Taking the first steps
Studying abroad was one of the main reasons I chose to study at the University of York. When I was applying to universities, I specifically looked for opportunities to study internationally, and York’s English and Related Literature department stood out with the breadth of its study abroad programme. I knew from the beginning that I wanted to challenge myself academically, and experience life in another country.
As an English student, my preference was to study in an English-speaking country, where I could experience a different academic culture while continuing to develop my interest in literature. The International Student Exchange Program (ISEP) at the University of Vermont provided the opportunity to study American literature within its own culture and historical context. Before my year abroad, much of my literary study had focused on British literature. Modules at Vermont introduced me to texts, ideas and perspectives that I had not previously explored.
Personal growth
My year abroad has transformed me both academically and personally. I arrived in Vermont without knowing anyone, and I was the only University of York student at the institution. Although initially very daunting, it pushed me well outside of my comfort zone. It helped me to develop independence and confidence that might have been difficult to gain in the same way at home. Studying abroad is so much more than just attending lectures. I had to navigate visas, travel arrangements, insurance, a new educational system, plus adjust to the everyday challenges of living in another country. I believe these experiences made me more resilient, organised and self-reliant.
A new way of learning
There are significant differences between studying at York and at the University of Vermont. At York, my assessments are predominantly essay-based, whereas in the US, I had a more continuous and varied approach, with weekly assignments and quizzes. I also experienced a combination of participation approaches, including weekly discussions, discussion quizzes, examinations, reflective journals and essays. I initially found this approach challenging, but I also saw it as an opportunity to strengthen my organisation and time-management skills. The emphasis on class participation also encouraged me to be more confident in expressing my ideas and engaging with other people’s perspectives. By the end of the academic year, I was far more comfortable speaking in front of groups, leading discussions and contributing to academic debates.
I noticed differences in academic writing too. Essays in the United States often encourage students to develop personal interpretation using the first person, whereas at York there is generally a stronger emphasis on formal academic writing and engagement with literary criticism. Experiencing both approaches has broadened my understanding of academic writing and made me a much more adaptable student.
I also strengthened my analytical thinking by approaching literature through new perspectives. For example, in my Classic Monsters module I delivered an hour-long group presentation exploring Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde, analysing the novella alongside the film Fight Club and leading discussion with the class.
During my second semester, I was selected as a Peer Note Taker. I produced detailed lecture notes for students whose first language was not English or had learning disabilities. I found it incredibly rewarding, as it allowed me to support other students while developing my own organisation and note-taking skills. It also gave me the opportunity to contribute to the University community that had welcomed me so warmly.
Outside the classroom
Living in the United States was an incredibly rewarding experience. It allowed me to fully immerse myself in American culture, both on campus and within the local community. I joined a number of student societies, including the Ski Club and Law Club, attended university sporting events, celebrated my first Thanksgiving, and explored local Vermont traditions such as apple picking.
One particularly memorable moment came at the beginning of the academic year when I was interviewed by NBC News about attending university as an international student. It was a unique opportunity to share my enthusiasm for experiencing American academic and cultural life.
One of the most valuable opportunities I had was completing a Service Learning placement with the Vermont Attorney General’s Office through the Consumer Assistance Program. This enabled me to combine academic study with practical work, mediating disputes between consumers and businesses, whilst advising on scams, retail disputes and consumer rights.
I was also able to write a policy memo comparing the UK and USA Consumer Protection Laws regarding social media addiction on the youth. The project required that I analyse legislation across jurisdictions, consider stakeholder perspectives and propose practical recommendations.
My highlights
I loved the diversity of my academic experience. During the year, I studied Shakespeare, American literature, history, law and politics, which allowed me to explore subjects beyond the main scope of my English Literature degree.
One particularly memorable academic experience was meeting the US Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor during a university event. I often attended guest lectures from leading academics, which gave me the opportunity to hear directly from academics working at the forefront of their field.
I also travelled extensively outside Vermont to destinations including Washington, D.C., Boston and Montreal. Visiting institutions such as the United States Supreme Court, the Library of Congress and the National Archives, which enabled me to connect what I was learning in the classroom with the places and institutions I was studying.
Follow in my footsteps
The team at York provided excellent support at every stage of the process. Before my departure, the Global Opportunities team guided me through the application process and preparations for living overseas. Throughout my time abroad, York remained available to offer advice and reassurance whenever needed, whether it was my academic supervisor, the academic department or the Global Opportunities team. Having that connection with home was particularly valuable during the initial adjustment period and helped me to feel supported even when I was so far away.
My year abroad has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my degree. It challenged me in ways I never expected. I became more confident, made lifelong friendships, experienced a completely different culture and created memories that I know will stay with me long after graduation.
My advice to anyone considering studying abroad as part of a degree at York, would be to say yes to as many opportunities as you can. Stepping out of your comfort zone is often where the greatest personal growth happens. Get involved with university life, join societies, attend guest lectures, travel when you have the opportunity, and be open to different teaching methods.
Studying abroad is an opportunity to broaden your perspective, challenge yourself, discover new interests, develop lifelong skills and create memories. Looking back, choosing York partly because of its study abroad opportunities was one of the best decisions that I made. My year abroad at the University of Vermont has shaped not only the way I approach my studies, but also the person I have become.
Leave a Reply