An amazing university
Across the Pond helped me apply to a number of universities in the UK and made the entire process really easy stress-free. They helped not only with the application process but also with what to expect once I was over there and what I should do to prepare. Arriving to York was scary because I hadn’t known anyone at the time. However I was surprised to find a large number of other North American students who also used Across the Pond to apply to York (one even in my program) and we all became really close friends really quickly!
The University of York is an amazing university! It is a beautiful campus, has great teaching facilities and friendly and supportive faculty and staff. The historic City of York is also nearby. The train station in right in the city so there is easy (and relatively cheap) access to travel.
I am so happy that I took this chance, moving half way around the world, for my studies. Across The Pond made the transition quite easy; I’ve made life-long friends, and couldn’t imagine my life anywhere else.
- Stefania
So much easier
Had it not been for Across the Pond and my incredible advisor, I don't know if I would have ended up studying here, in the UK, as I have always wanted to do. The whole process of applying to graduate school is extremely stressful in itself, let alone applying to universities in another country.
I was so lucky to have found Across the Pond when I began looking into universities in England because the entire process from researching and applying to programs to constructing a personal statement and applying for a visa was made so much easier with the help of a knowledgeable advisor. I would strongly recommend using Across the Pond if you are interested in studying in the UK, you will be glad you did!
- Shawna
Hard to go back home
Coming to the UK has been one of the best decisions I have made. I love it here and will find it hard to go back home. When I first arrived, it was daunting and a little scary, but it quickly became a second home. On my first day in York I ended up going out with my housemates to a Freshers' event and since that day we have become such a close-knit group of friends (from several different countries) that I feel so secure in whatever problems might come my way. I would say the only downside of living in the UK is that the cost of living is higher than back home and a little more than I expected. However, if you keep your eye open and find out different options, it’s not too hard to live decently on a decent amount of money.
The University of York has a beautiful campus and being in archaeology I get to have classes in a building once used in Tudor times. The history of the York is so amazing; from the Roman walls to the Minster and the Georgian housing, I'm amazed every time I walk through town. Hence, a great place to study archaeology. My classes are much more specific than they would be back home, but I think that allows you to focus on what is especially interesting to you. The professors are so welcoming and you can tell that they are invested in your work as well and are always willing to help and just provide even further avenues of knowledge. It was weird at first calling professors by their first names, but it does help to establish a closer connection that facilitates a greater understanding.
I want to thank Across the Pond for making it a lot easier to make all of this possible. My advisor was extremely helpful in the application process and it was great to have guidelines and advice to prepare me for life in the UK. I even asked for assistance with an issue months after arrival and it was helpfully answered. I would definitely recommend Across the Pond to anyone wishing to travel to the UK for school.
- Meaghan
Very hands on
Across the Pond was an absolute godsend for my school and visa applications, and beyond really. My adviser was exceptionally polite and helpful. He responded to any and all questions I had, held my hand throughout the entire process, and assured me every step of the way that he was as involved in this process as I was.
When choosing my university, I was asked about what my study interests were, and then we narrowed down the choices based on the programs available. After this, my adviser liaised with my selected university to find out if, based on my academic standing, completing a full application was recommended. This was excellent as I'd been through the Postgraduate application process before only to be told (after spending a great deal of time and resources) that I did not meet the matriculation criteria.
My adviser was very hands-on throughout my entire process- filling out forms, sending me frequent emails to advise me of what was being done, and proofreading my personal statements. It was excellent and reassuring! The visa application document was exceedingly helpful, as it gives you a comprehensive step-by-step process of what you should do. Also, my adviser was willing to chat with me via Zoom to clarify anything that I was unclear about.
I managed to settle in well enough and the reception team at my accommodation is always very helpful. York is gorgeous! Lovely cobblestoned town, with lots of restaurants, shops, and sights that will enchant you.
I was on the fence about which aspect of psychology I wanted to pursue... clinical or educational. My program delves into both and gives you a better understanding of exactly what each avenue entails so that I could make the decision that is right for me. The program is also a year, which financially was the better option for me. In my spare time, I love reading and exploring! I've always been a fan of architecture, and that was yet another reason why I chose York.
Working with Across the Pond made this entire process 100% easier for me. I was always given quick and helpful responses day or night, weekdays or weekends. I was heard when I talked about what I wanted to study and what programs I felt would suit my needs. My adviser was gracious enough to put up with my anxiety-filled emails. It was truly a wonderful experience working with Across the Pond I have recommended them to a few of my friends, and I will definitely recommend them to anyone! Cheers!
- Brianne
I got a high-quality education
I can’t thank Across the Pond enough for guiding me through my decision to study abroad in the UK. I was looking for a career change and decided that I wanted to pursue a full-time master’s abroad first. I knew I wanted to go to the UK due to the high standards for education, the language, and since the postgraduate degrees take around half the time as in the US, but knew little else.
One of the Across the Pond's advisors guided me in narrowing down universities according to the program that I wanted and gave me insight into the quality of the universities and cities they were located in. She also helped me through the application process, especially in understanding the differences between the expectations and the process compared to the US. She also gave me the tools to successfully apply for my student visa, and I was able to go to her with any questions. It made the process much smoother and stress-free.
Now I am about to graduate from the University of York with a Master’s in Global Marketing, and I couldn’t be happier about my experience here. I was able to find my own flat off-campus, the cost of living is manageable, and I found a campus environment that I knew I couldn’t have found in London. Not to mention I got a high-quality education and met some lifelong friends. I would highly recommend Across the Pond and am so thankful for the experience and support they provided!
- Andrea
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