From the U.S. to London: Working Abroad

As someone who grew up in New York, when I thought of London, my mind would instantly think of Harry Potter, One Direction, and fish and chips. Little did I know, this city is much more than that. London has become my place of comfort — from the friendships I’ve built to the distinctive food scene waiting on nearly every corner. Luckily enough, I have found a workplace that brings this sense of comfort as well: the Coram Shakespeare Schools Foundation. Though I’ve always appreciated the Bard’s stories, Shakespeare had never been more than the playwright behind Romeo and Juliet — just another text we were assigned to study in ninth grade. Today, I have a newfound appreciation for Shakespeare and have seen firsthand how his work, with the help of CSSF, has continued to inspire, educate, and leave a lasting impact on young minds.

In the office, I’ve noticed both differences and similarities between British and American work culture. Firstly, I heavily admire how the UK prioritizes a work-to-live balance with generous, paid leave and employee protections, while American work culture operates under a "live-to-work" mentality that can be very stress-inducing, with longer hours and so on. I have worked in both environments, but I have now grown to love the lifestyle that comes with working in the UK. In addition, the communication styles differ quite a bit, from the platforms people use to the subtle differences in grammar and expression. Similarly, both the US and UK operate at a fast pace, creating a sense of productivity and urgency. Overall, both environments have taught me many lessons on how to be successful in the real world.

Regarding London itself as a city, I hadn’t fully realized just how significant of a cultural hub it is. I have loved exploring and visiting different boroughs, as every location brings out a new community, cuisine, live performances, and more. Acclimatizing to a new city is best achieved by living like a local, which is exactly what I’ve strived to do. So far, what I will miss most from living here is the easy access to live performances such as the West End, the entertaining pub culture, and of course Tesco meal deals. In addition, one factor I had a hard time adjusting to was the weather. Though the winter months are rough, spring has brought out the shining sun, encouraging flowers to grow, only making the city livelier. I will miss London deeply, and of course all the people and places I have grown to love.

Coram Inspires

Coram Shakespeare Schools Foundation is a cultural education charity that gives young people the confidence and skills to succeed in life. I’ve seen with my own eyes how this organization provides long-lasting memories full of laughter and smiles, while staying educational and informational, which is not easy to do. From personal feedback to participant testimonials, it’s clear that its impact goes far beyond the moment — leaving young people not only more knowledgeable, but also more confident, inspired, and connected.

I chose to pursue interning at Coram Shakespeare Schools Foundation because of its core ambitions and primary focus. The moment the page loaded, I was immediately drawn in by its playful, colorful design, which was both engaging and easy to navigate. That’s when my strategic and creative brain started to churn as I read through each page. I knew I wanted to know more, and thanks to Alex and Lydia during my interview, I realized that CSSF was not only a place that encourages young people’s growth, but its employees’ growth as well. As frightening as it can be to work at a new place, let alone a new country, it felt less nerve-racking knowing that I would be assisting professionals who are passionate, hardworking, and care about my career growth.

Personal & Professional Growth

Unlike Garfield the Cat, I never hated Mondays. On the contrary, I always felt motivated knowing I was going into a vibrant office filled with wonderful people I’ve gotten the pleasure of getting to know. Some people like to keep coworkers as coworkers, but it is apparent that it is not the case for CSSF. Being in an environment that blends fun with productivity has been an incredibly rewarding experience. I’ve long believed that the people around us shape how we learn, and this experience has only deepened that understanding. From creating social media content with Amarah to outreach calls with Angharad and John, I’ve expanded my professional marketing and live event skill set in ways that wouldn’t have been possible without working here.

In addition, this role has encouraged me to pursue a career that combines both my love of arts with strategy and design. Storytelling has always been a part of who I am, from my time as a theatre kid back home to now being part of an organization that empowers students to create and share their own stories. I’m so grateful for this opportunity, especially for providing me with lessons that apply to both my personal and professional life. I will always take a piece of London with me wherever I go, and now Coram Shakespeare Schools Foundation too. Even though I may not be an expert on chocolate, I do know one thing: like a Cadbury Creme Egg, it’s what’s inside that really counts — and this experience has been full of the kind of richness and surprise I’ll carry with me long after it’s over.

Lyra Fontanilla
Marketing and Event Intern at CSSF on placement from Ithaca College, New York