Why did I decide to study abroad?
I have always wanted to take a year abroad so I told myself if I was given the opportunity, I would grab it. I want to experience a different culture, and whilst it may not be that different from that of the UK, there's still a different atmosphere, different people and different scenery. Plus, a year in the USA is integrated into my course provided I got the grades, which I did!
Is it more expensive to study abroad?
This is what surprised me. With regards to Tuition fees, I didn't have to pay USU as I am classed as an exchange student. Also, instead of paying the £9,000 a year which I paid in my first year, I only pay £1,250, a fraction of the fees! With regards to Student Finance, I got 30% more that I did in my first year, plus a Travel Grant. So all in all, it actually cost me less to study abroad! Be sure to check requirements/benefits/fees with your own university and department though.
What grades did I have to get to study abroad?
For me, we only had to pass the year, i.e. get 40%. However, I do know that the Maths Department at my UK university is changing it's study abroad requirements so that students need to get 60% in order to take a year abroad.
So! Moving onto what I've done in Logan, Utah in the past two weeks!
Week 1
My mum, boyfriend and I flew into Salt Lake City Airport after a 17-hour journey from London. We stayed at one of the airports hotels overnight because we were so tired and it would have been another 2-hour coach ride from SLC to Logan, where USU is located. It was HOT when we got there, a lovely contrast to what the weather was like in London...and, basically, we fell straight asleep. So after a night in Salt Lake, we jumped onto the coach to Logan. This is when I really saw the beauty of the state; there were mountains running along both sides of the freeway the whole journey! When we arrived at the university we settled into the hotel and I checked into my dorm, which I must say, was a lot nicer than expected. My roommate had already settled in and was there to greet me which was nice! The rest of the day was spent in Wal-mart and ShopKo buying bedroom supplies so that I would have more than a mattress to sleep on!
The next two days were spent in International Student Orientation, where I met loads of International and American students. There were lots of activities, talks and information sessions over those two days and I really enjoyed everything that we did! The rest of the week was spent trying out different breakfast bars, setting up a US bank account and mobile plan, applying for on-campus jobs (which you can do with a J-1 visa given you've got authorisation) and finding out about more courses and clubs. Aside from my compulsory classes (which my UK university specified I needed to take) I have also signed up for Spanish classes and Aerobic Kickboxing classes! The array of class options over this side of the pond is MUCH bigger than the UK, which is fantastic! I really wish it was an option in the UK too!
Week 2
The past week has been spent going to classes and re-scheduling, because I realised that I'd actually already done some of the modules back in the UK...oops! It was also spent going to USU's Week Of Welcome activities like Movie on the Quad (USU's main open area), Day on the Quad (where you sign up to clubs and societies), USU's Slip'n'slide on Old Main Hill and loads of other fun stuff!
But... best of all this week is that a group of international students and I are going to Yellowstone National Park for Labor Day weekend! I am super excited about going because it'll be my first taste of the USA's National Parks! Updates soon y'all!
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