For the 2025-26 Academic Year, Entertainment Management student Landon Jarrell studied abroad at London Metropolitan University through ISEP Direct. We asked him about some of his favorite experiences throughout the year, what things he learned related to his degree, and how he re-adjusted to being back home after so long. While abroad, Landon maintained his passions to work in the entertainment industry but was able to gain a new perspective and open his mind to even more opportunities. He also made time to explore many surrounding cities and countries while he was there! Keep reading to hear in his own words what made his journey so special as well as what he gained from travelling and studying internationally.

What inspired you to study abroad for a full academic year, and what were some of your favorite experiences? 

Studying abroad was actually never on my radar growing up. In high school I wanted to get a degree in education and just move back home. However, after starting at MSU, my parents decided to move out of my hometown into a much smaller town closer to Springfield. Their moving really inspired me to do something adventurous myself, so I looked into study abroad and just felt compelled to stay the year, even against my better judgement.

A few of my favorite experiences stem from getting lost in the city! Getting lost and finding your way back is the best way to get comfortable in a new city. I found some of my favorite parts of the city by accident!

I hear you stayed active in EMA by attending meetings virtually, were there any challenges to being involved in a student organization at MSU when you are abroad? 

The hardest part about going abroad was leaving the friends I made in EMA. EMA was an organization I found later in my freshman year, after I had decided to go abroad. I knew that even while abroad, I had to keep those connections and so I attended nearly every meeting virtually. The hardest part was the time difference! Meetings for EMA are at 5pm CST, so in London that was about 11pm at night! I am forever grateful that EMA worked with me and my schedule so I could stay involved and now be a part of the leadership team, even after being away for a year. 

Was it difficult to re-adjust to living back home, and do you miss anything over there that we do not have here? 

Coming home was difficult. I didn’t realize it right away, but a few weeks after readjusting, I realized how much I missed many aspects of the city. So many niche things like the way people talked, the gardens scattered around, the colors; I miss it all so much! And of course I miss the public transportation! Being there for a year puts me in a unique position where I had roots planted in London. The local pubs and restaurants, my gym and personal trainer, and my friends and coworkers all knew me by name. I was so excited to get home to my normal routine, but now that I’m back, I can confidently say I miss everything about that city.

Was there anything you learned about the entertainment industry in London, and do you see yourself going back to work there after college?

London is the ideal spot for anyone interested in the entertainment industry! I visited so many famous venues and theatres during my time there. I took a class called “Theatre in London”, which allowed me to study and visit many of the venues in the city, like Shakespeare’s Globe and the O2. The O2 was the most incredible and innovative venue I have ever seen. I could definitely see myself working in a city like London! I will 100% be going back soon to see everyone! 

Where were some of your favorite trips outside of London, and how did exploring other cities/countries fit into your academic schedule? 

The best thing about London, in my opinion, is that it serves as a great hub for travel. It is the best place for people who want to leave their host country! I went to Milan, Venice, Geneva, Genoa, Paris, Edinburgh, Cork, Brighton, the Lake District, and Oxford. That’s nearly 6 countries in 9 months! My schedule for the first semester was Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday; that was the ideal schedule for travel! The second semester was not as great; however, another great thing about Europe as a whole is cheap flights for day trips! I specifically remember my trip to Venice being great because it was $30 for round-trip flights for one night. You can’t beat that. 

Any final words of advice you want to share for prospective students thinking about studying abroad? 

Studying abroad is eye-opening. I know I was in a unique position going for a year when most students can only go for a semester because of their class schedule, but I think no matter how much time you can spend in another country, it is super important to do so. Right now, as college students, we are in the prime time to explore and create memories that will last a lifetime. Beyond creating memories, it is also character-building. Going in, I felt a little too dependent on my parents and friends. When I got to London on the first day, I felt so overwhelmed and honestly thought about leaving. Staying was the best decision I have ever made.

 

“Studying abroad teaches you resilience, perseverance, independence, and social awareness. If you ever have the chance to study abroad over spring break, the summer, a semester, or a year – jump at the chance!”

If you have any questions about studying abroad, stop by our office in Glass 103, schedule an appointment with our director, or email us at IBP@MissouriState.Edu.