Studying here

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 three years. I studied at the American University, Washington DC 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 US 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 US 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 been thrown head first into a new, exciting and different culture. At Exeter are there 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.
Gregory Church, 3rd year BA Politics

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 nine short months. Studying abroad at Iowa State University in America truly 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 abroad. This gave me experience which aids me now and will help me in my career.
Paul Airs, 4th year BSc Molecular Biology

During the third year of my degree I travelled to Mexico for my year abroad. With the options of teaching, working as intern or studying, I chose the latter and attended the University of the Americas Peubla. Living in a small historical student town, surrounded by the three highest peaks in Mexico, as well as the largest Pyramid in the world in volume, I studied a plethora of courses, improving my Spanish and my understanding of Mexican literature, history and culture. Studying gave me the opportunity to meet people from all over Mexico and the world as well as the chance to travel and explore many of Mexico’s beautiful but varied landscapes, cities and cultures. Learning the Mexican ‘dialect’ of Spanish was at first daunting as it was different from what I had previously been accustomed to, but it soon showed itself to be a beautiful way of speaking Spanish dotted with cultural history and influences from the Indigenous languages of pre-Hispanic Mexico. My year abroad was a life changing experience, opening my eyes to a developing world that you can only begin to grasp from a holiday, or even a year. Like all the others who travelled to Mexico from Exeter, I too can't wait to return.
Joanna Lennon, BA English Literature and Hispanic Studies

I chose the University of Exeter as it has some  of  the best study abroad opportunities, as well as being drawn to its beautiful campus, and delightful city. I love the fact that the campus is so centrally located, and that I am never more than 20 minutes away from a friend!

I spent my third year abroad in Bordeaux, France, studying Geography at a French university with the Erasmus programme. My year abroad was an unforgettable one and an experience I highly recommend to anyone. I gained some wonderful friends (and future holiday destinations!), improved confidence and fluency in another language and a greater thirst for life. I now endeavour to make the most of opportunities available to me, particularly at the University of Exeter, where there is no end to the variety of activities, sports, clubs, societies and causes you can participate in. This thus led me to apply and be elected as Students Abroad Representative on the Students’ Guild in which I represent and support students abroad this year. I also hold the position of Italian Tandem Coordinator on the Erasmus Society and I am a ‘Global Chum’ to three international students. These have improved my organisational skills and given me a taste of responsibility as well as enhancing those all important employability skills. It will be difficult leaving such a fantastic, friendly environment which has been such an enriching experience academically, socially and personally.
Nadia Bunce, 4th Year, BA Geography with European Study

During my third year I spent two semesters at Auckland University in New Zealand. The Study abroad programme offers a fantastic opportunity to experience a different country’s style of teaching your subject, while you spend your free time meeting lots of different people from all over the world.

As a Physics student I found the major difference in the way that my classes were taught was that a higher level of mathematical ability was required. Although this was at first intimidating, the skills I developed as a result of this challenge have been beneficial upon coming back to Exeter for my final year. Also, by going abroad I was given the opportunity to study away from my main subject, enabling me to gain a broad view on the history and culture of the indigenous people of the Pacific through taking Anthropology modules.

Although the concept of being away from your friends and family for an extended time by doing an exchange may seem daunting to some, I personally would not have traded the opportunity for the world. I am now going to spend the rest of my life travelling around the planet to visit all the friends I have made, and if anyone is in the slightest bit tempted to go abroad then they should ignore any doubts and just do it. It is not something that you will regret.
Matthew Millyard, 4th year BSc Physics