British Excellence on a Dialogue of Civilizations

You already learned what a Dialogue of Civilizations is, but what do you do during these 4-6 week immersive Global Experiences in the most unique countries in the world? For me, I got to see the British Royal Family, interview Royal Experts, Executive Researchers, and learn the ins and outs of British history and culture. 

Let’s unpack. I took two courses on my Dialogue: English Culture & History and Production Practicum – Documentary Filmmaking. We were based in London, but also made an amazing trip to Scotland (more to come). Beginning with the pre-production process, my production group knew that we wanted to create a documentary about the British monarchy and the current Royal Family who represents the Crown. We also kept in mind (at the very front of our mind) that the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee would take place right in the middle of our program. Before we flushed out our final theme of the film, we began cold emailing prospects to be in our film. This ranged from some of the most prominent anti-Royalist leaders to professors at world–leading institutions. With luck, we secured all of our interviews before we arrived in London. Our talent included a professor of Modern Monarchy at Sheffield Hallam University, a Senior Executive Political Researcher at YouGov, and lastly, the founder of the British Monarchists Society and Royal Expert, who has appeared on national and international TV multiple times. We had some pretty cool talent to feature in our film before we even developed our storyline. 

Because I knew that my group wanted to focus our film on the British monarchy, I centered my bi-weekly reports for the English Culture class around the history of the monarchy and what it stood for then versus now. I needed to become an expert, especially since we would be interviewing talent that makes appearances on international TV! Take a look inside some of our interviews: 

But we were just getting started. Our storyline was coming together, mainly highlighting the perceptions and current role of the British Monarchy and how the Royal Family contributes to the success of the United Kingdom and its Commonwealth of Nations. As our plot developed, the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee was looking more and more perfect to complement our storyline. This is where it gets good. 

After a week in Scotland, visiting Edinburgh Castle, Stirling Castle, and the Highlands (and swimming in Loch Lomond), we returned to London very late the night before the Trooping of the Colour ceremony that acknowledged Her Majesty as the head of the Armed Forces. This is one of the most traditional ceremonies, and kicking off her Platinum Jubilee celebration, the world’s eyes were on this procession. We arrived at Buckingham Palace at 5 a.m. to camp out a spot in the front row. We met the most amazing British people, got the ‘tea’ on Megan and Harry, and waited for the ceremony to start. 

When I tell you I got goosebumps, chills, and everything that comes with the excitement of seeing the most incredible thing for the first time, I am not exaggerating. The striking of the drums, blowing of the horns, and synchronization of the march were almost unbelievable. The crowds cheering, children on parents’ shoulders, Union Jack flags waving through the air – it was the most prideful environment I have ever seen in my entire life. But time stopped for a minute. The hundreds of thousands of people gathered around the Palace, in St. James Park, and along the Mall went quiet. The Queen’s Guards took position, walking up and down the barricades. All of a sudden I heard the roar of the crowd, and knew exactly who was coming. The first passing was of Princess Kate, her children, and Queen Consort, Camilla Parker Bowles. 

Next was the blood of the Royal Family. King Charles III (at the time still Prince Charles), Prince William, and Princess Anne.

Prince William and Princess Anne

We were 20 feet away from the most well-known royalty in the world. Wow. I am in a school program. I am taking classes. Actually, no I’m not. I am out in the world, using this as an opportunity to learn by immersing myself in a culture that doesn’t seem so foreign, yet is in so many ways. I am living in a history that I wouldn’t be a part of if it wasn’t for this opportunity.

I am here to tell you to do it. Do a Dialogue, go abroad, and say yes to the experience that will take you beyond your dreams. It may not always work out, but Northeastern surely gives you all the tools to help build your path and create your own unique experiences. This is what I did. Now it’s your turn.