Meet Evan Stevens (he/him)

Program and Location:

Spring, The University of Manchester; Manchester, United Kingdom

Major/Minor:

History & Political Science Major, and International Studies Minor

Why did you choose to study abroad?

I chose to study abroad because I believe it’s the perfect opportunity to take advantage of while in college. Having the ability to travel outside of the country is an option that might not always be available, so why not go and do it through an amazing program? Prior to studying abroad I had never flown or been out of the country before, so by doing this I knew I would have an incredibly unique and eye-opening experience.

What did you learn about yourself?

I think one of the biggest things I learned about myself was my capability to handle things on my own. Being in a new country where I didn’t know anyone at first really challenged me to be resourceful and intuitive. Building those skills made my time abroad all the more enjoyable and is something I can continue to utilize in both my personal and professional lives.

What was one of your favorite parts of your program?

There are a lot of aspects of the program I could go on about – the food, unique courses, culture, incredible history, and so on. But I think what was most special about my program was the people I got to meet. My university had an international society where I forged a friend group composed of other students from around the world who were also studying abroad. Because we each were going through the same experience, we formed a tight bond through traveling, exploring, and just living day-to-day with one another. I found making those international connections to be extremely fulfilling and a part of my program I won’t soon forget.

What advice do you have to future study abroad students?

I’d say my biggest piece of advice for future study abroad students is don’t be afraid to try something new. Being in a completely new environment is intimidating at first, but once you get out of your comfort zone that’s really when you start to fully experience that country’s culture. Whether it be trying new food, figuring out public transit, or just going out and meeting people, challenge yourself to really be immersed in that environment. By doing so you’ll gain a lot more from studying abroad than if you only explore what’s on the surface.

How did your study abroad experience prepare you for your future career?

As a student studying history, going abroad opened my eyes to the wide range of it that’s out there. Everywhere I went I was constantly exposed to historic buildings, sites and museums. Regarding the latter, I intend to go into the museum field as a career, and would like to get my master’s in public history. By studying in the UK and loving it so much there I realized it could be a viable place to pursue the next step of my educational career. I am in the process of applying to programs over there, and plan on staying following graduation to seek a job in the museum sector. None of this would’ve been possible without my study abroad experience, and am beyond glad I decided to do it.

Would you do it again?

I would absolutely do study abroad again in a heartbeat if I had the chance. I feel as though I grew so much personally and academically, getting to see what all the world offers beyond my own backyard. It’s an experience I wouldn’t trade for anything and believe it’s something everyone can gain from participating in.