USA
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Wrapping up the Year
By Louis Cotterell, UNC Chapel Hill, USA After the relief of exams concluding, the reality that the year was ending started to set in. This feeling was widespread, as my international friends all started preparing to depart home, and my American senior friends were graduating. Attending the graduation commencement ceremony was impressive. Thousands piled into the football stadium, dressed in Carolina-blue robes, to listen to the speeches. One was delivered by Mia Hamm, an ex-UNC women’s soccer player, widely regarded as one of the best female athletes of all time. It then resolved with a huge firework show, followed by a night out on Franklin Street. As I said goodbye…
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First vs. Second Semester
By Louis Cotterell, UNC Chapel Hill, USA In the final weeks preceding the Christmas break, there was a strange feeling of uncertainty. Most of the European and Australian internationals who’d become our friends (and football teammates) were not returning, leaving only the Brits left of our studying-abroad friend group. It was going to be interesting to see how the second semester would differ from the first, and was in store. Among those who would not be back was my roommate, Martin, from Madrid. This was sad, as we had become close while grinding internship applications during hiring season. His absence was ameliorated by the new residence of my friend Mark,…
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What a Year Abroad at NC State Taught Me.
By Saskia Perez-Cooke, North Carolina State University, United States I spent my year abroad at NC State University, and it was an unforgettable experience. As with any experience there are highs and lows, but here are a few reflections and bits of advice to anyone considering or preparing for a year abroad in the states (or anywhere really!) Roommates One of my biggest concerns when I was preparing to come to NC State was the sharing a room situation. But if there is one thing I can say about this is that your roommate doesn’t define your study abroad experience! If you don’t click with your roommate immediately I wouldn’t…
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University Traditions: Roth Regatta
By Rosie Atkinson, Stony Brook University, USA The Roth Regatta is an annual tradition at Stony Brook University held in either late April or early May in the Roth Pond on campus. It involves the production of either a Speedster boat or a Yacht boat made entirely out of cardboard, tape and paint. Teams of current students and alumni gather to make and decorate a boat to either compete with 4 rowers (yacht) or 2 rowers (speedster). Every year has a theme and this year for the 36th annual Roth Regatta the theme was Greek mythology. This year the international exchange students came together to make a boat. We nominated…
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Joining a band at UNC
By Louis Cotterell, UNC Chapel Hill, USA Jeremy Stickler has been going for a few months now, and we have our biggest show yet lined up for this weekend. All the stars seemed to have aligned. The story begins on a random Thursday of last semester. I was walking through the arboretum (a park-type area next to my residence hall) where there was a man (Mason) strumming a guitar and singing. I went over to say hi, and informed him that I lived very close and could come join with my guitar. He, as a music lover, eagerly accepted. We jammed for forty minutes or so before he had to…
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The 2024 U.S. Election
By Frances Connoly, University of Maryland, United States One of the first things that I did once the term had started was join the UMD College Democrats. I knew that this election was incredibly important, and that I was in the unique position of being in the states to witness it, so I wanted to get as involved as much as possible. Joining the dems was such a good decision. I’ve experienced so many new things and met lots of passionate people who have given me hope for America’s future!
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Adjusting to Life Back in Manchester
By Ava Griffiths, University of Wisconsin, Madison, USA Returning to life back in Manchester has been a bit strange.
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Adventures in America
By Sarah Westgate, University of Maryland, College Park, USA To be honest with you, I didn’t fancy a year in the US. However, I was placed here anyway, and in hindsight I don’t know why I was so against it. Sure, the politics leave something to be desired, and you can turn right on a red light (insanity!) but there are so many other things that make this country totally awesome.
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Why Madison, Wisconsin?
By Ava Griffiths, University of Wisconsin, Madison, USA Madison is such a special city, and to me, it has the perfect college town vibe. The campus sits right on a lake, everything is super walkable, and the way the city and campus blend together so seamlessly is honestly just really nice, all while keeping that distinct college feel. Now, as you may have noticed, I’m the only person writing about UW-Madison on this blog. And yes, that’s because I’m the only person who chose Wisconsin all the way from Manchester. Honestly, I have no idea why more people don’t come here! Ok, maybe I’m a little biased, but I truly…
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New York City on a budget!
By Saskia Perez-Cooke, North Carolina State University, United States New York City has a reputation for being super expensive which can definitely put some students off from travelling there. But as I was nearing the end of my time of my study abroad in the states, I knew I would regret not making the trip to NYC. But fortunately I found that a trip to NYC does not necessarily have to drain your bank account- it can be done on a budget, and this blog post is here to show you how! When to visit: The cheapest time of year to visit NYC tends to be in Feb/March. I would…
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What to Do in Austin, Texas
By Ava Griffiths, University of Wisconsin, Madison, USA My friend and I headed to Austin, Texas for spring break, and we had a great time. It was a nice change to escape Wisconsin’s cold and enjoy the sunny 28°C weather. Austin is such a cool city, so I thought I’d share the best spots to check out if you ever find yourself in the Lone Star State.
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New York City Food Recommendations
By Ava Griffiths, University of Wisconsin, Madison, USA I was lucky enough to visit New York City three times during my year abroad, and the energy there is unlike anywhere else. The food? Next level! I’ve put together a list of some of my favourite spots, so if you ever find yourself in the city, you’ll know exactly where to go.
