A year abroad can be a tough thing to make possible but that’s why it is so impressive and valuable as not everyone does it!
Why did you decide to study abroad?
Why not? It gives you the chance to explore a different culture and city while still having the opportunity to study. You have a lifetime to work, so why not experience living somewhere else with the safety of doing it as a study abroad year. You will also network a lot whilst you are at your host university and have access to modules you may not have the option to do back in Sheffield. Having the experience of a study abroad period is totally unique and will broaden your horizons in terms of careers and education, as well as making you more independent and capable.
What were your top three highlights whilst studying abroad?
First and foremost, would be the opportunity to travel. Not only was I able to travel across Canada and into the USA during the academic year but also after I finished. My girlfriend (whom I met in Canada) and I did six weeks travelling across Canada and road-tripped down the US to San Francisco.
Another highlight would be joining a research group at McMaster University as part of my course. It allowed me to gain so much experience with presenting at conferences and just becoming a better scientist. I was part of the Adronov Research Group, and I ended up becoming really close with everyone there, especially my supervisor who was a master’s student from America.
Lastly, I would have to say meeting a whole new group of exchange students would be another highlight. Over my year away I became very close with a group of British and Irish girls who I know I will be friends with for a very long time as we are bound by this epic experience. It has also enabled us to travel round the UK when we got home and see each other’s home universities and hometowns. I also became friends with some Danish and Swedish students that I hope to meet up with later this year.
What would you say to someone who was unsure about spending a period abroad?
I understand why some people have their reservations, it takes prep work with getting visas and finances can be a consideration, but I think the best advice is to just do your research and start saving. A year abroad can be a tough thing to make possible but that’s why it is so impressive and valuable as not everyone does it! At the end of the day, you won’t be the first student to go on a year abroad or the last, so reach out with the Global Opportunities team and past students who went to the university/country you’re interested in and just ask questions. I asked so many questions before I went, and it was really useful for settling nerves and just being more prepared. In terms of finances, there are bursaries and grants that are available so look into it or ask the University to see if that’s something you would qualify for.
What is the one thing you wish you'd known before you left?
Before coming to Canada, I had some anxieties, which is so normal, but I’m here to tell you that, honestly, everything will work out. The first few weeks are so busy with meeting people, going to fresher events and settling into your courses that you won’t even really think about home and when you do, you’ll be halfway through the semester! That being said, don’t be disheartened if it all feels a bit daunting that first week, as McMaster has lots of exchange students open to meeting you who are all in the same boat and just want to settle in too. Interacting with the exchange student department at your host university is really useful too, as they do lots of events throughout the year which are great for meeting people. Another thing I wished I had known for the first semester is that the workload at McMaster is quite intense and they value coursework a lot. It’s not harder than the UK but I would just try and keep up with it as it makes your life a lot easier.
Lastly, when I first arrived, I was a bit surprised at the food in the supermarkets seeming quite expensive (I’m used to Aldi prices) but as the year went on, I found it easier to budget and going to ‘Food Basics’ instead of ‘Shoppers’ for big shops helped with that.
For students who will be arriving in Sheffield, what are your top recommendations for things to do and see in Sheffield?
One of the best things about Sheffield is the Peak District, which you can access so easily for stunning views and hikes. There are also loads of green spaces in the city with some of my favourite parks being Crookes Valley Park and Endcliffe park, which get busy in the summer with students and residents all sunbathing and having picnics. Sheffield also has so many independent bars, coffee shops, and restaurants, many of which are found on Division Street and Ecclesall road.
I love Sheffield for its night life. West street has so many cool bars that turn into a bit of a club later in the evening and, of course, the club at the Students' Union, which is connected to Bar One, always promises a good night out. Lastly, the size of Sheffield is perfect for students as it’s so walkable and nothing is too far away, which makes it a really sociable and lively city.