Suzanne McFetridge - Virginia Wesleyan University, Virginia, USA

Written by Suzanne McFetridge, International Hospitality Management BSc, Placement Year, 2021/2022.

1 Feb 2023   3 min read

Suzanne McFetridge - Virginia Wesleyan University, Virginia, USA

Study USA Programme, 2021/22

I think this experience has just been one memorable moment and would be one of the best years of my life so far! At VWU I learned so much, whether that be culturally, playing Division 3 Field Hockey, or even tips and tricks to making travelling more affordable and fun! I have made so many friends from all over the world and broadened my connections globally as well!

Welcome to Virginia moment

As soon as I landed and walked out of the airport in Norfolk, Virginia, the heat was unbelievable.

I had dressed for Northern Irish weather and having to sit in a van for 20 mins in leggings, a fleece and hoodie, in the sweltering heat was a sort of welcome to Virginia moment.

The campus at Virginia Wesleyan University

The campus at Virginia Wesleyan University is very picturesque and it was like something you would only see in movies. Closed-campuses and living on campus are things that I have never experienced before, but I have really enjoyed living on campus and having at most, a 5 minute walk to all of my classes.

This is very different for me because back home I drive 30 mins to get University.

The American college experience

Most aspects of the American college experience are different to the ones I have experienced at Ulster University, such as having a roommate. I have loved being on a smaller American University Campus because I have so many friends from all over campus. There wasn't one time where I walk to class and don't know someone to say 'Hello!' to. I made such good friends that I have planned to go to visit soon! .

Before I got to VWU I was apprehensive about having a roommate having heard stories from others. I ended up instantly hit it off with my roommate once we met and she has become one of my best friends and I will miss her very much when I leave.

Travelling in America

Over the whole year abroad I travelled to approximately 12 states! I travelled across Virginia and Maryland for field hockey games, I went to Ohio for thanksgiving to stay with friends, I rented a car with a couple of friends and went to North Carolina. Before heading home for Christmas I went to New York for one week with 2 of my international friends!

I has lots of opportunities to travel around America and over the whole year I travelled to 12 states. I travelled across Virginia and Maryland for field hockey games, I went to Ohio for thanksgiving to stay with friends, I then rented a car with a couple of friends and went to North Carolina. I also got to travel to Miami, Florida, Washington DC and finished the year by working in Disney World for the summer before finally heading home.

Challenges

One of the challenges I faced while at VWU was that I didn't have a car. I felt bad for having to ask others for a ride to the store or the bank. I spoke to my international adviser about this and she ended up arranging a weekly store run on Wednesdays at 7pm.

The store shuttle took us to either Target or Walmart and I was able to get everything I needed.

My advice

My advice to students who are considering studying abroad is to not let anybody stop you from travelling or put doubts in your mind about the experience you'll have.

I have learned so much, whether that be culturally or even tips and tricks to making travelling more affordable and fun. I have made so many friends from all over the world and broadened my global connections.

Lastly, emerge yourself in the American college atmosphere and seize every opportunity offered to you!