Reflecting on my First Semester at UW-Madison!

By Ava Griffiths, University of Wisconsin-Madison, USA

I have now completed my first semester abroad! It has certainly been overwhelming at times but ultimately so rewarding.

I thought it is important to share what I have learnt so far. Firstly, the workload is no joke! I have done more in one single semester here then I would do in a whole year back at Manchester. From midterms, weekly reading responses and class presentations, the American college system keeps you on your toes.

College Library – where I ended up spending a lot of my time!

I also had to take in person hand written exams – something which I haven’t done since my A-levels. For context, I am a history major so I am used to essay assignments which you take home and complete. Also, class participation counts towards your grade so you need to be switched on whether it is a seminar or a lecture. Lecturers are constantly asking questions. Whilst this does force you to engage with class content, I have to admit I prefer lectures where we are more focused on making notes and absorbing information. However, I have had some great professors and feel that I have learnt so much over the course of the semester.

My favourite class in particular was on the Second World War. Despite the fact that the class required you to buy eight different books (I too was hoping this was a typo when I saw it on the class syllabus), the professor was so passionate about the topic which made way for consistently engaging lectures. I look back at my time in that class fondly except for the time I was called upon by my professor to explain why having a cup of tea is important to British people…in front of 70 bemused Americans.

I have made so many great memories this semester which have been helped by the wonderful people I met. To any UK students coming to the states, your accent is your most prized asset as most Americans love it! In other words, don’t be afraid to speak a little louder than you would at home. The most common way I met other Americans was when they overheard my accent and asked where I was from. However, keep in my mind that people from the Midwest are known for being friendly so this could just be my experience!

One of the main aspects which I came to love about the American college experience is the school spirit. People are proud to be a UW-Madison student and this enthusiasm rubs off on you. I think coming from the UK we tend to view it as a bit all over the top. However, now I have experienced it for myself, all the college comradery really enhances your time at the university. It is what makes the American college experience so unique. I really can’t think of anything that compares to it.

The amazing UW marching band halftime show.

I came back home for Christmas which gave me the opportunity to reflect on my experience so far. I remembered how the months running up to my departure were plagued with worries and doubts, overthinking every worst possible scenario of what could happen. I find that it is important to remind yourself that it is a huge leap of faith to pack up and move thousands of miles away from everything you know, and you should give yourself a pat on the back for doing so! It is the ultimate way of pushing yourself out of your comfort zone and although it is not always easy, your self confidence and independence will thank you for it. This new found belief in yourself is something you will continue to carry with you, years after your time abroad has ended.

I am now back in Madison, awaiting the start of spring semester. It is slightly different to when I arrived back in August. It is bitterly cold with the temperatures dropping to -18 degrees with a windchill making it feel even colder. Lake Mendota has completely frozen over. It looks amazing but it is crazy to think that it was only 5 months ago that I was swimming in the same lake. The university also holds events on the lake such as the annual winter festival. It is reassuring to know that Wisconsin isn’t afraid to embrace the cold!