Mercer student Shannon Hill knows firsthand how immersing yourself in the history and culture of a place can help you better understand the world around you.
Hill was one of 11 students who spent spring break 2025 on an all-ages study abroad trip to London.
“The program also showed me the value of exploring a city as a group,” she said. “It was a great way to bond with peers while learning together.”
Alongside professors Dr. Stephen Ruegger and Dr. Cameron Miller, the students traveled through time at the British Museum, dined at pubs in Hyde Park, and danced through decades at Abbey Road Studios. This unexpectedly sunny week in London is one of many trips Mercer Abroad offers.
“The Study Abroad to London offered students the opportunity to expand their global perspective and deepen their understanding of diverse cultures and histories,” Ruegger said. “Not only did we learn about London and English culture, but we experienced it first-hand. We walked in the footsteps of kings, queens, and prime ministers. We saw where the World War II codebreakers helped to end the war, and even ventured down the pathway of Jack the Ripper! I strongly encourage all students to participate in a study abroad during their time at Mercer.”
Here is what some of the students had to say about the experience.
Favorite activity we did as a group?
Mercy Muthee: Bletchley Park was a highlight for me. I loved learning about the crucial role women played in codebreaking and how their contributions shaped history. The intersection of technology and intelligence during World War II was fascinating, and it made me think about how AI could have revolutionized the process. Machine learning could have significantly sped up codebreaking, pattern recognition, and intelligence analysis, potentially altering the course of the war.
Courtney Wilson: My favorite day was the day we did the city tour bus together. I believe it was mostly everyone’s first time experiencing London, and we did it together. First as strangers, then as family. Being in awe with everyone by the overwhelming beauty, culture, and richness of the city was an experience and memory I’ll never forget.
Shannon Hill: My favorite experience during the trip was visiting the Tower of London and seeing the Crown Jewels. There’s something truly captivating about walking through the medieval walls of the Tower and hearing the fascinating history behind it, especially the way it served as a royal residence, prison, and fortress. The Crown Jewels were absolutely breathtaking. Seeing the dazzling collection of crowns and scepters up close made the royal history come alive in a way that books or documentaries just can’t match. It was a moment of awe for all of us, and sharing it as a group made it even more special.
Best things about Mercer Abroad as a program, based on this trip?
Cynthia Valdez: This trip ignited a strong desire in me to earn my master’s in “Criminal Justice and Public Safety Leadership” at Mercer University after I earn my bachelor’s degree in “Homeland Security and Emergency Management.” There has always been a need for public safety and leadership throughout the year in order to protect and serve those who are unable to do so themselves. We were able to witness the tremendous impact of those who held these types of positions throughout history because of our study abroad program. It has solidified my desire to one day work for a government agency, and I believe Mercer University will help me take the steps needed and earn the degrees needed to achieve my goal.
Shannon: The biggest takeaway from the study abroad program based on our London trip was how important it is to immerse yourself in the history and culture in order to truly understand the world around you. London is a city with such a rich history, and visiting places like Churchill’s War Rooms and Bletchley Park really gave me insight into the impact of World War II and the significance of the British role in it. The trip helped me understand not only the importance of leadership, resilience, and innovation in those times but also the ways in which history shapes modern society. The program also showed me the value of exploring a city as a group. It was a great way to bond with peers while learning together. Whether it was discussing the Enigma machines at Bletchley Park or the strategies at Churchill’s War Rooms, the conversations were held as a group or held in twos and threes. It enhanced the whole experience and deepened my understanding of the historical sites we visited.
Lana: My biggest takeaway from the Mercer Abroad program, based on this trip, was being able to develop friendships with people I did not know prior to this program. It was a great experience to learn about the different backgrounds and lifestyles of one another. I feel that our group was amazing, and we all had a great time enjoying each other. I enjoyed seeing all the different personalities and how everyone enjoyed the various activities. I will enjoy having these memories for many years to come and have definitely made some lifelong friendships that I will forever cherish.
Abby: Mercer Abroad cares about the students and their success inside as well as outside the classroom. It is a direct reflection of the university as a whole. The trip was well planned out in detail, and students were given necessary information beforehand of all the “things to know” about traveling to a new country. I appreciated the trip’s diverse nature, in which students from all backgrounds could enjoy the different activities. Each activity was different from another allowing students to absorb as much knowledge as possible. I learned so much! It was a trip of a lifetime, and memories I will keep forever. Dr. Ruegger and Dr. Miller are the best!
Mercy: This trip deepened my appreciation for how history shapes the present. Exploring London’s World War II history, from Bletchley Park to the Churchill War Rooms, reinforced the importance of strategic thinking, resilience, and innovation during times of crisis. It was a powerful reminder that technology, intelligence, and collaboration—then and now—play a critical role in shaping global events.
What do you wish you had the opportunity to do?
Lana Astin: I really wish we could have experienced one of the Broadway shows as a group. I think that would have been fun to experience with all the different backgrounds we have as a collective group.
Shannon: I really wish we could have spent more time at the British Museum as a group. I partly think this because it was my first look at so much awesomeness. There were so many incredible exhibits, from Egyptian mummies to the Parthenon sculptures, and I felt like we could have used a bit more time to take it all in together. It would’ve been nice to have had a longer, more in-depth group discussion about the artifacts and their significance, especially since we were surrounded by such rich history. I say that, knowing we had a strict schedule to adhere to. But if we had more time, this would have been good!
Mercy: A riverboat cruise with dinner and live music would have been a fantastic way to experience London from a different perspective- combining history, relaxation, and great company all in one.
Courtney: I wish we would’ve done more hands-on things like the Questo adventure together (Questo adventures are city-wide scavenger hunts like the Sherlock Holmes-themed quest the gro
up did in London). We did a lot of independent learning, which didn’t leave a lot of space or opportunity to learn a lot about each other.
Abby: A sporting event would have been really fun to attend as a group. They have a different sports culture that would’ve been neat to experience and learn about. I liked activities like the Questo as well. It allowed students to work together in a new city and was a growth opportunity as a team while navigating through a beautiful city.
Jamie Marks • Apr 25, 2025 at 7:39 am
I recommend adding a link to listings of study abroad offerings at Mercer. Your article has piqued my interest!
Debbie Blankenship • Apr 25, 2025 at 11:07 am
The Mercer Abroad hyperlink in the 4th paragraph goes to the Study Abroad page. There are spring and summer programs each year.