Catherine C. Exchange Ambassador

What is one word to describe your study abroad experience:

"Exchange was such an enriching experience and being able to travel like I did is absolutely worth it"

CATHERINE C.

Exchange student at the University of Aberdeen, Scotland
Fall semester
Studying Wildlife Biology and Conservation

1. What is the best thing that happened while you were studying abroad? 

I met a lot of amazing people and had the opportunity to live in and experience another culture.

2. What was the biggest cultural adaptation you had to make? 

Changing what I could eat and getting used to mannerisms, how people would interact with each other, etc

3. Where was the coolest place you traveled to during your study abroad experience? 

I travelled to Glen Coe and saw the highlands of Scotland, which were absolutely fantastic.

4. What is something that you know now, that you wish you knew before you studied abroad? 

it can be difficult to make new friends at first, but not to give up.

5. What was your best learning moment? 

Learning how to pack and travel efficiently.

6. Who was the hardest person to leave from home? How did you deal with that? 

It was hardest to leave my boyfriend, and I dealt with that by calling regularly.

7. Who was the hardest person to leave that you met while on exchange? How did you deal with that? ​

The hardest person to leave was a friend I met through a hill walking society. We still communicate at least weekly, and I threaten to go back and visit soon.

8. If you were to recommend exchange to your best friend, what would you say?​ ​

Absolutely do it, it was such an enriching experience and being able to travel like I did is absolutely worth it.

9. Would it be helpful to learn another language for this exchange? 

I didn't need to know a different language, but it was good to learn the local slang.

10. Did you live on-campus or off-campus? Would you recommend it, and why? 

Off-campus. For me it was the right choice because I got my own space and a quiet house to go home to, so I would recommend it for people who like to have some time alone. It is also very isolating though, so if you choose to live off-campus, you need to make more of an effort in joining clubs and going to socials

11. How did you finance your study abroad experience? 

I saved all the money I had made during the summer, as well as using gifts from my family and money I was awarded as part of a travel grant

12. Are you including exchange on your resume?  

As part of my on-going education

13. What interesting courses did you get to take while studying abroad? What was the title of the course(s)? 

All the courses I took were interesting. Pre-historic Britain, forest ecology, and archaeological science were the most interesting because they were taught from a European perspective.

14. Is there any other helpful information you would like to share with future study abroad participants? ​

Always get in contact with the academic advisers

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