For Auriel Del Carmen, studying abroad at the University of Nottingham in England was more than just a chance to complete his final semester of college in a unique and unforgettable setting. It was an opportunity to see history come alive, build lifelong friendships, and gain the global perspective he hopes to bring into his future career.

Del Carmen, who graduated in August with his bachelor’s degree in history and a minor in information technology, spent January through June studying in England as part of UA Little Rock’s direct exchange program with the University of Nottingham. The experience allowed him to dive deeper into his passion for history while preparing for the next step in his academic and professional journey.

“I plan to pursue a career working for government institutions, museums, or historical sites, and I’m also considering the public history graduate program at UA Little Rock,” Del Carmen said. “Studying abroad gave me a new perspective on how history is taught, preserved, and experienced, and I know that will help me in my future career.”

During his semester abroad, Del Carmen took courses in Society and Culture in 18th Century England, Kingship in Crisis: Politics, People, and Power in Late-Medieval England, and Early Modern European History, along with an online course from UA Little Rock. He said that a lot of his learning took place beyond the classroom in the castles, museums, and archives that bring European history to life.

“I experienced history with my own eyes,” he said. “Visiting historical sites, walking through castles, and exploring museums gave me a deeper understanding than I could ever get from a textbook.”

The trip also gave Del Carmen valuable experience with archival research and historical interpretation, skills that will be essential in his future career.

“Studying abroad will definitely strengthen my resume,” he said. “A lot of history jobs require travel, and employers look for people who are adaptable and already have international experience.”

For Del Carmen, one of the most rewarding parts of his time abroad was the opportunity to meet people from all over the world.

“I made new friends from the UK, Canada, Germany, Italy, Ukraine, China, Hong Kong, Korea, Singapore, and the Philippines,” he said. “It was amazing to share our cultures and learn from one another.”

He also immersed himself in British culture, trying traditional dishes like fish and chips and the full English breakfast, enjoying the lively pub scene, and sampling some of the country’s memorable Indian and other international cuisine.

“Having dinner with your friends at the catered hall is like dining at Hogwarts’ Great Hall,” he added.

Del Carmen made the most of his time abroad, traveling extensively throughout the United Kingdom and Europe. Within the UK, he visited Edinburgh, Oxford, Cambridge, Liverpool, Canterbury, Dover, Manchester, Cardiff, Newcastle, and London. He also joined the university’s Travel Society, which allowed him to take group trips with other international students at reduced costs. A highlight of the semester was visiting London, Brussels, Amsterdam, and Cologne.

“Edinburgh was one of my favorite places because of its atmosphere and history,” he said. “The old city center is hundreds of years old, and visiting Edinburgh Castle to see the Scottish crown jewels was unforgettable. Amsterdam was also incredible. The canals, the scenery, and the historic sites were beautiful.”

Looking back, Del Carmen says the semester in Nottingham was one of the most transformative experiences of his life.

“I learned how to adapt, navigate new places, and live on my own,” he said. “I gained research skills and a better understanding of history and information technology that will help me in my career.”

Most importantly, he says, the experience gave him a new appreciation for the power of education and community.

“I want to thank my advisors and scholarship donors from the History Department and the Study Abroad Office for making this possible,” Del Carmen said. “And I want to thank all the friends I met in Nottingham for making it feel like a home away from home.”

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