Kenny Kuchtyak's Spotlight
Kenny Kuchtyak
About Kenny
Kenny is a third-year student at Penn State University Park majoring in Anthropology and minoring in CAMS. During the fall 2023 semester, Kenny studied abroad in London, England through our IES: London, University College of London program.
Continue reading to learn more about Kenny's highlights of his time in London in his own words, why he chose London, the lessons he took away, and his advice for students interested in studying abroad!
Kenny posing at the Sky Gardens overlooking London
Kenny with his friends on a tour of West Ham stadium
Photo of the London eye and the Palace of Westminster taken by Kenny
Photo Kenny captured of London's Convent Garden during Christmas time
Photo Kenny took of the Wembley stadium before attending a UEFA EURO qualifier match between England and Italy
St. Pancras Station at night
Kenny's Education Abroad Experience
"London was the first place I traveled internationally, and I loved it my first time, so it was an easy pick to study there for a whole semester. UCL also has a great Archaeology program and London itself has great museums and institutions related to Archaeology. At UCL, I was also able to complete many of my class requirements for my major.
I loved the ability to travel not only throughout the UK, but throughout Europe, as well. I made so many close friends while abroad from many parts of the world. Another highlight was the ability to experience many different cultures because of how connected to the world London is.
The most surprising part of London to me is how connected it is to not only Europe but to the other continents. Every time you walk around the city, you see people and customs from around the world intermingling with each other, which was really cool to see.
The most important lesson I learned was that every stranger is a friend you haven’t met yet. The people I met there were nothing but kind and hospitable to me, and I made some really close friends because of that.
My goal since I was little was to visit every country I possibly could. After this past program, I’m at 19 countries visited, so studying abroad has helped me put a dent in my top bucket list item.
You should definitely study abroad! This program was my third study abroad experience, and I have had the most incredible experiences with some of the greatest people."