What is one word to describe your study abroad experience:
"I wish I knew that the best memories can come from the most unexpected times. Before study abroad, I thought the best memories were going to come from the most extravagant trips and travel memories, but a lot of my best memories came from random and fun moments with my friends!"
JESSICA C.
Exchange student at the University of Southampton, England
Winter semester
Studying Psychology
- What is the best thing that happened while you were studying abroad?
The best thing that happened while I was studying abroad was meeting so many new people from all around the world, and being able to travel to many different places.
- What was the biggest cultural adaptation you had to make?
In the UK, cars drive on the left side of the road. It's definitely important to keep this in mind so that you’re looking in the proper directions before crossing the street!
- Where was the coolest place you travelled to during your study abroad experience?
The coolest place I travelled to was Scotland. I took a tour of the Scottish Highlands and Loch Ness. On this tour, I saw some of the most beautiful mountains and scenery.
- What is something that you know now, that you wish you knew before you studied abroad?
I wish I knew that the best memories can come from the most unexpected times. Before study abroad, I thought the best memories were going to come from the most extravagant trips and travel memories, but a lot of my best memories came from random and fun moments with my friends!
- What was your best learning moment?
My best learning moment was learning how to travel solo. Through taking busses and trains to different cities, and planes to different countries, now I feel really comfortable!
- Who was the hardest person to leave from home? How did you deal with that?
The hardest people to leave from home was my family and friends. It was hard because they are some of the best people in my life and I wanted to take them on my exchange with me. I dealt with it by keeping in constant contact with them through FaceTime!
- Who was the hardest person to leave that you met while on exchange? How did you deal with that?
The hardest person to leave that I met on exchange was my good friend from California. It was sad but we've kept in constant contact and we're hoping to plan a trip to see each other again in either California or Canada!
- If you were to recommend exchange to your best friend, what would you say?
Exchange was one of the best experiences of my life and it is absolutely worth it to go! You will meet so many awesome people from around the world and experience some really cool travel adventures.
- What are your packing recommendations?
As an over-packer, I would definitely recommend to pack lightly and wear your bulkiest items on the plane. It's better to have more space in your luggage so you can buy things abroad and bring them home.
- Would it be helpful to learn another language for this exchange?
Nope! English is fine for this exchange.
- Did you live on-campus or off-campus? Would you recommend it, and why?
I lived in university residences and mine was a 5-minute bus ride to campus. I would recommend living on residence because it gives you the opportunity to meet new people really easily.
- How did you finance your study abroad experience?
I financed my study abroad experience by saving up money from working the summer before my exchange. I also used money I got for Christmas and my birthday towards study abroad.
