Doing a year abroad has perhaps been the highlight of my university experience, providing me with the opportunity to learn a new language, make international contacts, and attend one of the top social science institutions in the world! Despite the many benefits of partaking in Exeter’s Study Abroad programme, I believe that it is important to make future Study Abroad students aware of some of the not-so-glorious aspects of embarking upon a year abroad.
Five Pros
1.You get to make international contacts and network
Creating a new circle of friends on my year abroad has been an incredible experience and it is delightful to meet such a varied bunch of individuals from different walks of life! Since attending my host university I have joined two different associations (this is the Italian rendition of societies), which have enabled me to network with unique and creative people.
2. Travelling becomes a lot easier (depending on your Study Abroad location)
I have, no thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic, travelled more over the past month then I have in the past couple of years – studying in Italy has afforded me the opportunity to explore the many wonders of the country itself, and has rendered it easier (and cheaper) to explore neighbouring countries in Europe. My Study Abroad experience has reignited my passion for travel, an indulgence I will continue to pursue throughout the year
3. Experiencing University in a different environment
Studying at my host university has been a learning curve, yet I wouldn’t change a thing about my experience thus far. My lecturers are some of the leading experts in their fields, providing me with a new perspective on my degree and potential thesis topics! My year abroad has already shaped my academic interests and passions, informing the topic I wish to pursue for my dissertation in my final year at university.
4. Expanding your CV and employability
A year abroad is ultimately an extension of your degree, adding an additional year of study to your programme. This provides you with more time to enhance your employability and develop your transferable skills. Language skills are a sought-after commodity in many industries, and a year abroad is conducive to developing such talents thereby rendering you a more desirable candidate to many employers
5. Personal development and growth
I have adopted a new perspective since embarking on my year abroad. Having come from a small council-estate in a low socioeconomic area, the idea of studying abroad had always appeared so out-of-reach for me! I am grateful for this opportunity and have pledged to do everything in my power to enrich my experience abroad and to learn new things about myself.
Five cons
1. Acquiring a Visa (and lack of guidance)
Despite all of the aforementioned benefits, I must issue a disclaimer that acquiring a visa (especially in light of Brexit) was a difficult and expensive process. I often felt as though I was lacking guidance and direction from the University in this respect; I largely had to rely on my network of friends who had already gone on placements abroad in order to know what I was supposed to do! The hidden costs and lengthy process of acquiring a visa also shocked me.
2. Finding accommodation can be costly
My host university operates their accommodation on a first come-first-serve basis which ultimately meant that many exchange students were left to their own devices with finding accommodation for their placements. Due to this, I found myself using costly websites as an alternative to student accommodation. Despite this, I have managed to secure a pleasant and reasonably priced apartment which is located 2-minutes away from the university. However, I found this process to be stressful and confusing at times.
3. Moving countries can be lonely
While I have been rather lucky with finding a pleasant group of friends since attending my host university, I understand that loneliness can creep up on you at the most unexpected of times. I have often found myself on a teary phone call to my Grandma or feeling nostalgic looking at old pictures from my time in Exeter. The best way to deal with such emotions is to embrace them, and to hopefully transform them into a positive mindset to enjoy your temporary time away as much as possible. Having flatmates, joining societies, and extending invitations for lunch and coffee to classmates is a sure way to network and build emotional connections.
4. You will be away for a year
While a year in the ultimate timeline of your life may seem insignificant, in the moment it can seem very daunting and intimidating. Leaving behind your life for 365 days can, and at times will be, an emotional roller-coaster. I have left behind my fiancé, best friends, and family to pursue this opportunity and it sometimes takes a toll. However, it is important to bare in mind that you will adapt and adjust to your new environment in no time – it is all about perspective. You can either be scared about the unknown or embrace it
5. Culture shock
Each country is unique due to its personalised norms, cultures, and languages. While my adjustment in Italy has been smooth thus far, I understand that countries further afield which encompass a more drastic change in lifestyle. Culture shock is a natural response to a change in environment, yet it is something which diminishes over time – I was initially surprised that crosswalks had no buttons in Milan! However, the idiosyncrasies of your host country are part of what make the experience so exciting. Exeter’s Study Abroad team is always available to talk about culture shock and adjustment, offering support and guidance on the matter throughout the course of your placement – and even upon your return back to Exeter.
Conclusion
With all of that said, I hope that I have aided in informing your decision to pursue a year abroad. I can say wholeheartedly that my personal experience has been overwhelmingly positive, and that I would recommend pursuing the Study Abroad opportunities offered by Exeter. If not for your CV, then for your personal growth and the experience of living and studying in a different country.