Surrounded by a truly global community
If you are a student considering the opportunity to study abroad, I HIGHLY recommend Across the Pond! Their assistance throughout the entire process - from deciding which universities to apply to, how to contact professors and request supervision for a PhD, to filling out the application, gathering the necessary documents, and writing a personal essay and research proposal, Across the Pond was there for me every step of the way.
The guidance and support I received translated into success, and I was accepted into the University of Aberdeen in Scotland. I do not think this would have been possible if I had tried to do this without the expertise freely shared with me by the staff of Across the Pond.
As a nontraditional adult student, I am finding the University of Aberdeen to be a welcome place for graduate study. My professors have highly successful academic careers, and I am surrounded by a truly global community of students. The facilities (Library, classrooms, campus) are both high-tech and user-friendly. The people are the same way, very media-savvy and super friendly!
- Lynne
The opportunities here are immense
I'm from California, and I am studying for a taught Master's of Letters in Medieval and Early Modern Studies at the University of Aberdeen. The opportunities here are immense.
There is archival access in the city center and a special collections in the new library that's just right next door. I live on campus with four other girls: one American from the east coast, one from Indonesia, one from Cambridge, and one from Ireland; we have a blast comparing slang and alternative definitions, as well as trying to appropriate each other's accents. The postgraduate community here is extremely tight-knit, and there is a larger percentage of them who are also international students from all over the globe, so there is access to a wide range of cultures.
I've found that the academic style is very different from the States, as it doesn't rely as heavily on the prerequisites and the professors; instead, studying here is much more independent and individually motivated. You pick and choose which courses you want, which is the same, but there isn't a generic History 101. Instead, you can choose topics that are more geared towards your personal research interests. Consequently, examination is generally written work rather than tests. But the professors are very interested in your work and will often bend over backward to make sure that their course fits into your timetable.
My experience applying through the Across the Pond program was one of gradually decreasing anxiety. If I hadn't had this program to help guide me through the process of applying and the logistics of the visa and moving in, I really don't think this would have worked out the way it did. Instead, I received offers from every UK university to which I applied. The step-by-step processes helped give me a format for my worries, by just taking it one step at a time. This gave me the confidence to apply for a PhD program after completing my Mlitt, and I got it!
- Lauren
An experience unlike any other
I chose to study at Aberystwyth specifically because it is the origin of the field of International Relations and maintains this reputation as the leading department of its kind.
The department truly has some of the best scholars in their field, and it is an amazing experience working with them. I have had the opportunity to learn from and talk to academics I have admired for some time. Not only do we have the ability to learn within the classroom setting, but we are exposed to a wide variety of conferences and conventions that allow us to showcase our own work.
Aberystwyth as a university is very welcoming and easy to navigate. There are various programs and services available to fulfill the needs of its students, including fitness facilities, cafes, libraries, and study spaces.
Aberystwyth is a quaint and picturesque town. It is small and safe, and you always meet someone you know around town. The surrounding landscape is beautiful and allows for amazing leisure activities on days off. I would absolutely recommend studying at Aberystwyth to anyone as I have had an amazing year thus far. I have met amazing friends from all over the world and have gained an experience unlike any other.
Aberystwyth has far exceeded my expectations and it will be a sad day when I have to leave.
- Nicole
A great place to live and study
Settling into the university was pretty easy. I’d been to the UK a lot before I started school, and the country isn’t so different from home. My flatmates were great, too, so that helped. Aberystwyth is a small town and doesn’t take long to feel comfortable.
WHAT IS THE TOWN/CITY LIKE?
Aberystwyth is really a great place to live and study. Obviously, Britain’s weather has a well-earned reputation for being dark and rainy, and Aberystwyth is no exception. But aside from that, it only takes a 10-minute train ride to be in legitimate countryside here – Wales has some of the most beautiful landscapes I’ve ever seen. Aberystwyth itself is nestled between the hills right on the coastline. The beach is a lovely place to relax, barbecue, and hang out. It’s a quick walk to some picturesque viewpoints over the bay. The town is small and welcoming with the student body making it a rather diverse, interesting, fun place. Beware, though, if you plan to do traveling either within Britain or abroad, Aberystwyth is quite isolated indeed.
WHY DID YOU CHOOSE YOUR UNIVERSITY?
The two main reasons I chose Aberystwyth were the reputation of the International Relations department and the beauty of the town/countryside.
WHAT IS THE COST OF LIVING LIKE COMPARED TO YOUR HOME COUNTRY?
Obviously, Britain itself is a bit more expensive because of the exchange rate, but this part of Wales is cheaper than most places in the UK. It’s really not any different than home.
DO YOU LIVE IN UNIVERSITY ACCOMMODATION OR PRIVATE HOUSING?
I’m in university accommodation, which is fine. There’s tons of private housing around, but I didn’t feel like looking when I was trying to get everything else sorted out.
WHAT DO YOU DO IN YOUR SPARE TIME?
In my spare time, I read, go for walks in the hills, hang out at the beach, sample some of the locally-owned cafes, travel, try to keep up with things at home, and I also play on the basketball team and handball club.
HAVE YOU TRAVELED TO OTHER PARTS OF THE UK (OR OTHER COUNTRIES) DURING YOUR STUDIES?
Definitely – why would you study abroad and not do some extra traveling? I just got back from a spring break trip to Germany, Italy, Turkey, Japan, and South Korea. Last semester, I went to Poland for a bit. I’ve done a fair amount of hiking throughout Wales and England as well.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO A NEW STUDENT AT YOUR UNIVERSITY?
Do note how isolated Aberystwyth is - a three-hour train ride to get to any airport can be annoying sometimes. Aside from that and the occasional depression from the weather, just come. Aberystwyth is such a beautiful town, the people are great, and it’s cheaper than home.
WHAT WAS YOUR EXPERIENCE WITH ACROSS THE POND?
Across the Pond was great. I wouldn’t have been able to manage going to school in Britain without them. They take the guesswork out of applications, give great advice when it comes to picking which school(s) to apply to and eventually attend, and really care – they want you to study in the UK and do a lot of hard work for you so that it’s painless and you can enjoy yourself.
- Michael
Lovely town with even lovelier people
I chose to study at Aberystwyth University because it is a partner with my home university. Their drama program is well reputed and offers applied theatre courses which my home university did not. The classes I have taken this term are wonderful, and the department and its staff have all been welcoming and accomodating.
The university is great, the diversity and amount of extracurricular activities are fantastic, and there is always something for everyone! The facilities are up to date and well kept, and the faculties are always prompt to respond to any queries you have.
Aberystwyth is a lovely town with even lovelier people. Everything is easily accessible with plenty to explore and a great nightlife.
I would absolutely recommend Aberystwyth University to anyone who is considering coming here. I would especially recommend it to my fellow theatre students at my home university to come and study abroad here.
- Emily
