Q: Initially, what made you decide to study abroad? Why did you choose your program?
A: Studying abroad is something I've been interested in since high school. Ultimately, I decided to follow through because I just wanted a change. I wanted to see what life would be like at another university, and in another country.
Q: What was the highlight of your study abroad experience?
A: Meeting new people and making friends from all over the world was definitely my highlight of being abroad. I met people in my cohort, through orientation, through classes, and even at unexpected places like the airport or the pub. It was awesome.
Q: What was your greatest challenge abroad and how did you overcome it?
A: Being away from my family was the biggest challenge I faced while being abroad. Though I attend college regularly at a school away from home, I missed my family way more when I was in a foreign country. I had to miss out on events and that was hard.
Q: How did your coursework abroad compare to your courses at UC Merced?
A: The assessments were completely different. My entire grade would be based off of two to three assignments, usually writing. Knowing about the previous literature and research in your field, as well as prominent figures, is important in the UK. No participation score either, and no extra credit.
Q: What did you gain from your study abroad experience?
A: Being abroad taught me how to be independent. I truly feel that I can rely on myself more now, especially since I figured out how to travel in foreign areas, navigate language barriers, and live in a new place.
Q: What advice do you have for students considering study abroad?
A: You will have to miss out on things back home and that's hard. It happens. But the new experiences and people you meet will make it worth it.
Q: Describe a typical day abroad.
A: Sleeping in, going to class, grabbing coffee with a friend, studying, a beach walk, more class, taking the bus into town for dinner.
Q: If you could go anywhere in the world tomorrow, where would you go and why?
A: I would go back to a pork restaurant I went to in Prague with my friend because it was so delicious.
