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.
 

Essex's Allure: Choosing the University of Essex

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.
 

The Perfect Nest: Choosing Private Accommodation

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.
 

Bonds Beyond Borders: Student Life Abroad

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.
 

Global Project Management Unveiled: My Academic Odyssey

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.
 

Southend's Charms: My Campus Haven

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.
 

Balancing Act: Work, Adventure, and Ambassadors

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.
 

Wanderlust Unleashed: Exploring the UK and Beyond

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.
 

The Power of Guidance: Across the Pond

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
 

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.
 

Why University of Roehampton and why MSc Forensic Psychology?

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.
 

Off-Campus Living with the Benefit of Support from the University

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.
 

Culture Shock 101

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:

• Major = Course
• Class = Module
• Grade= Mark
• Head of Department/Course = Programme Convenor
• Professor = Lecturer
• Senior Project = Dissertation

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
 

“Studying” Abroad

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.
 

Why Should You Study Outside the USA?

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
 

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.
 

Classes at University of Chester

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.
 

Living Off Campus

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!
 

Studying in England

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