I finished packing up and cleaning. I also managed to read email.
7:02 AM: We got in the car to go to Edinburgh Airport.
9:20 AM: We stopped at a gas station, where I got a hot drink from Costa Coffee. I’ll miss those hot, milky drinks.
9:40 AM: We got to the airport.
10:20 AM: I caught up on some work while waiting to board the flight.
11:50 AM: Time to board! I unexpectedly got seated in the exit row.
12:40 PM: The flight left a little late.
During the flight, I took many power naps, whilst intermittently watching the HBO Max series The Regime, journaling, and playing a game. I could already feel comforted by having my dad next to me. The flight touched down at 3:15 PM Eastern Time, and I worked on homework while waiting for my ride home. After unpacking and cleaning up, I went to sleep very early. The next time you hear from me, I’ll be dealing with a final and a reflection essay.