Thursday 03-11-2022 - 09:17

If you're a student at Edge Hill University, you might have considered taking a sabbatical year to study abroad. But is studying abroad really worth it? 

 

The short answer is yes! I may be unsure about multiple things in life like if my shirt matches my pants, or if that source for my assignment is 100% reliable... but studying in a different country and soaking up a whole new culture and way of life? I am absolutely certain that it is worth it. 

 

I am a final year History student at Edge Hill University. As part of my degree, I spent some time studying at Rider University in New Jersey, USA. It was an unforgettable experience, and has enriched my degree beyond what I could imagine. The amount of questions I receive from other keen and excitement-hungry students is overwhelmingly flattering, especially when I have convinced them to follow their hearts and take the chance. If you are umm-ing and ahh-ing about whether you should take the leap and live thousands of miles away from home, I hope this blog convinces you to make the best decision of your whole student life.

Firstly, the main concern I hear from students is: “I could never afford it!”. Fear not. Not only will you still receive your student maintenance loan, but your tuition will also be paid for by Edge Hill University. Also, you will be eligible for a government grant from the new Turing Scheme, and you can also receive a bursary from the Edge Hill student opportunity fund.

 

Should you choose a destination like Europe or Canada, the chances are you will be set to have a comfortable and enjoyable lifestyle abroad. However, should you be so interested in the ‘Land of the Free’ and fly over to the USA like I did, you may find your money wears down fast on the extortionate rent and living costs. Again, fear not: there are ways around this. My top tip is to save up as much as possible, and bank some extra hours if you have a part-time job. If you're looking for some extra money while you're abroad, your visa will also permit you to work on campus, so be sure to take that opportunity.

 

Every destination is different, and the chances are you will be covered by the generous offerings from government and Edge Hill. However, if you are keen for adventure and have a desire to travel, save your pennies and use them to see the world in your spare time while abroad. You can't turn back time to take an opportunity you've missed.

Another typical concern I have heard is: “But what about my friends? I will not graduate with them, and I will be all alone while abroad!”. Okay, maybe you will not graduate with the people you had hoped to if you choose a year abroad like I did. But weigh up the pros and cons in your head. Either study somewhere new, see the world, meet extraordinary people, have a bonus on your CV and most importantly make countless memories, or do not take the chance purely due to the fear of graduating with different people. Sure, we all want to stay close to friends, but you will see them again - you are not leaving forever. Push yourself out of your comfort zone and you will be amazed at what you can achieve.

 

As for feeling alone abroad, this is normal and common. But if you get involved with the multiple activities during welcome week and simply reach out to fellow students, friends will come in a heartbeat. Additionally, each university will have a whole group of international students in the same situation. Say hello to them and meet your peers. At Ride University, the international team set up an activity week for us to help us to bond with each other. This included breakfasts, lunch with the President, and a day trip to New York City. Later in the year we also had Halloween activities and a trip to Washington DC. You won't be short of opportunities to meet people!

The places I saw while abroad were unbelievable. While studying, I got to see New York, Philadelphia, Texas, Hawaii, California, Vancouver, Massachusetts, Las Vegas, The Grand Canyon in Arizona, Seattle and even Puerto Rico for spring break. Never did I think I would be lucky enough to see these places. But most of all, the best part of my time abroad was making friends with the amazing people I met. 

 

Fellow students, I urge you to seize the day and do something extraordinary. Make your time at university something you will never forget. Take the plunge and try a year abroad!

 

To find out more about studying abroad, visit the Edge Hill University website. 

 

This article was contributed by History student Sophie Mealor.