Lauren Nesbitt - Study USA

A whirlwind year filled with unforgettable experiences, cherished memories and long-lasting friendships.

Memorable moments

My year in the US was a year of many firsts - watching my first football game, going to my first drive-in movie, having my first Thanksgiving, and experiencing the Fourth of July for the first time.

The whole college experience wasn't just about studying and achieving high grades (although that's important too!). It was about being part of a community. A huge aspect of my college was volunteering; there were so many opportunities to give back to the local community by helping maintain community gardens and parks, handing out meal packs at soup kitchens, and raising money for children's schools.

As well as volunteering, I got a job on campus in the college print shop during my second semester. Through the role of production assistant, I was able to interact with other students and staff around campus, which helped me make great friendships.

Cultural Differences in Education

One of the biggest differences I noticed while away was that the American educational system focused more on continuous assessment, learning, and regular assignments, rather than the larger end-of-module assignments we have at home. U.S. students are also able to choose from a wide range of classes each semester, whereas in Northern Ireland, we follow more specialised classes for each degree.

Similarly, I found that students both at home and in the U.S. are eager to get involved in events, clubs, and societies to build a strong sense of community and lasting friendships.

Overcoming Challenges Abroad

Adapting to my new environment took some time, and I experienced some homesickness throughout the year - especially during holidays or when I visited my roommate’s house for Thanksgiving. Being around other people’s families made me miss home, but I was able to overcome this by having a FaceTime call with my family to catch up on everything I had done.

Travelling to New Zealand for Christmas to see some of my family helped with my homesickness. If I had gone home, I think I would’ve become unsettled during the spring semester.

Connections That Matter

The Study USA experience allowed me to meet so many amazing people. I started the year attending a church about 20 minutes away from Wilkes-Barre, where I was able to get involved in a college Bible study with students from Misericordia University. This was incredible, as I was able to make some lifelong friends.

Having a roommate was a new experience that I wasn’t sure how it would work out. After contacting her for the first time, I knew we would end up being great friends. I’m delighted to have had a roommate, as I think it was a great way to get settled into college life. The college experience was new for both of us, and we were able to attend events together, explore the campus, and make some fantastic friends.

Advice for Future Explorers

I would 100% recommend studying abroad. Although it's not easy to leave home and engage with a different culture, language, and educational system, I will never regret taking up this opportunity. I’ve returned home with enhanced confidence, a broader outlook, and a deeper appreciation for cultures different from my own.

Not only did I learn so much in the classroom and about myself, but I’ve also come away from the year with friendships that will last a lifetime. So if you’re thinking of applying for a mobility experience - do it!