Program and Location:
Fall, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
Major/Minor:
Majoring in computer science.
Why did you choose to study abroad?
I’ve lived in North Carolina for over 15 years, and while I’ve loved living here with my family and friends for so long, I couldn’t help but feel that there was still a whole world out there for me to explore. I’ve always loved visiting new places, especially the UK since I have cousins there, but I started to think about what it would be like getting to immerse myself in a completely new culture. That’s when I realized that living in a new city might be the step I needed to finally explore what was next for me.
How did you pick your program?
I chose the UK because I wanted to experience a new environment without the added challenge of a language barrier. I was also interested in exploring opportunities at the intersection of technology and healthcare, and Manchester felt like a great fit for that and its entrepreneurial culture. On top of that, Manchester is a vibrant city and has a big soccer (or football) scene, so that was a huge bonus!
What is something you learned about yourself? How are you different? How are you the same? Or, what did you realize about your own culture by living in another one?
What initially felt weird is I felt like a freshman again. It was a completely new city where I would be making new friends on a new college campus. But honestly, that made it more exciting. I embraced it as a chance to push myself outside my comfort zone in ways that were different from what I was used to at NC State. Along the way, I discovered new things I genuinely enjoy, like solo backpacking, cooking, and other activities I never would’ve tried back home. One major takeaway I’ve had from this trip is to never say no without giving it a real chance. Worst case scenario, it’s not for you and you can stay away from it. Best case scenario, it’s an experience that stays with you for as long as you enjoy it.
What advice would you give to another student?
If you’re on the fence about doing a semester abroad, I would highly recommend you take the leap. You’ll learn so many things you wouldn’t expect at first, and the confidence you’ll gain from saying you put yourself in a new environment is something that will help in so many avenues along the way. In just 4 months, I made a set of great friends, made many entrepreneurial and research connections, travelled all around Europe, got so much better at cooking, and much more. You’ll grow in ways you can’t fully understand until you do it.
How did you connect with locals and/or meet local friends? And/or where did you find support to help face any challenges you encountered abroad?
I met a lot of new friends through my roommates and through clubs on campus. I joined a Hindu society, went to entrepreneurship events, and even joined volleyball and soccer teams, so they all made it easy to meet people. Locals were also generally friendly so it was easy to strike conversation with them about random things while on a train or at a pub. (I met a close friend while just taking a tram to the mall!)
Would you do it again?
Yes absolutely, I just wish I did it sooner than my senior year! I never would’ve thought just 4 months would change my person so much, but I’m so thankful I took the chance to do this.
