Go Global Student Experiences

Will spent a semester studying at Swansea University as part of his Management degree at University of Houston, USA

Erasmus was a great aid to my study abroad experience as it allowed me to travel extensively and invest in my education! It was also a good experience learning how to set up a bank account in the UK. Writing about my experiences abroad was required for the Erasmus grant, but it will also benefit me when I reflect on them. This made it a win win situation for the Erasmus organization and it’s participants. I can also connect with other Erasmus students in the future because of the contact details I provided at the end of my placement. I travelled around the UK and Europe - to Ireland, Scotland, Denmark and Switzerland.

Helena spent a year abroad studying at Dalhousie University as part of her Accounting and Finance degree.

My experience was everything I thought and more. I met loads of new people and got to go on many different trips both close to Dalhousie and further afield such as Niagara Falls.  It helped me gain confidence, improved my communication skills and allowed me to become more adaptable as I experienced a different style of teaching. I couldn’t recommend studying abroad more highly and wish I could do it all over again!

Ivana spent the first semester of her year abroad studying at University of Mons, Belgium as part of her Translation degree

Apart from becoming highly addicted to delicious Belgian waffles and chips, I've met some amazing Erasmus students from all around the world,  as well as friendly and welcoming Mons locals. Living in a francophone part of Belgium (Wallonia) has allowed me to travel anywhere in Europe easily and has helped me improve my French on a daily basis.

Piers spent a year studying abroad at Colorado State University as part of his American Studies degree

I couldn’t have asked for a better experience. I was welcomed with open arms by every person I met not only within the inclusive and wide-ranging induction week, but in the wider community as well. From family dinners with local residents to weekends spent in CSU’s Mountain Campus, Colorado couldn’t have made me feel more welcome. 
I’ll always be grateful for the help I received from Swansea’s Go Global team and CSU’s Office of International Programs for making the transition from Wales to Colorado so seamless. The exchange program is a fantastic opportunity for anyone, and I can’t recommend it highly enough.

James spent 1 semester abroad at Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Spain and 1 semester at Johannes-Gutenberg Universität, Germany as part of his Translation & Interpreting degree

Studying Translation and Interpreting in Swansea meant that I had the opportunity to spend my year abroad studying at two highly prestigious universities, specialised within the field of linguistics and translation. From September until the start of April, I was attending the Universitat Pompeu Fabra in Barcelona, Spain and from April until July, I studied at the Johannes-Gutenberg Universität in Germersheim, Germany. I am extremely grateful for all the experiences, memories and people that I have met along my journey, and I truly believe that I am returning to Swansea with qualities and skills that will put me above others academically and professionally - enabling me to continue my chosen path in life.

Dominica Khoo was one of the first participants in Swansea's TAMU exchange programme 

My semester in Texas definitely made me more adaptable in ‘foreign’ environments. No matter where I go I feel instantly at home, as I do travel a lot for my work. It has developed my personal flexibility, ability to reach compromise, focus and succeed through challenging times. The experience allowed me to mature and develop social poise, and to confront challenges outside my familiar support network and comfort zone.

I wouldn't have become who I am today without the guidance and support of my professors at Swansea who were always very encouraging and supportive of my academic career.  They have inspired me so much and I hope I have made them proud.

Bethan spent a year studying abroad at Rennes School of Business as part of her Business Management degree

My motivations for choosing to spend a year studying abroad in France were the prospect of broadening my horizons and expanding the very narrow view of the world I previously had. Studying in France provided me with the opportunity to experience a completely different culture of my own whilst not being too far from home. It is an experience which has boosted my confidence enough to consider every opportunity presented to me, may it be back home in Wales or on the other side of the world. Since finishing my year abroad I have spent 6 weeks living and working as an Au Pair in Madrid and have been researching the possibility of studying a master’s degree in Germany post graduating. I am far from ready for my study abroad experience to be over. 

Niraj spent a semester abroad at Texas A&M University, one of Swansea University's Strategic Partner Universities, as part of his Engineering degree 

For my exchange, I had the opportunity to go on a semester abroad to Texas A&M University. Although my time abroad was short, it was very eventful and I got to experience new things. I went to my first ever American Football game and was amazed by the dedication to the sport even at a college level. This was one of the highlights of my time abroad. I was also fortunate enough to visit some places nearby; these included The Alamo in San Antonio; the Space Centre in Houston and Dallas.

Through the exchange, I hoped to gain a better understanding of the way engineering is taught and demonstrated within the US as opposed to the common practices in Europe that I am familiar with. I think that I managed to achieve this, even though the biggest challenge was adapting to a different style of teaching. Overall, I enjoyed my experience and I’m so glad that I went.

Oliver spent his summer volunteering in Fiji through the Think Pacific volunteering programme

The programme in Fiji was so much more than I expected. On arrival, we joined a village and volunteered in the local school. We had to identify those children who needed additional support and help them with their learning. Alongside this, we participated in other activities such as village fun fairs, village medical classes and other village group activities. Every Saturday we would go on planned excursions to the beach or waterfalls. The trip has made me a better person, improved my social skills, the way I look at learning, and the way I look at life in general.

Scott spent a year abroad at the University of Houston as part of his Zoology degree

I liked that the degree scheme was flexible and I was able to take a wide variety of classes. The city of Houston has much to offer and the highlights were attending a Houston Rockets NBA game at the Toyota Center and watching the Houston Astros play baseball. At Christmas time me and a fellow Swansea student travelled to New York and on Christmas day we rented bicycles and explored Central Park. We also went to South Padre for Spring Break: I’d seen movies of what spring break entailed and South Padre island did not disappoint!

Poornima spent her summer at the Baylor College of Medicine as part of her Medical Sciences degree 

I was attracted to the programme as I am considering a career in medicine and research, specifically surgery and surgical techniques. The experience changed me as a person: it made me more able to speak spontaneously, to lead, and prepared me for my next years of study. I have been able to build strong networks with people in Texas which will help me in my future career.

It was an unforgettable experience which has helped shape the person I want to be.

Kate spend a year abroad in the University of Texas at Austin as part of her Psychology degree

I really loved the city of Austin. There was so much to do and there was a fantastic happy vibe of 'Keeping Austin Weird'. I loved how quirky Austin was, and how it was a mixture of a built up city and peaceful green area, with the picturesque lake and park right next to downtown.

The best thing about my experience of studying abroad was the feeling of being completely independent. There was something about being in a new place, miles away from your comfort zone that was terrifying but at the same time extremely rewarding when I succeeded.