Megan McShane - Ohio Northern University

Study USA 2024/25

"Living, learning, and traveling across the U.S. as a study abroad student taught me that stepping into the unknown isn't just about seeing new places - it's about becoming a version of yourself you hadn't met yet"

Memorable Moments

Throughout my Study Abroad journey, there have been countless memorable moments that shaped my experience both inside and outside the classroom. From celebrating St. Patrick's Day in Chicago surrounded by a sea of green, to cheering at my first Columbus Crew soccer match, each event offered a new glimpse into American life. I found a sense of community through events, international student trips, and clubs like Society of Women Engineers and World Student Organisation, while exploring unique experiences such as ATV riding in Athens and walking the Hollywood Walk of Fame in Los Angeles.

Presenting about Northern Ireland at campus events and sharing my culture at the ONU Irish Concert were proud highlights, allowing me to connect my heritage with my new community. Whether it was navigating a classic Ohio corn maze, building projects in my engineering class, or simply enjoying quiet dinners with friends in Ada, these memories have woven together into a rich and unforgettable chapter of my life.

A new culture

Living in the U.S. has shown me how culture can feel both familiar and completely different at the same time.

Small things, like the friendliness of people in Ohio or how sports bring communities together, reminded me a lot of home in Northern Ireland. But other things caught me off guard like how much bigger everything is, from portion sizes to highways, and how direct people can be when speaking. Celebrations like Thanksgiving felt brand new to me, while St. Patrick's Day in Chicago made me feel instantly connected and proud of where I'm from.

I found comfort in friendships with other international students, who also understood what it's like to miss home but still want to make the most of every day. It's funny how differences that seemed huge at first, like driving on the right side of the road or campus traditions like tailgating soon became part of my normal life here. This journey has made me realize that even with different backgrounds, laughter, kindness, and a good conversation always feel the same.

Overcoming new challenges

Adjusting to life in the U.S. wasn't always easy. At first, I struggled with culture shock - everything from the size of meals to the way people interacted felt different and overwhelming. The American education system was another big adjustment; it felt more continuous with constant homework, quizzes, and participation grades compared to what I was used to back home. Learning to balance five classes, all with very different expectations, took time. Solo traveling also pushed me out of my comfort zone, whether it was navigating the streets of Chicago alone or figuring out public transport in unfamiliar cities.

There were moments I felt completely lost - literally and figuratively - but little by little, I learned to trust myself. I overcame these challenges by building a routine, asking questions even when it felt intimidating, and leaning on the new friendships I made. Over time, the once unfamiliar parts of life here became part of my own experience, and I grew more confident in my independence and ability to adapt.

New Friends

Making new friends was something I was nervous about at first, but it ended up feeling surprisingly natural. Early on, I bonded with the other international students - we all shared the same sense of being far from home, and it created an easy connection. Those friendships helped me settle in and made the early weeks feel less overwhelming. As time went on, I started branching out and making friends with American students too, especially through classes, campus events, and just spending time around the dorms. It took a little more time and confidence to find common ground, but once I did, those friendships grew into a big part of my everyday life. Having a mix of friends from all over the world has made my experience feel even richer and more meaningful.

Travel and Sightseeing

Traveling became a big part of my study abroad experience, and some of my favourite memories were made on these trips. During fall break, I visited Columbus and Bellefontaine with other international students, exploring new parts of Ohio together. Later, my friends and I took a trip to Athens, where we visited Ohio University and spent a weekend exploring the area - ATVing through the countryside was definitely a highlight. I also visited Dayton to see more of urban Ohio and explore local attractions.

Over Thanksgiving break, I travelled to Los Angeles and Las Vegas, experiencing the West Coast.  In Los Angeles, I visited Universal Studios, walked along the Hollywood Walk of Fame, explored Chinatown, Beverly Hills, and the Santa Monica Pier. Afterward, I made my way to Las Vegas, where I explored the Strip, went shopping, and saw a show, experiencing a very different side of American culture. Then for spring break, I headed to Chicago, exploring the Field Museum, The Bean, and seeing the city from the Tilt at the John Hancock Building. I extended my travels in Chicago and saw the St. Patricks Day parade and the dyeing of the river green!

All of these travels, both near and far, gave me a deeper appreciation for how diverse and vast the U.S. really is, and helped make my time abroad feel even bigger than just one campus experience.

Advice to Others

If I could give one piece of advice to future study abroad students, it would be to embrace every moment - even the uncomfortable ones.

There will be times when you feel out of place, homesick, or overwhelmed, but those moments pass, and they often lead to the best memories. Say yes to things that scare you a little, whether it's traveling to a new city, joining a random event on campus, or simply starting a conversation with someone new. You'll grow in ways you don't even realize until you look back. Make the effort to build friendships with both other international students and local students - both will make your experience so much richer. And most importantly, don't worry about doing everything perfectly. It's okay to feel lost sometimes; it means you're learning and growing.

Trust yourself, be open, and you'll find a second home in the most unexpected places.