“Let me start off by saying what a huge fan I am of this podcast, despite being a 22 year-old graduate student who is (hopefully) past the days of college/university applications. I look forward to every episode and I am rooting so much for all of the students who are profiled. The most recent episode which centered on studying in Europe was a particular delight for me because that is exactly what I did when I was 18 and going to college for the first time. I chose to study in England for many of the reasons mentioned in the show (cost, 3-year program, more focused on just your major, a ‘global experience’ etc.) and would like to speak to some of the social differences that the show touched upon. I think a major thing that students who are considering coming to Europe to study should be aware of is, that at least in my experience in England, here students are treated as independent adults, not teenagers. Due to government loans most students are financially self-sufficient and starting from their first year many chose to live in apartments/flats with friends, eschewing the traditional dorm experience (not everyone does this in their first year, but by the second year and beyond everyone is living independently). I found this a far cry from the almost summer camp-like lifestyle that many of my friends described at many American liberal arts colleges. I found this a pleasant surprise, probably because at 18 I was staunchly independent, but if you’re looking for a more hand-holding environment (which I doubt, because deciding to go to Europe to pursue education is already a pretty independent move) then this is something to consider. Overall, I cannot recommend coming abroad enough, not just for a year of ‘study abroad’ which I find more like an extended vacation, but to really move here and make this place home. Sometimes it can be hard, the red-tape can be a headache and going upwards of 9 months without seeing my family was a really tough challenge, not to mention that I haven’t had my mom’s Thanksgiving in almost 4 years. But, I have never been happier than I am here and, as mentioned in the show, I was able to get into a better university here than I would have at home. I decided to stay after my bachelor’s degree and pursue my masters here and I’m currently on the job hunt hoping to make this my permanent home. But as Julie mentions at the end of every podcast, it’s not just about getting-in, but about finding the right fit. I hope that all of you out there thinking about college will find the perfect fit for you, be that a mile down the road or halfway around the world.”
Alexandra K. E. via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
11/15/15