Could it be possible to live my dream?
I had a job as an English/Spanish phone interpreter and I worked from home. I got to help people communicate efficiently despite the language barrier and this made me feel more confident about my foreign language skills. My calls were mostly from American clients but once in a while I’d get a London based call which always made me feel much more excited. The UK had always felt like a magical place for me. Blame it on the romanticized media we consume in films or just the strange appeal of a gloomy weather but I always dreamt of visiting England.
So an idea started growing in my mind... what if I studied abroad? Could it be possible to live my dream? I knew it’d be challenging but I trusted I had the skills and so far I had postponed any postgraduate studies so it felt like enough time had passed.
I presented the idea to my dad, who has always encouraged to dream big and he loved it. He told me I had full support if that’s what I wanted to do and that I just needed to decide where and when. I have to admit that choosing the place was the toughest decision ever! Of course my mind went immediately to London but I wanted to be close to London without actually living there. I wanted the peace and calmness of a small city but also to be able to explore the magnificence of central London whenever I felt like it, and that’s how I came across University of Essex. I applied to the University of Essex MSc Psychology course and the idea didn’t actually come to reality until March the next year when I received an unconditional offer letter telling me I was also eligible for an Academic Excellence International Scholarship. This is the moment when it all got real.
Preparations and the hunt for my new home
While I was juggling between work, travel plans, visa arrangements and I also had to start looking for a place to live in Colchester. My parents settled from the start that they would prefer for me to have a spare bedroom in case they wanted to visit and considering they were gonna travel with me to help me get settled, university’s student accommodation was disregarded immediately so I started looking for a two-bedroom-close-enough-to-the-campus-affordable-furnished flat on the internet through platforms like rightmove and zoopla but all the properties I contacted required a guarantor from the UK and I didn’t know anyone living in the UK. I was losing the battle with time so I just figured we could stay in a hotel the first couple of weeks and hopefully find me a place to live soon. Then, a miracle happened, one of the many listings I contacted reached out to me telling me the person who was in process of renting the property had fallen through so I had a chance and to this day I consider this agent who turned out to be the son of my landlord a gift from heaven. The virtual viewing of the flat showed me a two bedroom flat located in the first floor of a building that was equally close to the town as to the University. Totally furnished and very well communicated with public transportation, its safe to say everything went smooth from that moment onwards - for the documentation process they accepted my dad as the guarantor and I signed a 12 month contract. I still live there.
University of Essex
I knew from the start that University of Essex was a prestigious, awarded, highly rated and multicultural university that’s mainly why I chose it. I found the application process very easy and welcoming for international students. The admissions team were always available and helpful. And this is where another sent from the heavens comes into action, my advisor from Across the Pond. I don’t particularly remember how I came across the agency I just know I’m thankful for it. My advisor advised me throughout the rest of the process and she was always there to answer my questions and as a link between the University and me. My CAS letter arrived in time and my visa got sorted efficiently before my (anticipatedly arranged) travel plans. After settling into my new home and exploring around town the date to start my studies finally came. The department of Psychology held and introductory activities week where I had the chance to know the campus and its facilities while also meeting some of my future coursemates.
Psychology in the world
I had always known that psychology is still in the progress of getting the recognition it deserves as a science in my home country but being confronted with how different it is to study psychology as a recognised science with all the support and means needed in order to conduct first level research made me feel a bit sad about the conditions under which many of us, aspiring psychologists went through studying in Mexico.
My course was a conversion course, it means that its designed to give you all the basic knowledge a graduate from a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology should have but in just one year. It was intensive. Lots of my coursemates came from different backgrounds. And I, had a BA in Psychology which gave me a slight advantage by being familiar with some concepts, theories and methods. Although as I mentioned earlier the resources may not be a good in Mexico, we did get good academic contents and for that I’m grateful.
One of the main differences I can point out between educational programs in Mexico and the UK is the amount of coursework. I remember having one piece of coursework PER MODULE, PER WEEK to say the least while studying my bachelor’s in Mexico, while there was barely one or two per module per semester here in the UK. I’m not sure whether if this difference means one system is better than the other one because I guess it depends on the student but personally I feel like there’s more room for actual critical thinking when students can focus in just producing one good essay instead of being overloaded and overworked trying to reach deadlines for multiple assignments.
I really liked my course. I have always being passionate about psychology and the University of Essex’s psychology approach is much more research based. For my dissertation I went for a more cognitive field, carrying out an actual experiment using equipment and a lab provided by the department with help of my supervisor. I used an eye tracking device and collected the visual field data from all my subjects while walking around campus to then code the recordings and measure how many times they looked at people’s faces with the purpose of studying its relation with anxiety.
Life off-campus
Colchester is a city located in the East of England. It is small but has everything anyone could ask for. From beautiful sceneries to a buzzing nightlife. It takes around 45 mins to and hour to get to London by train and you can travel anywhere from there.
I’m not a party person so during my free time I normally enjoyed having a beer with my friends or travelling around to explore as much as I can. I had the opportunity to meet people from so many different countries, England (of course), India, Vietnam, Japan, Korea, Italy, France, Spain and so many more. I also bonded with some fellow Mexican students and made very good friends with whom I explored London and everything it has to offer. I also went to concerts, being a big fan on live music makes living in the UK feel like a fever dream. Of course my wallet doesn’t approve but I’ve enjoyed so many concerts and festivals in a couple of different cities which has also helped me meet more and more incredible people.
To summarize, if you can get used to function through the rain and cold temperatures I’d say England is a beautiful country, full of culture, nice people and amazing views.
Bilingualism: blessing or challenge?
Both. One of the first things everyone here says to me after learning I can speak two languages is that they wish they were bilinguals. Even though I don’t think my English is perfect, my english language skills have been praised so many times by native speakers and its because they recognize that being bilingual is not an easy task. In Mexico its almost a requirement nowadays to know a second language specially if you’re applying for a job, so for me, its just something I’m used to. Since I was a kid I showed interest for English as a language and I made it part of my life. Music, books, films, I always preferred to consume any type of content in English and I guess it paid off. Neither my parents or I were even sure I had a proficient English level because its nothing I ever took too seriously, it was more of a personal interest. So when I decided to study and live in England it was like the moment of truth. There’s no better way to test not only the language dominance, but also cognitive flexibility, resilience and problem solving than moving abroad. No matter how confident or used you are to be bilingual, studying and living abroad is always challenging and requires a daily effort. Studying and taking lectures in english was scary at the beginning but I found out that the more you are exposed to the language, the easier it gets. At first I had to really concentrate in what the lecturer was saying so I could make it make sense in my brain but after a couple of days I felt like I was understanding everything as if they were speaking in Spanish.
From having to ask “what does that mean?”, “sorry, can you repeat that?” to occasionally slip a word in my native language or having to blatantly describe an object cause you can’t remember its name in English, bilingualism and adapting to live in England has enriched my life in both personal and cultural ways.
Wrapping up...
I don’t think I’ll ever find enough words that completely describe how amazing all this process was. All I can say is that experiences are invaluable, living in a different country, testing and challenging yourself only to find out how capable you truly are, meeting the kindest people along the way and seeing things you only knew from the tv or pictures with your own eyes is just magical. Now, don’t get me wrong, not everything is a fairy tale - feeling homesick, lonely, having to start over without your family and loved ones can be really hard but you’re never alone. The university offers wellbeing services and mental health support to those in need and most of the people you’ll meet will be willing to offer a helpful hand if you ask. In my experience, local people are very kind and supportive towards foreigners, and of course fellow foreigners are also kind-hearted and open to help in any way they can. It is okay to ask for help if you’re struggling but I promise the reward will make it all worth it.
- Astrid
Deciding to pick-up and move across the ocean
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
Choose what challenges and inspires you
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
Across the Pond Made It Easy to Find a Master’s Program
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
Why Did I Choose London?
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.
What do I love and not love about London?
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.
How are the accommodations?
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.
How are the classes?
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”.
What do I do in my spare time?
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.
Did you experience any issues with the university?
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.
Is there anything I wish I had known?
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
