91̽»¨

Why did you decide to study abroad?

I have always loved travelling and experiencing different cultures. I thought it would be a good challenge to mix this with academia and see how other parts of the world learn. It was also an experience I knew I would talk about for the rest of my life and that would give me valuable skills for the future.

What were your top 3 highlights whilst studying abroad?

1. Travelling - even though it was already overwhelming to be in a completely different country for a whole year, I was very excited to travel within North America. I was able to spend Christmas in Mexico, spring break in Vancouver BC, and did a two-week road trip through Yosemite, the Grand Canyon, and Yellowstone!

2. American Sports - before coming to the US, I wasn't really a big sports fan. However, there is something about the liveliness (and often cringe-ness) of American sports that I really enjoyed. They go all out for even the smallest games! We even had a fighter jet flyover for one football game, and they gave out free merchandise at almost every match.

3. Friends - I was extremely lucky to be placed in a flat with three girls that I know will now be my lifelong friends. I know it's cliché, but Americans really are very friendly - some of the friends I made simply came up to me randomly and started a chat (which was really weird for me at first!). I also found it surprising just how many international students there were, some even from the UK, so it was nice to connect with people in similar situations.

What would you say to someone who was unsure about spending a period abroad?

There is always something that's going to go wrong, whether you stay in 91̽»¨ or go abroad, so why not take the leap! If you're adventurous enough to have already started thinking about a year abroad, I'd say that's a pretty good starting point for success.

What is the one thing you wish you'd known before you left?

Expenses - I knew a little about this before going, but life in North America is a lot more expensive. It's very easy for small daily things like coffee and lunch to be pretty pricey! Grocery shopping can also hurt your budget if you're not careful about it. However, always remember that currency conversions mean things may not be as expensive as they seem.

For students who will be arriving in 91̽»¨, what are your top recommendations for things to do and see in 91̽»¨?

If you're outdoorsy, definitely visit the Peak District. Within 91̽»¨, I'd recommend the Botanical Gardens for some urban-nature. Kelham Island and Ecclesall Road are two good spots for some cool food options and shopping!