I didn't expect Molecular Biology to be the sort of degree that would allow me to travel, but then again I never thought it was possible to have so many experiences and learn so much in just 9 short months. Studying abroad in America really opened my eyes to parts of the world that I never thought I'd get the chance to see. Seeing the fog roll over the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, partying with international students in Chicago, waking up in Times Square in NYC and skiing in Colorado were but a few moments from my amazing year. America is a place which really invites you to engage with its culture. Living on campus was my ticket into participating in the American dream. I got to see my fair share of ice hockey and American football matches as well as discover what thanksgiving is all about. But of course there was the studying too. This surprisingly was the best thing I got to do all year. For a start I got to take courses outside of my degree programme such as black and white photography. Also the freedom of taking a range of specialty classes gave me knowledge which now gives me an edge in my final year. You can never be sure what to expect, but you will always be surprised. For instance I was offered a lab job whilst aboard, this gave me experience which aids me now and will help me in my career. To conclude, sometimes I cannot fully believe that I ever left home, because sometimes the whole year feels like a dream. For all the reasons and many more I highly recommend the Study Abroad programme and thank Exeter for this opportunity.
Paul Airs, studying Molecular Biology, Study Abroad Placement at Iowa State University.
I applied to study abroad because I knew from friends that this was a great opportunity and overall really fun too. Obviously it was a good way of travelling but also experiencing student life on an American campus. I asked to go to the US, mainly because I thought living there would be a unique opportunity to really know more about the country and avoid the usual stereotypes. Besides, Denver was an evident choice for me as they have a pretty good school of international studies, funded by Joseph Korbel (the father of Madeleine Albright) and one of its best known students is no less than Condoleezza Rice.
From an academic perspective, it was very interesting. As an example, I remember some really good debates in one of my classes, especially about the US health system, its foreign policy and Europe. Another one was a course named "Rethinking the War on Terror", which was taught by Richard Falk, a well known Princeton professor of international law.
On a more personal side, the exchange was very cool. I went there with two other students from Exeter and we quickly became good friends with the other exchange students (from Turkey, Italy, France, Korea). The integration was very easy and fast. But we also made friends with our American neighbours on campus. We were able to go to fraternities and sororities parties, house-parties and basically share American students social lives; great memories. We all agree that some of our best moments as students took place during our exchange semester. We were also able to travel extensively across the USA, enjoy campus facilities (which were really impressive) and it looks great on the CV!
I can easily say that the five day road trip from Denver to Las Vegas and the Grand Canyon with four friends was the best moment of my semester in the US. Driving through Monument Valley or the Route 66, in a big SUV (not really eco-friendly I admit) was a unique experience. My only advice is don't hesitate and go on an exchange programme, you won't regret it!
Lionel Badel studied at the University of Denver
I was drawn to Exeter for its stunning campus, fantastic atmosphere and the extensive range of extra-curricular activities that have given me an experience for life. I had no idea about the fantastic choice of study abroad options that were available until I arrived here, and although it was daunting I decided to take the plunge.
I spent a semester abroad in my second year which was the perfect option – it meant I could have the amazing experience of studying abroad but still complete my degree in 3 years. I studied at the American University, Washington D.C. and had what I can only describe as a life changing experience. I met people from across the world and learnt about my subject from an entirely new perspective. I also worked part-time for a U.S. Congressman and learnt things about the political system that I could never have from a textbook. I got to experience the real inside of the U.S. political system at a time of the most intense reform and debate for a generation.
I have returned to Exeter with a new found confidence and appetite for engagement that only can come from being thrown head first into a new, exciting and different culture. At Exeter there are so many opportunities to go beyond the ordinary and personally develop. I serve as a Trustee for the University Guild and as President of the University division of St John Ambulance. I’ve dabbled in skydiving and have hitch-hiked to Dublin for charity. I’ve worked with local school children as an Ambassador and have raised money for an orphanage in Africa. I’ll leave Exeter with a brilliant degree but also having had the most amazing range of experiences that I can only hope to build on in the future.
