Study Abroad Stories

Anna Townley, English Literature
Host University: Washington State University, USA

Why did you apply for Study Abroad?

My cousin did a year abroad in Spain when she was doing her degree and in the few months before I left for university, she was living with my parents and I and very offhandedly told me that if the opportunity to study abroad ever arose that I should apply without thinking about it. And that’s what I did!

Tell us about your favourite memory of your time away or one thing you will never forget.

The American Football games. I’ve never felt the same kind of happiness and the feeling of being part of something so much bigger than just me as an individual as I did when I was at the college football games. There was one particularly close game where, after 3 overtimes, Washington State won and everyone was so excited and so happy that we all rushed the football field. Once we were all on the field we started singing a song that was played at every game. It was the most amazing moment of the entire trip and although I was a long way away from my family, I felt at home in Washington in that moment.

What advice would you give to someone who isn’t sure about applying?

Just do it. There is absolutely no experience like it and you will learn so many things that you didn’t think you needed to know. Experiencing a different country for a prolonged period of time, even if it is America, is unlike anything else and I think it’s something that if given the opportunity, everyone should try to do at some point in their life to open their minds to a different way of living and thinking.

How did study abroad prepare you for your future career?

My goal is to go into theatre when I graduate and although I was unable to join any kind of drama club or society when I was in Washington, I did get the chance to write a short play in my creative writing class, that I had the opportunity to present in front of a group of my peers and professors.

Do you think study abroad will make you stand out when applying for jobs?

I hope it would. I think it would show an ability to adapt to new surroundings, situations and work environments, as well as showing a level of independence that is difficult to display on paper in any other way.