Student Profile
Name: Ainsley Mohns
Major: Forensic Science
Exchange University: University of Kent, England
Advice: “Do a lot of research before you go, not just on the school but the city too.”
QUESTIONS
Why did you decide to travel abroad?
I’ve always wanted to travel and the opportunity to travel while in school sounded amazing.
Why did you choose to study at the University of Kent? How did you learn about it?
I chose the University of Kent because their forensic program sounded amazing. I learned about this program through the Trent study abroad page. I was excited about the program and going to an English speaking country was a plus.
What was your experience like?
My time abroad has so far been my favourite part of my degree. The student life here is amazing, they are a very clubs and group oriented university and joining a team was the best choice I made.
They had a "Freshers Fair" at the beginning which is essentially orientation week and it is very focused on getting new students to meet each other.
The classes were very light compared to home, I only had a couple of classes a day and usually finished by early afternoon. It was very heavy exams but the teachers were amazing with reviews and helping with any questions we had. I found my professors to be very kind and helpful, especially when they found out I was an abroad student they went above and beyond to help me adjust and with anything I needed for their classes.
What did you find was the most challenging while abroad?
When I first got here in the fall it was very daunting, it was the first time I’ve been out of North America and I didn’t know anyone here. It was a scary transition, but after the first few days I was able to find a group of friends and other people who were in similar situations.
In your opinion, what would you say are the benefits of studying abroad?
Some major ones would be learning in a different environment to at home and being able to make connections in my field and out of my field. I know I have a network of people now in England that can help me in the future with my career or even just with living in England.
What was one of your favourite memories from your time abroad?
I joined a hockey team here and it was probably the best decision I could have made. The team became my closest friends and I got to go to the British university ice hockey nationals which is an experience I will never forget.
If someone told you they were thinking about studying abroad but weren’t convinced they should, what would you tell them?
I would tell them it was probably the best decision I have ever made. I can’t imagine what my life would be like without having gone abroad now that I have. The beginning was quite scary but that went away quickly because there are so many people in the same boat as you, being able to build a support network was effortless. The schoolwork is different from home but completely manageable, and I would say that the experiences you have while abroad will make the work 110% worth it.