On a Friday afternoon, 19 students and 2 teachers set off from Graz to Brighton, ready to rediscover the island in the wake of Brexit—and the newly introduced visa requirements.

At the top of our must-see list was London. From Buckingham Palace and the Houses of Parliament to the London Eye and Tate Modern, all the way to Tower Bridge—we squeezed as much as possible into a single day. Despite our tight schedule, we still found time to stroll along the River Thames and enjoy some shopping in Oxford Street.

Brighton itself, along with its surroundings, has plenty to offer beyond its famous beaches and pier. We explored the Royal Pavilion, wandered through the lively Lanes with their small shops and colorful murals, and took a bus trip to the stunning Seven Sisters‘ chalk cliffs. Of course, we also made time to sample local food in many restaurants and cafés.

However, sightseeing was only part of the experience. The main purpose of the trip was for the students to attend a language course. Divided into two groups and guided by two dedicated teachers, there was hardly ever a dull moment. The lessons were engaging and interactive, giving students plenty of opportunities to improve their English and gain confidence in speaking.

All in all, those eight days were an unforgettable experience—and they flew by in the blink of an eye.