The University of Liverpool's Global Opportunities week has featured an account from recent graduate Becca about her year abroad in the USA, where she spent two semesters at Tulane University in New Orleans during her third year.
Becca chose Liverpool partly because of the year abroad opportunity. Her brother had completed a year abroad in the USA, which inspired her to apply for the same experience. However, after struggling to adjust to university life and make friends during first year, she doubted whether going abroad was the right decision. By second year, after settling in Liverpool, she worried about starting over in another country. Despite these concerns, she pushed herself to apply.
Adjusting to a new country
Upon arrival in New Orleans, Becca experienced significant culture shock despite the USA being an English-speaking country. Everyday activities such as supermarket shopping and understanding local humour took time to adjust to. She found herself missing British comforts like a cup of tea. Over time, she learned that difficulties eased with adjustment and that giving herself time to settle in was essential.
Personal development
Before going abroad, Becca described herself as sociable and confident, though she also struggled with anxiety and self-doubt. Upon returning to Liverpool, she felt like a different person, and her friends and family noticed increased confidence and outgoing behaviour.
Her two semesters differed significantly. During the first semester, she was surrounded by other international students, travelled frequently, and made lifelong friends. In the second semester, many of her international friends had left, so she spent more time doing things independently. This pushed her out of her comfort zone but helped her integrate into US university life and make American friends. By the end, New Orleans felt like a second home.
Travel and friendships
Becca took advantage of cheaper flights to explore parts of the USA and visited the Bahamas, an experience she said she would not have undertaken otherwise. She described the friendships made during her year abroad as among her most genuine, and even two years later she still visits friends in their home countries. She noted that sharing an unfamiliar experience creates a special bond between exchange students.
Return to Liverpool
One of Becca's biggest reservations before going abroad had been missing out on final-year university life in Liverpool with her friends and returning alone. However, when she came back, she grew closer to people who are now among her closest friends, and her final year turned out to be her favourite. She emphasised that even if things feel different upon return, they can turn out better than expected.
The University of Liverpool's Global Opportunities team provides support on finances, accommodation, and homesickness. Becca noted that knowing she could contact someone at Liverpool helped her in the beginning of her time abroad.