Studying abroad is one of the most rewarding experiences for anyone at university and is just one of the many opportunities offered at St Mary’s University, Twickenham.
The University has strong links with other institutions in Australia, Canada, China, South Korea and the United States as well as with ERASMUS, the European Union student exchange programme. It means that students in their second year of study can spend a semester abroad, whilst international students can come and study at the London campus.
Anna Brown, now a third year Theology and Religious Studies undergraduate at St Mary’s, shares her experience of her time at DeSales University in Pennsylvania where she studied Theology and Religious Studies in her second year.
Anna said, “I wanted to study abroad to have the opportunity to learn about a different culture whilst being fully immersed within it. I thought the opportunity to not only live abroad but have a university experience somewhere else was amazing. I was particularly looking forward to being able to travel.
“I absolutely loved DeSales, the students and staff were so welcoming and friendly. I learnt so much in the modules that I was able to study. They stretched me and were often difficult, but it was so rewarding learning something completely new. The teaching was brilliant and engaging.”
As in numerous American films set in high schools, DeSales was very big on sport. Anna said, “I went to see lots of the DeSales English football games as they were the most popular. It was great being in the big stands and hearing them singing the national anthem.
“The activities were free and I was involved in Irish dance classes and Zumba. It was great as all year groups live on campus, so I got to know lots of students through this. It was a fun community spirit at the weekends.”
When it came to socialising it became apparent that the shops and diners stayed open much later. “I found it bizarre living in a country where everything stays open so much later,” she said.
“In my first week my friends invited me to go to an ice cream diner at 10pm, it was fun and a real part of socialising in America (as the legal drinking age is 21). So that was something a little different.”
Would Anna recommend the Study Abroad programme? She said, “Yes! It is a fantastic idea that I think everyone can learn from. I am now a more determined, hardworking student and it is amazing to have friends overseas. The people I met at DeSales are lifelong friends who made me feel so welcome and part of their families. I also loved the modules I was able to study.
“Anyone considering taking part in the scheme should really jump into the experience and embrace all it has to offer. You should be organised both in the preparation to study abroad and when you are overseas, as it is the only way you can really make the most of the actually quite short time you are away.”
For more information about St Mary’s Study Abroad programme, please visit the website.
Anna said, “I wanted to study abroad to have the opportunity to learn about a different culture whilst being fully immersed within it. I thought the opportunity to not only live abroad but have a university experience somewhere else was amazing. I was particularly looking forward to being able to travel.
“I absolutely loved DeSales, the students and staff were so welcoming and friendly. I learnt so much in the modules that I was able to study. They stretched me and were often difficult, but it was so rewarding learning something completely new. The teaching was brilliant and engaging.”
As in numerous American films set in high schools, DeSales was very big on sport. Anna said, “I went to see lots of the DeSales English football games as they were the most popular. It was great being in the big stands and hearing them singing the national anthem.
“The activities were free and I was involved in Irish dance classes and Zumba. It was great as all year groups live on campus, so I got to know lots of students through this. It was a fun community spirit at the weekends.”
When it came to socialising it became apparent that the shops and diners stayed open much later. “I found it bizarre living in a country where everything stays open so much later,” she said.
“In my first week my friends invited me to go to an ice cream diner at 10pm, it was fun and a real part of socialising in America (as the legal drinking age is 21). So that was something a little different.”
Would Anna recommend the Study Abroad programme? She said, “Yes! It is a fantastic idea that I think everyone can learn from. I am now a more determined, hardworking student and it is amazing to have friends overseas. The people I met at DeSales are lifelong friends who made me feel so welcome and part of their families. I also loved the modules I was able to study.
“Anyone considering taking part in the scheme should really jump into the experience and embrace all it has to offer. You should be organised both in the preparation to study abroad and when you are overseas, as it is the only way you can really make the most of the actually quite short time you are away.”
For more information about St Mary’s Study Abroad programme, please visit the website.Media enquiries
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