My name is Xing-Wei, and I had the incredible opportunity to study and intern abroad in London with CIS Abroad! I chose London because, honestly, I was a little nervous about studying abroad. I wanted something that felt at least somewhat familiar: a big city with public transportation, endless things to do, and an energy that reminded me of New York City.
What surprised me most were the ways London was not like New York. The Tube was more reliable than the subway back home, the streets were wider and friendlier to bikes, and—thankfully—there wasn’t a constant horrible smell. The differences reminded me that even cities that seem similar at first can feel completely unique once you’re living in them.
Of course, I wasn’t just there to explore—I was there to study. University in the UK is very different from the U.S. In the States, grades are usually based on a mix of attendance, quizzes, homework, and exams. In the UK, my modules were graded entirely on just two assignments. My favorite course, Cyber Security, included a hands-on lab and a final exam. The lab gave me valuable practical experience and deepened my excitement for the subject.
On the other hand, a course in the US felt more structured, with mandatory attendance, weekly labs, long homework assignments, and multiple exams. Even grading scales were different: in the UK, a 69 is considered an A, whereas at my home university you’d need a 93. Both systems have strengths and weaknesses—UK modules offered more time to focus on projects or career prep, while U.S. courses felt more research-focused and theory-based.
In addition to classes, I interned remotely with PerceptiveSec, a startup providing security assessments for websites, software, and internal tools. As a computer science student interested in cybersecurity, I learned what day-to-day work as an analyst could look like. One lesson I took away is that internships are very much what you make of them. I wish I had asked more questions, sought out more mentorship, and connected with more professionals in the field.
For anyone considering studying and interning abroad, my advice is this: put yourself out there. Say yes to opportunities, even if they feel intimidating at first, and use the time to figure out what excites you. That mindset shaped my experience in London—and it’s what made it unforgettable.
Visiting the Perriswood Archery & Falconry Centre in Wales during a CIS Abroad excursion
Blog by Xing-Wei Lee, University of Massachusetts - Amherst
Interested in studying abroad in London? Check out available programs here!