'Definitely do it – if you don’t apply, you’ll never know what could’ve happened!'

Why did you apply to Study USA?

When I first heard about Study USA, I didn’t originally consider it carefully because I had college deadlines to get on with at Belfast Met and other responsibilities outside of college. Then when a member of the Study USA team came to speak in my journalism class, I started to become more interested. I thought my chances of getting on the programme would be slim, however I believed I may as well give it a try... My parents were originally a bit sceptical but after doing some research about the programme they encouraged me to go for it. I worked hard on the application and then had an interview in January. I didn’t think it had gone particularly well but then I received a congratulations email shortly afterwards and the rest is history!

Where are you studying?

I’m currently studying at Waynesburg University in Pennsylvania. When I first heard about it, I thought it sounded so tiny with only around 1,000 undergraduates, I didn’t know how I’d ever get used to such a small place. However, when I arrived, I instantly became popular as an international student. There are amazing people here, brilliant professors and a welcoming environment - everyone has made me feel right at home. My fellow students have taken me under their wing and shown me lots of different places nearby, we love going to the local Dairy Queen for massive ice-creams. I’ve made many friends through the campus ministry and have loved meeting other people of faith in a different cultural context.

How are you finding the academic life?

The academic life is busy however the work isn’t too difficult. I enjoy the assignments and find the academic load manageable; it’s a lot of work but nothing too difficult. Before I left for the US, I thought achieving a 3.0GPA sounded quite daunting but it’s been fine since I arrived and got stuck into the classes. I’ve gotten to know my professors well and they’re always willing to help you with assignments or academic worries. I’ve enjoyed taking a public speaking class for the first time. I have a great professor, and I feel my skills delivering speeches and presentations in front of others have improved.

Can you give a bit of detail about what life’s like on campus.

There’s always something happening every week. Waynesburg has a display board with the different activities that are coming up during the weeks ahead on campus on it and it’s important to get stuck in and go along to everything. I’ve been to a Pittsburgh Steelers game with the college, it was an amazing atmosphere, and I made new friends just from going along. Going to the game with the college was much cheaper for transport and the ticket that it would’ve been trying to organise something like this myself. 

Student organisations organise various activities and then they’re advertised for the week ahead. The campus has a fitness centre, chapel, library, Starbucks and so many different facilities. Seeing the falling trees in the autumn made the whole place look particularly beautiful. The staff want to make sure the students are well looked after and you can tell they’ve thought carefully about everything that’s on offer. 

What has been your Study USA highlight so far?

During my fall break I went to visit my family in California. We went to Oceanside and experienced real Californian life. Visiting the west coast was so different than the other places I’ve been so far. I’m planning another longer trip in spring break to visit Los Angeles and San Diego – I’m excited to see more of what the US has to offer!

What advice would you give to a student thinking of applying to Study USA?

Definitely do it – if you don’t apply, you’ll never know what could’ve happened! It’s an amazing opportunity; you meet incredible people and make so many connections. I’ve already learned so many new things and had so many incredible experiences. You never know until you’re out here, if you get the opportunity, I absolutely recommend it!

The Study USA programme is open to both undergraduate and HND/ Foundation degree students. To find out more and how to apply visit: https://nireland.britishcouncil.org/opportunities/study-usa. Study USA is generously funded through the Department for the Economy.