Just a year ago, my life took a 180-degree turn. I packed three suitcases and a backpack and left home to embrace the unknown and pursue my dream. Uncertainty and fear intertwined with deep excitement, as it was the first time I left my hometown to immerse myself in the unfamiliar. Finally, after several years of attempts, thanks to the invaluable assistance of Across the Pond, my dream was about to become a reality.
Today, I am about to complete my Masters in Molecular Biology and Biotechnology at Queen's University Belfast in Northern Ireland. One year here, and I can't help but feel deep gratitude to the Across the Pond team and the constant guidance they provided throughout this incredible journey.
Studying in the UK has exceeded all my expectations. One year ago, I faced doubts and fears in the face of the unknown: a new country, a different language, and an entirely new culture and climate for me. However, in retrospect, taking that risk has been the best decision of my life. From the first day my feet touched ground in this country, I felt embraced by its warmth and hospitality, making me feel at home.
The university has become a melting pot of multicultural diversity. I have shared classrooms and moments with people from around the world, learning to value and respect different cultures. The friendships I have made here will be lifelong companions, treasures I will cherish forever.
Queen’s University Belfast has demonstrated a genuine commitment to its students. The available facilities and amenities have contributed to making my stay in the UK unforgettable and rewarding. Additionally, the city of Belfast has captivated me completely. The people here are welcoming and always willing to help. The serene atmosphere blends with unforgettable festivities and picturesque green landscapes.
However, it has not all been easy. My biggest challenge on this journey was overcoming the language barrier. My English proficiency upon arrival was not exceptional, which left me feeling somewhat insecure. However, over time, I discovered that one does not need to be an expert to survive. People are patient with foreigners, and gradual exposure to the language improved my skills. Today, while not at an expert level, I have progressed significantly in my English proficiency. Each day, I incorporate new phrases and expressions into my repertoire, filling me with satisfaction and pride.
Feeling fear and uncertainty when confronting the unknown is normal. Even though I am here, fear still remains a part of me. However, I have learned to manage it differently. The secret is to pack that fear into the smallest suitcase or the least obstructive spot. Fear is like adrenaline: healthy and necessary. It helps us face challenging situations and, paradoxically, allows us to value each moment and achievement even more.
Studying in the UK has been an exciting journey, full of learning and self-discovery. Before arriving here, I never imagined the obstacles I would overcome, the international friendships I would form, and the confidence I would gain from confronting the unknown. The university's multicultural environment has enriched my perspective in a unique way. Interacting with people from different parts of the world has opened my mind and taught me to respect and appreciate diverse cultures.
Lastly, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to the Across the Pond team, especially to my student advisor, who guided me through the university application process and took care of sending and reviewing my documents. To my scholarship advisor, who guided me in scholarship searching, I owe an equally significant thank you. Thanks to their support, I won two scholarships that have made my stay in this country more comfortable and enriching.
To wrap up, I want to give you this final piece of advice: if you share this same dream, take the leap. Dare to explore the unknown and immerse yourself in an experience that can change your life in just a year. Who knows what adventures await you by Across the Pond. Farewell for now, and may your journey be incredible!
- Gisseth
I embarked on my study abroad journey with a burning desire for international experiences, cultural immersion, and English language mastery. My aim was not only to broaden my horizons but also to specialize in project management, a field that had captured my heart.
The University of Essex emerged as my beacon of opportunity. With a stellar program and glowing recommendations from my university community, it was an easy choice. The enchanting Colchester campus and Business School Building stole my heart.
My best friend and I decided to live together in private accommodation, a choice that rewarded us with privacy, great neighbors, and a comfortable home.
Student life in a foreign land brought a delightful twist. With no family around, I found solace and companionship among my fellow students. We became each other's family, especially during the heartwarming Christmas holidays.
My academic pursuit, the MSc Global Project Management program, was a revelation. It provided the theoretical foundation I craved for managing diverse global projects. Additional courses in international business and marketing bolstered my expertise for the international business arena.
Studying at the Southend Campus was a blissful experience. The city offered serenity by day and vibrant nightlife by night. Exploring the city, the Adventure Island park, and meditating by the seaside pier became cherished pastimes.
To fund my travel dreams, I juggled a part-time job at a restaurant, which not only enriched my English but also led to lasting friendships with people from around the world. Additionally, I proudly served as a student ambassador, offering campus tours and enhancing my overall student experience.
I didn't miss a beat when it came to traveling. My part-time job opened doors to explore the UK and other dream destinations. Frequent trips to London and countless visits to the Southend pier filled my adventurous soul.
My application to the University of Essex was a breeze, thanks to the invaluable support of Across the Pond. Their guidance in selecting the right course, finding accommodation, tackling visa applications, and securing funding and scholarships was truly a game-changer. I can't recommend them enough.
My study abroad journey has been a whirlwind of excitement, personal growth, and unforgettable memories. It's a testament to the incredible experiences that await those who dare to dream and explore beyond their comfort zones.
- Melissa
My student experience in the UK, guided by Across the Pond, has been a transformative chapter in my life. I chose to embark on this journey to expand my academic and professional horizons, immersing myself in an environment that leads in innovation and educational excellence in the field of microelectronics. Several factors led me to choose the UK for my master's, with the rich history of research and technological advancements, along with the opportunity to dive into a diverse culture, standing out.
The choice of the University of Southampton was a result of meticulous analysis. This institution stood out for its prestige in the area of microelectronic systems design and its focus on cutting-edge research. Furthermore, the university's facilities are simply incredible. From equipped laboratories to collaborative learning spaces, the university provided the perfect environment for me to academically thrive and conduct high-quality research.
My experience on campus was enriching in many ways. Not only did I have access to exceptional resources, but I also interacted with students and professors from various parts of the world. As for my accommodation, although I faced some challenges initially, I eventually managed to find a place near the school. This convenient location not only facilitated my engagement in academic activities but also allowed me to explore the beautiful city of Southampton.
Comparing university life in Mexico and the UK revealed notable differences. In the UK, independence and self-discipline in studies are emphasized. Teaching methods are more interactive, fostering critical thinking and active participation. The master's in microelectronic systems design was a natural choice for me as I have an innate passion for electronics and a constant desire to learn and delve deeper into this field.
However, it wasn't all smooth sailing. Language barriers emerged as an unexpected challenge. Most of my peers were from China, which made communication and bonding a bit difficult. Despite this hurdle, we managed to find alternative ways to interact and collaborate on projects, enriching my cross-cultural experience.
Looking back, there are certain aspects I wish I had known before coming to the UK. In this regard, I must highlight the excellent guidance provided by Across the Pond. Their advice largely prepared me for cultural differences, the education system, and life in general in the UK. This mitigated any unpleasant surprises and enabled me to adapt more swiftly.
Lastly, I'd like to rate Across the Pond's service as exceptional. They were always kind and willing to address my emails with any questions or concerns I had. Their free guidance was immensely helpful throughout the process, from university selection to acclimatizing to a new country. Their support was pivotal in making my student experience in the UK as successful and enriching as possible.
- Wenceslao
My journey began when I took the decision to migrate to Ireland to learn English, a fundamental step on my path to pursuing a Master's in Energy and Sustainability at the University of Southampton. Leaving behind my home in Mexico, I embarked on this adventure into the unknown with the determination to acquire the linguistic skills necessary to achieve my dream. Within five months of arriving in Ireland, I found a job as a civil engineer; an opportunity that not only provided me with a valuable international work experience but also the chance to apply my skills in a multicultural environment. After years of preparation and effort, I finally managed to take the leap towards my dream by commencing my Master's in Energy and Sustainability at the University of Southampton, one of the most respected academic institutions in this field in the United Kingdom and worldwide. This was made possible with the assistance of an advisor from Across the Pond, who was the angel that guided and helped me turn this dream into reality.
During the year-long duration of the master's program, I faced the challenge of working and studying simultaneously; my determination pushed me to excel in both my studies and my job. The most astonishing and magical aspect of my journey was the opportunity to interact with people from different parts of the world while studying in Southampton. This experience enriched my life in unimaginable ways, as I was immersed in a multicultural environment where ideas and perspectives constantly crossed. This diversity not only broadened my horizons but also allowed me to better comprehend the global challenges related to energy issues and climate change that humanity faces.
Finally, I graduated successfully from the University of Southampton. I hope to make my story not only an inspiration for those in my country who aspire to pursue their dreams but also a reminder that with determination and passion, any goal is achievable. My experience in Southampton not only provided me with a world-class education but also the opportunity to meet people from all over the world and develop a deeper understanding of global challenges. I am left only with the realization that there are no limits to what can be achieved when dreams are pursued with passion and determination.
- Jocelyn
For as long as I can remember I’ve wanted to study abroad. At the age of 16 when I began my first job and received my first paycheck, I put it in the bank immediately, saving for the day I had an opportunity to travel and live abroad. In high school, I traveled to the Amazon Rainforest on a trip with my Ecology Class. Throughout childhood, I traveled with my family to France, Iceland and across the United States. Then, after saving for four years, I got on a plane and moved to Aix-En-Provence in the south of France for a semester abroad. The experience was all I hoped for. Having gotten a taste of what life in Europe was like, I decided to apply to graduate school in the United Kingdom.
Why did I choose London out of all the amazing cities in the United Kingdom? There are many reasons as to why London was where I decided to make my home while I was studying my Master’s. Firstly, I chose London because I had visited it. Even though I was only here for a week, I absolutely fell in love with the city (especially a nice afternoon tea!). As I was looking at universities to pursue my Master’s, I had to consider where I felt as though I could make a life for myself while I was at university. As I had already visited London and felt a strong connection with the city, I knew studying at a university in London would be the right choice.
Another reason I chose London is because there are six major airports in London. As you can tell from what I’ve said about traveling to the Amazon Rainforest, Iceland, and France, I’ve got the travel bug. As London has six major airports, it makes it easy for me to continue to travel and explore the world, something that is very important to me. Finally, I chose London because of everything London has to offer. Whether you are someone who likes a cozy day at a museum, someone who loves theater, or someone who likes to dance the night away, there are options for you. For example, I am someone who loves museums and there are more than 170 different museums for me to explore here (and most of them are free!). Having options for a fun day or night out that did not involve just going out for drinks or going out clubbing were important to me, and I found that London was the perfect place for that.
There were many factors which went into my decision for choosing the University of Roehampton (UoR). UoR is nestled in Southwest London makes it relatively easy to get to the heart of the city while still being able to enjoy the nature and quiet of the suburbs.
Growing up in the suburbs of Massachusetts, I grew up surrounded by nature and quiet neighborhoods. My undergraduate degree, which I completed at Fairfield University in Fairfield Connecticut, was very similar location wise to the area I had grown up in. In other words, for the first twenty two years of my life, the only experience I had in a city was short weekend trips to New York City or a day trip into Boston. The weekends I spent in New York City or days in Boston I always enjoyed, but at the end of the day I was always happy to go back to my sleepy little town or the quiet of my dorm room. All of this being said, I enjoy what cities have to offer. From aquariums and museums to clubs and fantastic restaurants. This is why I decided to make Southwest London my home because it would allow me to live the best of both worlds. Not only, could I enjoy the quiet streets of Roehampton and afternoon strolls in Richmond Park, but I could also escape into Central London to experience the city.
As previously mentioned, I come from a suburb in the United States which means I’m not used to a concrete jungle like Central London. One of my favorite things about UoR is the green space around campus. Unlike many other universities in London, UoR has lawns, ponds, and even an old orchard. On the main campus, walking between Frobel and Digby Stuart, you can walk by Frobel Lake and past the old orchard. On Whitelands, you can gaze out on the large lawn and see students picnic between classes or play football to pass the time. Not only does it remind me of home, sitting outside on the beautiful green lawn between classes gives me a chance to breathe in some fresh air and enjoy the outdoors.
So why specifically did I choose to study Forensic Psychology at UoR? Aside from all the reasons I fell in love with UoR such as the proximity to London and the green space, I chose UoR because of the strength of the program. UoR is ranked 5th in London for Psychology, demonstrating how strong the psychology department truly is. Additionally, the MSc Forensic Psychology program at UoR only takes a year to complete if you are full time. As part of the program, you are taught how to design and run your own research in an area of your interest. This is a great opportunity to build your resume and to grow professionally as well. You have the opportunity to learn different programs such as Qualtrics or SPSS, programs which are widely used in the research world. You also work alongside a professor who is a specialist in their field and potentially the topic you’re interested in exploring, giving you a chance to learn from an expert.
Finding a place to live is one of the most important things to do as where you live helps you settle in and make anyplace new your home. Having completed my undergraduate degree in the USA and living on-campus in dorms throughout that time, I decided that I wanted to live off-campus for my Master’s degree. As I had lived with my parents for the first eighteen years of my life and in university dorms for another four years, I had absolutely no clue how to go about renting my first place. Thankfully, I discovered University of Roehampton had an Off-campus Accommodation Officer. Additionally, they had a page on their website which displayed listings of different flats in the nearby area whose landlords had the Roehampton stamp of approval. This made the whole process of finding a place to live in another country significantly less stressful as I knew I had someone I could go to with any questions regarding housing laws or any issues with my landlord.
The flat I rented was located just five minutes from campus and was a lovely little four bedroom, two bathroom, one kitchen/living room house share. As I had found a landlord through the university, everyone I was living with were students of UoR or recent graduates or UoR. This was great because it gave us the ability to bond over a collective experience and an identity as UoR students.
My bedroom was a small single bed (meaning a twin bed) by the front door of the flat and under the stairs which I loving referred to as my “Harry Potter Room.” Upon first arriving to the flat, I remember experiencing absolute culture shock as accommodation outside the USA is very different from what many of us were used to. The room was smaller than I had originally realized, under the stairs, and had the radiator still in it for the entire flat. Across the hall, there was a bathroom the size of a closet with a toilet and a shower. It took a bit of time to get used to it all, but soon enough I found myself loving how cozy and comforting my “Harry Potter Room” was and enjoyed being the only one brave enough to use the compact shower across the hall from my room. Despite the fact the flat as a whole was much smaller than what a typical American apartment would be for four people, it did the trick. Furthermore, I would say the size of it made our flat even closer and kept it cozy in the cold winter months.
Moving to another country and experiencing culture shock when it comes to social norms or the language in which people use can be a lot, so it’s good to know what to expect when it comes to studying in a different country to avoid academic culture shock.
Firstly, the language which is used when it comes to your academics is different. is a list of common USA academic phrases and their United Kingdom equivalent:
Secondly, how you receive your final grade/mark is determined differently. From my experience in high school and undergraduate university in the USA, your grades are determined by a large amount of coursework over the entity of that class. For example, in my Social Psychology course during my undergraduate degree, I had a total of four different tests and weekly homework assignments which made up my entire grade. In the United Kingdom, you have less homework which is checked and graded, therefore, a majority of your grade hinges on big projects and tests.
Finally, not only are grades determined differently, the grade scale is different as well. In the USA, if you receive a 77% that is the equivalent of a C or C+. However, in the United Kingdom that same 77% is actually a fantastic grade and is closer to an A or higher. This can be challenging to comprehend at first as getting a 60% in the USA is often disappointing but getting a 60% in the United Kingdom is great. Understanding this can save you a lot of stress
What I truly love about London is that I can always find something to do. Personally, I am more of a museum type of person, meaning I have taken great advantage of the free museums (Natural History, Victoria and Albert, Science Museum, Wallace Collection, National Gallery, etc.). Did you know there are more than 170 different museums in London? That means there’s always a lot to learn and see! Each museum also does some amazing late night events which bring together the best of both worlds. The Science Museum, for instance, stays open late one Thursday a month and it adults only! They offer lecturers, free roaming the exhibits, drinks, and more. Similarly, the Natural History Museum hosts different events outside of normal museum hours such as a silent disco under the famous blue whale skeleton
If my friends and I are not at a museum, you can often find us at the theater. London is the perfect place for those who love theater and musicals. Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre located in Central London performs Shakespeare’s works sometimes with a twist and is my favorite place to go see a performance. The best part is, tickets are cheap and student friendly! Groundling tickets (meaning you’re standing throughout the show) are only £5 and offer a fun and sometimes interactive experience. What I truly love about seeing a Shakespeare performance in the standing room only area is that you are watching it as Shakespeare intended! It’s amazing to be transported back in time and dive into stories that have been told over and over again.
If I’m not studying, exploring London, or traveling elsewhere, then you can find me working. There are plenty of part time jobs and internships available in a city like London. During my Master’s program, I worked part-time at a local café as well as a Student Ambassador at UoR. The great thing about both these jobs is that they were flexible and allowed me to make some money so that I could go and enjoy London. Additionally, both jobs were ones where I was surrounded by locals, and therefore, it helped me adapt and assimilate into life here in London.
Personally, I believe studying outside of the country you grew up in is an amazing opportunity. Taking a step to move across the ocean and start a new life is a big one and it certainly puts you outside of your comfort zone. However, outside of your comfort zone is where you have the most room to grow. Plus, when else in your life are you going to be able to pick up everything and move across the world to explore another culture?
- Rebecca
I chose to study Infection and Immunity at the University of Chester because it combines my love of the progressive natures of infectious diseases, microbiology and their subsequent roles in our history and evolution, without being limited to studying only one.
Through Infection and Immunity-specific courses, I gained a greater understanding of the interplay between host and pathogen and how the arms race between diseases, immunity and the community continues to progress this field. Through the general course modules, I received perspective into the roles of medical, academic, and scientific professions, while learning to appreciate the connectivity and flexibility within each module. With ample support from the lecturers, campus resources and other students, I became more creative and adaptable when completing each assessment. Both the Medical School and MSc Infection and Immunity remind us that a necessary part of being a scientist, medical professional or academic is remaining teachable, adaptable, and personable.
- Bianca
I first got in contact with Across the Pond just after graduating with my Bachelor’s Degree. After some looking and job opportunities, I put my applications on hold. I contacted my student advisor again and picked up where I left off. After looking at universities and programs in the states, it became clear that many programs were both longer and more expensive in the US than in the UK. Once I added the international exposure, experience, and the opportunity that schooling would give me to secure a visa abroad, I knew a UK degree was what I needed.
Studying in the UK was definitely different than an education in the US, but in the best ways for my learning style. Unlike schools here, the UK places a greater importance on research, writing, and applying lessons in the real world. In my course, I had 4 graded term papers, a thesis research project and a thesis portfolio. No tests, no quizzes, no busy work. Read assigned books, papers, articles, and watch assigned videos, then discuss with the class each day. Class sizes were smaller than what I’d been accustomed to in undergraduate studies, which was a welcomed change. Both professors spent lots of time meeting with students individually, talking about research topics, and guiding them throughout the course.
I chose Brunel University London for a number of reasons, including its proximity to London and Heathrow Airport, its strong research base, and the opportunities for job placement and extracurricular activities. The classes were diverse in a way only the UK could offer. I had classmates from India, Kuwait, France, Italy, Ghana, Bangladesh, China, Poland, and across the UK. That diversity contributed to a classroom of varied experiences, points of view, and interests that expanded our understandings of the world.
Brunel has a University kart racing team, sports of every kind, clubs and student unions, dance parties every week on campus, a campus pub, and great facilities across campus. I got a gym pass and used the facilities each week, ate at on-campus restaurants, had morning coffee at their coffee shop, and spent many hours and days at the library preparing my papers and thesis projects. Student life was more relaxed than US schools, with an emphasis on strong studies balanced with exploring the country while you’re there. Classes are only a couple days a week, so it’s definitely manageable to do your coursework while exploring all that London, the UK, and continental Europe have to offer.
The city of Uxbridge, where Brunel is located, is a perfect British town with a great Underground station and bus system. I often took a bus a mere 5 minutes to the tube line, and I made it into London 30-40 minutes later. The high street had shopping, grocery stores, fantastic restaurants, a movie theater, mall, postal services, a gym, and pubs showing all kinds of sporting events. A rainy Sunday in Uxbridge was as quaint and calm as it was frequent. Christmas in the UK is magical, and even Uxbridge made the holidays bright even as the sun went down earlier and earlier each day. I miss trips to the Tesco or Primark after classes, or visiting the Odeon cinemas to catch a movie.
Flying in and out of the country when visiting friends or family was very convenient, and you can easily catch a bus or tube from Heathrow to Uxbridge. Flights to other countries, in addition to the rail and busses across the UK, made it a perfect spot for the traveler in me. I earned a world-class degree while seeing the world.
I have told many friends about Across the Pond, Brunel, and studying in the UK. The advice I wish I’d known before I went was that it would be tough adjusting to a new country for the first 3-6 months. Your student advisor will prepare you, the blogs and videos you watch will help you, but then you’re in a new place and it’s up to you to be dedicated and resilient. At times, British government agencies with their paperwork and delayed responses got under my skin. But it was no different than visiting a DMV here in the states! The minutiae of life it just that, and going abroad means immersing yourself in the daily life of another country. While getting a bank account, choosing a mobile phone plan, getting a replacement ID card, or applying for a license took a little time to figure out, it gave me understanding and appreciation for the things I took for granted growing up and living in my own country for so long. Traveling abroad doesn’t make you a strong person on its own, that’s something I wish everyone knew. Instead, with determination and the right mindset, studying abroad gives you the opportunity to become a well-rounded, empathetic, well-educated, and global-minded citizen of the world who can understand and work with people of all backgrounds and nationalities in new ways. My best friends from the program and my dorm are from countries around the world. We shared memories in class and around London that I’ll forever cherish. I’m forever grateful for the opportunity Across the Pond gave me to open myself to another part of the world, to new friends and connections, and to an education that has advanced my career in new and exciting ways.
- Tristan
Having previously studied abroad in Denmark, I wasn’t a stranger to living in a different country. From that experience, I wanted the chance to live abroad again. A couple years after I graduated from undergrad, quite a few people I knew had moved to the UK. When the idea of moving abroad to the UK came to me, I initially brushed it off thinking it was too far-fetched. However, this idea eventually grew on me and I then realized how much I wanted this. I had visited the UK previously and enjoyed it very much. I knew that the culture would be easier for me to navigate because it’s similar to the US, but also different enough for me to experience a new perspective. Also, I wanted to start my career in international marketing. This is when I thought was the best opportunity for me to experience living in another country again, as well as pursuing my career goals by completing my master’s in the UK.
When my advisor from Across the Pond helped me compile a list of schools that had MBA programs, I eventually decided on Bangor University. There were a few different factors that led me to choose this university. Firstly, the university had a good quality MBA program in international marketing that was affordable. Secondly, the university was located near Snowdonia National Park which I thought would be a great opportunity to explore during the school break with my new university friends. Lastly, the university’s student life appeared to have a variety of activities for students whether that’s different societies to join or events for students living on campus.
Bangor itself is a quaint little town located in North Wales. It’s quite a picturesque place and located close to nature as well as Snowdonia National Park. One of the things I enjoyed about living there is that it’s an easy walk to the forest, beach, or the mountain as well as the surroundings of the town are quite peaceful. The town itself though is very hilly. The student accommodations are located on steep hills and can be quite tiring to travel up and down. The town itself is mainly a university town so it’s easy to run into people I knew. Locals who lived there were quite friendly and very hospitable whenever I found myself lost somewhere as well.
At Bangor University, I stayed in St. Mary’s Village. This accommodation area comprised of various halls as well as townhouses connected to each other. I stayed in one of the Ffordd Tudno townhouses and was living with 8 other students. In this townhouse, there were four floors and I had my own room and a shared bathroom on the third floor with the kitchen and common area located on the first floor. This experience was different to what I was used to for American halls in university where we had to share rooms and bathrooms. The kitchen and common area were quite spacious and I enjoyed being able to use that space to have friends over to cook together and to hang out. With the accommodation located on a steep hill, climbing that hill every day helped me stay in shape throughout the year and I enjoyed the view over the city from up high.
In my spare time when I wasn’t studying. I loved doing a variety of activities. I enjoyed exploring the local coffee shops and restaurants the town had to offer. I also liked traveling to nearby towns. North Wales has so much to offer, especially with the different attractions nearby from beaches on Anglesey, to castles in Conwy and to the pretty town of Llandudno. Aside from those, I also enjoyed attending the different university socials and events, such as Sunday Roasts or walks to Snowdonia where I met my friends. Most of my friends were international as well so it was quite nice to be able to explore North Wales with them.
I completed my MBA in International Marketing at my time at Bangor which was only a year long program compared to a two year MBA program in the US. I enjoyed being able to explore different marketing topics and how to approach marketing in different countries. The international perspective was more insightful in the UK than simply learning in the US where I learned more about various companies that existed outside the US market.
There were quite a few differences when experiencing student life in the UK compared with the US. One of these things were that students can start drinking at 18 so there were university events where they served alcohol. The university also had their own nightclub called Academi where only students were allowed. Aside from that, Wetherspoon’s was a common place where students hung out. It’s a chain of cheap pubs and a typical night out for uni students tended to start at Wetherspoon’s, also known as ‘Spoons’. At universities in the UK, sporting events are not as big as sporting events at universities in the US. They tend to be considered more recreational. For coursework, there were not as many assignments, so the focus was more on self-study and research. There was also an exam at the end that was essay format and not multiple choice.
I often get asked how an American ended up in a tiny Welsh town like Bangor. When I get asked this, I always bring it back to my experience with Across the Pond. When I first started applying to universities in the UK, I had no idea what I was doing so I was very fortunate to stumble on Across the Pond. They simplified the whole process for me with one application and walked me through everything. During my time attending Bangor University, I have gained many international friends as well as a valuable perspective within my marketing degree and career. This was a memorable experience I’ll get to cherish for a long time.
- Thao
I found out about Across the Pond just doing online searches for master’s programs. I eventually wanted to enter a PhD program and knew a master’s degree would make my application more competitive. When I saw that I could get a master’s degree in the UK in half the time (and half the cost) compared to the US, it seemed like a great option, and Across the Pond made choosing a program and applying super easy! Everyone I worked with was so helpful, prompt, and friendly. I really appreciated how smooth they made the application process.
I ended up choosing the University of Chester for its Master of Science in Family and Child Psychology program. In one year, I got a great overview of psychological testing, research and studies, behavior, and other topics that would be relevant to my current job as a teacher for students with autism. The professors were knowledgeable and really helped shape my master’s thesis project, which involved running a behavior study with a local group of primary school students.
I found the class schedule of my program to be incredibly flexible. I had class just one day a week on campus, and the rest of the week I had time to do the reading, writing, group projects, and other assignments involved in the courses. This schedule allowed me plenty of time to work part-time off campus, travel around the UK and Europe, and get involved in activities like a D&D club and a local church.
While attending the University of Chester, I lived in a nearby town and commuted to classes via bike or train. I came abroad with my wife and dog, so it made more sense for us and our budget to rent a house farther from campus than to rent a flat in the city. However, I had plenty of classmates and friends who lived on or near campus, and it was easy to meet up for dinner nearby or a study session at the campus library.
Chester was a great city to visit every week for classes. The university campus wasn’t far from the train station, and also nearby were many restaurants and shopping venues. My wife really fell in love with Chester’s traditional high street and the Roman architecture. We also traveled to nearby Liverpool and Manchester often for sightseeing because the train system made it easy to connect. Even London was only about a two-hour train ride away, so I packed a lot of travel into my year of study!
The biggest adjustment to living as a student in England was all the paperwork I had to do in order to get my visa, process my student loan, get added to national health insurance, pay the local council tax, etc. However, Across the Pond and my university offered plenty of guidance, and once I got all set up in my accommodations, the rest of the year went pretty smoothly.
One of the reasons I chose to pursue a degree in England was that, being from the US, I could study abroad without having to learn a new language! I had previously lived abroad in Japan and Germany for several years, so I was prepared to adjust to a new culture and way of life, and the transition to living in England was pretty smooth. After some initial homesickness, it was exciting to visit new places, try new foods (especially desserts I’d seen watching “The Great British Bake-Off”), and make international friends in my master’s program. I studied along with students from every continent, which was a great experience, and it was especially easy to make friends with the other American students in my program.
Overall, getting my master’s degree in England was a great decision and made a huge impact on my life. I was lucky enough to bring my family to England with me, and we shared many unforgettable experiences together. My wife really enjoyed the climate in England, so when we moved back to the United States, she wanted to settle down in a cool and rainy city! That decision and my master’s degree led to the amazing job I have now, so I owe a lot to my year studying in England! To this day, I’m quick to refer people to Across the Pond for helping make the experience possible for me.
- Jordan
I did not originally choose to study in London. I started at a university in America before deciding to transfer once I studied abroad for 3 months. I loved the diversity on campus, the freedom that came from living in a different country, and the opportunities it opened up for me career-wise. For context, I am studying nursing, so once I graduate I will have the ability to work in the US and the UK if I so please.
I love that there is public transportation so that you can get around with ease, and the cost of grocery shopping is low in comparison to the US right now. The nightlife is also amazing. If you’re not into partying, there are so many options available to you. Just taking a trip down to central at night and walking around is an experience. What I don’t love about London is that, despite my saying that groceries are cheap, the city itself can be quite expensive. As a university student and international student, the amount of time I can work personally is restricted to 20 hours, so if I planned on self-paying, the money to support myself would have to come from outside sources as well.
Living on campus is automatically the cheapest option for people studying as international students. The rent includes utilities, and there are washers and dryers on campus. While they differ in quality based on the amount paid, they are still good quality from an objective standpoint. There’s also the option of having your own bathroom, but areas such as the kitchen and the living room are shared. Also, Roehampton allows you to choose who you want to live with. Lastly, if an issue arises in the flat, such as a clogged drain, there is a website where you can submit a ticket for that issue and a litany of other issues or questions that don’t pertain to accommodation.
As an American, I am used to a large workload in terms of tests and homework. There is not a bunch of tests. There is homework, however it is not graded. This makes some people view this as optional, so you must hold yourself accountable to get the reading or work done. The lecturers are nice and will follow up with you to ensure that you have what you need. They are also good at accommodating personal issues or learning disabilities. As a nursing student, I have classes most days of the week, and then I have 6 or 7-week-long clinical placements. The dedicated time off to catch up on reading on complete assignments is also amazing. The only issue I might have is the ease of the course during the first year. It gives a false sense of security to students that results in constant questions that have already been answered, and unneeded confusion on tasks that are supposed to be “easy”.
Right next to the campus is Richmond Park. It is so beautiful, and I love to put in my earphones and go for walks there to clear my mind. If I don’t feel like studying in my dorm, I can hop on one of the buses (there is a bus stop right outside the university) and go to a nearby cafe. There are tons in Richmond and Putney. I also like to read, and the campus has a lot of green areas that you can sit in and relax if the weather permits. On weekends, I do enjoy going to a cocktail bar, which there are also plenty of in Putney, which is about a 10-minute bus ride from campus, give or take depending on time and traffic. If I don’t want to spend money, I will just get together with my friends on campus and go to the bar on campus. The bar on campus regularly holds things such as quiz night and karaoke, which do not cost to go to.
The only complaint I have is that the university does take a while to respond to some issues, even ones that are time-constrained, which can be very stressful. This previous year when I moved there officially, I was in continuous contact with the university to get the documents needed to start my visa process, which is also time-constrained. There was a major delay in the area for me personally. Lastly, there was an issue with students from the US receiving their financial aid. Instead of receiving my financial aid in September/October, I received it in the middle of November, which caused obvious issues with the cost of living.
As a person coming to study abroad, I wish I had travelled more. Skyscanner is an amazing website that shows low-cost flights to places within Europe and elsewhere. As a person who is now an international student going to university full-time from America, I will say to research financial aid before you decide this is an option for you. Personally, the nursing courses at Roehampton are not eligible for federal funding, so that means private loans would be your next and only option if you do not have support from family or a sponsor. There are a few scholarships for students from the US studying permanently in the UK, but they are hard to find. I will also say to get a railcard. It will pay for itself in maybe 2 to 3 trips, and depending on where you are travelling, it might pay for itself in one trip. Lastly, if you need a job, check with campus resources first, and see if you can get a job on campus. They will accommodate your studies and other engagements better than an outside job would usually.
- Taniya
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