Studying abroad as a UWS student

Morgan McLeod is a Social Sciences student. She writes about her experiences of studying abroad, as a UWS student. All photos in this blog post were taken during her time studying abroad.

As far back as 2019, when I was applying for university, studying abroad was always something I wanted to do.

However, when Covid struck, I thought my chances of doing so would be difficult. I have around a month left of my study abroad experience, and it has been great so far. I’ve met lots of amazing people, who I’m glad to call close friends. I’m confident I’ll stay in touch with them for the rest of my life. I’ve also been extremely lucky to be able to travel across the USA since I’ve been here; from Washington DC, Maryland to Las Vegas, Nevada.  

Studying abroad has provided me with so many opportunities; and I know there will be lots more when I arrive back home. I think the main thing I have gained from this opportunity is that I feel a lot more independent. Being put into a completely new environment, thousands-of-miles away from home, can be daunting at first. However, once I arrived, living on my own gave me more life skills I could ever imagine.

As I mentioned, I’ve had the opportunity to meet lots of new people here, from right across the world. Experiencing a new way of living, meeting new people, and having lots more independence are just some benefits I’ve enjoyed so far. Studying abroad is a great thing to have on your CV, as employers understand the qualities students have had when they have studied abroad, such as not being afraid to step out of their comfort zone.  

If you’re thinking of studying abroad, there are a few things you should consider. Firstly, get your visa sorted as early as possible. The American borders only opened for me a few months before my departure, meaning that it was a little bit of a time crunch. Another tip is to apply for a debit card that you can use abroad. If you use your UK card, you may be charged an additional percentage for purchases you make. I’d also suggest that you familiarise yourself with the airports through which you’ll travel in advance. YouTube videos can be really helpful, if you’re looking to do this, helping you familiarise the layout so you know exactly where you need to go.

When you arrive in your study abroad country, I’d advise you to spend a little time walking around and getting used to the area - find the closest food shops; places to eat and where you'll be taking your classes. In my case, my classes were in different buildings. There may also be more deadlines than you’re used to in the UK – so I’d advise that you keep note of all deadlines that you face long in advance. One final tip – say yes to everything. I’ve had so many experiences here, that I would never have back home because I always said yes. Doing this and stepping out of my comfort zone means I’ve been able to make unforgettable memories.