For Samford University students looking to step out of the classroom into the real world, studying abroad offers an experience like no other. Through the Samford in London semester program, students don’t just visit another country, they live, work and fully immerse themselves in one of the most dynamic cities in the world.
Students are given the opportunity to pursue passion projects, even if they’re unsure whether they will turn into lifelong careers. These internships teach adaptability, cultural awareness, leadership and self-discovery—all of which help students stand out when applying for jobs.
Will Crawford, a sophomore majoring in English with a film concentration and a minor in nutrition, found this to be true when he landed an internship in the heart of London’s food scene. He spent his semester working with the Underground Cookery School, a cooking school that offers hands-on culinary experiences for individuals, corporate groups and private events.
There, he worked alongside professional chefs, sharpening his skills in food preparation, organization and leadership. His tasks ranged from perfecting pasta-making techniques to leading a kitchen team.
“I learned so much about efficiency, precision and teamwork,” Crawford said. “It’s one thing to practice skills on your own, but it’s another to be thrown into a professional kitchen and have to keep up.”
Working in a high-paced kitchen environment pushed Crawford to develop skills beyond just cooking. He learned to multitask under pressure, give instructions clearly and ensure every detail of a dish met the high standards of the chefs around him.
In addition to his time at the Underground Cookery School, Crawford had the opportunity to work at five Michelin-starred restaurants in a staging role. Staging is a French term for a short-term placement in a kitchen where aspiring chefs can work alongside professionals.
Crawford worked at some of London’s top restaurants including Frog by Adam Handling, Club Gascon and Cornus. These kitchens required even higher levels of precision and attention to detail, with tools like tweezers used to carefully place delicate garnishes and ensure every element on the plate was positioned perfectly.
“Every single movement in the kitchen had a purpose. Every plate was a work of art,” he said.
While his internship was a major highlight of his semester, Crawford embraced everything London had to offer. Living at the Daniel House, Samford University’s five-story home in central London, he built friendships that made the city feel like home.
“The house is great, but it’s the people that make it feel like home. Coming back to find friends in the living room watching a movie – that’s what I miss the most,” he said.
Even small routines, like becoming a regular at a local coffee shop, helped him feel connected.
“There’s a coffee shop near the house called Over Under, and after a couple of months, they’d see me walk in and say, ‘Hey, Will, how’s it going?’ That’s when I realized I wasn’t just visiting London. I was living there,” he said.
For students considering a semester abroad, London is calling. Don’t miss a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Applications for the spring 2026 semester are open until April 24. Answer the call and apply today.
