I first discovered Across the Pond while attempting to apply to post-graduate programs in London on my own, by simply searching “studying in London” in an Internet search. When the site popped up I thought I would give it a try, and am thankful every single day that I sent that email asking for more information.

Before getting in contact with Across the Pond, and more specifically, my advisor, the application process seemed impossible. After making contact and speaking with someone who was more experienced with these processes, my applications were finished and sent off in no time. There was no question my advisor couldn’t answer for me, and I felt incredibly supported in the entire process, from getting letters of recommendation to making my final choice of University.

I am currently finishing up my MA at Middlesex University in London, and cannot believe how fast the time has flown. Deciding to get my master's abroad was definitely the best choice I could have made in terms of time and quality of the course, and Middlesex has provided an excellent atmosphere for learning as well as gaining practical experience for my subject of study. The MA program was much what I expected for a one-year course, very intensive at times, but very rewarding when you consider it would have taken two years for the same degree back home. The classes and coursework were very similar to my undergraduate courses, papers, exams, presentations, and quite a bit of group projects, but all of the lecturers and program leaders were incredibly supportive and available for extra help with all assignments, and feedback was always constructive and helpful for the next assignments.

I chose to live in halls for the year, it seemed to make the most sense when going through the application process because I knew it would be safe, close to the university, and a good way to socialize when first arriving in London. My flatmates ended up being a good mix of postgraduate and undergraduate students, and the experience has been very pleasant overall. Living in London has been one of the best experiences of my life so far, and I am planning on staying after completing my degree. Having the support of Across the Pond really helped me in achieving my goals of traveling abroad and getting my master's degree all at the same time, and I would recommend this service to anyone who is interested in studying across the pond.

- Kelly

Studying in the UK has been a wonderful experience. I chose Newcastle University in Newcastle, England, as my uni of choice. This has turned out to be an excellent decision as The Toon (Newcastle) is a beautiful city. Everything is compact and within quick walking distance. The Geordies are also a friendly sort.

Upon first arrival in Newcastle, I was greeted by the university's international welcome student staff and was taken by coach directly to Leazes Terrace, my accommodation. The staff at Leazes Terrace was quick and efficient and I was given a tour of the building and shown my room. It was overall an easy experience.

Newcastle University is a vibrant place full of awesome architecture, good places to eat, and has loads of student organizations to become involved with. The financial team has been very helpful and fully answered any inquiries I made. The students I have met through my course have all been friendly and, in total, come from 10 different countries (which makes for some interesting conversations!)

In short, without the help of Across the Pond, the selection, application, and preparation processes for UK study would not have gone nearly as smoothly as it did by using Across the Pond. They answered all of my questions fully, provided relevant materials and checklists, and even proofread some of my stuff with suggestions! Don't be a propa doylem, man! Ya can't be too nebby! I highly recommend any prospective student looking to study in the UK to contact Across the Pond.

- Sam

Studying abroad has always appealed to me. I've traveled a great deal, with about a baker's dozen countries under my belt so far, and I thought, 'What better way to see the world than to be a college student there?'

The problem is how hard it is to figure out all the details of applying to a university overseas. My dream of studying in England would have probably never been realized if I hadn't stumbled across Across the Pond during a Google search. They offered to not only help me find the right university for me, but send in my application for me, help me with my visa, put me in contact with all the right people, and help me sort out anything that went wrong!

Their service was so good my wife wanted me to double-check and make sure it wasn't a scam (which it isn't). I have nothing but good things to say about Study Across the Pond. They were professional, timely, helpful, knowledgeable, and exactly what I needed. They're the reason I'm currently living in the UK, and I would recommend them to anyone and everyone who's dreamed of going abroad but has been afraid of the red tape.

- Joseph
 

Coming to the UK for university was one of the best decisions I've ever made. Although going to another country as an undergraduate seems like a huge challenge, it didn't seem that way at all for me. Settling into Newcastle, I received a warm Geordie welcome, plus a lot of useful information for international students - for example, how to set up a bank account, register for a GP, and more.

The city itself is quite nice. There is plenty to do, and most everything is within walking distance. From the wild and exciting nights at the many bars and clubs to peaceful walks on the Quayside, you can never get bored in Newcastle. Whether you're into the party scene or not, there's something for everyone. There's a wide range of shops and restaurants to browse through as well. But if you have to get out of Newcastle, there are so many places around the UK that are lovely to visit. I had the opportunity to visit Durham and York, which are both distinctive yet beautiful cities. Studying in the UK is also a wonderful opportunity to travel Europe, especially with the nice long holidays we have from uni. In fact, I've got trips to London and Amsterdam already planned for the Easter holidays.

On the academic side, I am currently a first-year BSc Biomedical Sciences student, and I love the course. Newcastle University is one of the best universities in the UK since it is a Russell Group university. The lecturers are great at what they do and are easily approachable if you need help. They make the content so interesting that it doesn't feel like a chore to revise for exams. Additionally, the university's student services offer plenty of assistance in any aspect of student life you'll ever need help in. The university staff ensures that students have a very pleasant uni experience.

All in all, I chose Newcastle because it's a wonderful and vibrant city and because the university is reputable and has quality teaching and research. Newcastle was also a good choice because of the friendly and safe atmosphere. Being here in Newcastle is such an exciting experience, and I'm so glad to call the Toon my home.

Here in the UK, the tuition fees and living costs are reasonable as well and are surprisingly much cheaper than most out-of-state U.S. university fees. I also currently live in university accommodation, and it's not bad at all. There are no roommates in UK accommodation, which is a plus. That way, you get your privacy but also have loads of opportunities to make friends within the residence halls. I've made so many wonderful friends in my short time here, and continue to make more as I meet new people all the time.

Of course, I couldn't have made it this far without Across the Pond, who helped me throughout my journey to get here. My advisor aided me in my research to figure out which universities to apply to, explaining which universities were the best for my chosen degree program. She then helped me in applying through UCAS once I'd chosen my five universities. After hearing back from the universities and ultimately deciding on Newcastle, I received plenty of help and information on the visa application process from Across the Pond (even more than the UK government websites!). The service I received was exceptional, as I got prompt, informative, and detailed replies to all my queries. It would be in any prospective UK uni student's interest to go through Across the Pond, because they'll make the process a whole lot easier and less stressful.

- Isa
 

Across the Pond sounds almost too good to be true, but they are really just that good! My husband and I both got help from the Across the Pond team to study abroad in Newcastle, and I admit that we couldn't have done it without them.

We received personal assistance for each step of the application process, including the university application and for the visas. This included an entire webinar series about topics like how to fill in the (complicated!) visa application, what to expect during the application process, and information about the move. They responded to my almost daily emails with questions about studying in the UK and provide up-to-date information regarding visas. The Across the Pond advisors were also there to offer support, and motivation, and to celebrate with me when things fell into place.

Studying across the pond has been an eye-opening, exciting experience, and the UK was a great choice. Knowing the language made the cultural transition easier, and there is so much to learn from living in England. The university experience is different enough from universities in the U.S. so that it can be challenging, but also familiar enough so you can still be successful and enjoy yourself. If you are thinking about studying in England, DO IT with help from Across the Pond!

- Emma