Student Profile
Name: El Honey
Major: Environment & Resource Science and Biology
Exchange University: Plymouth University, England
Advice: “You don’t need to bring as much stuff as you think! Also choose classes you think you’ll enjoy over what you think you'll need.”
QUESTIONS
Why did you decide to travel abroad?
I wanted to know what it was like to study in a different country and to meet new people and explore new places. I wanted to grow as a person.
Why did you choose to study at Plymouth University?
I chose Plymouth University because it was by the sea and is known to have good biology program. I decided upon England because it was close to other countries in Europe, and I could travel easily. It was also English speaking which I really wanted and had a large rugby community.
What was your experience like?
I found that there was much less work to do here, but I still prefer the Trent system. Exams are weighted very heavily, and I don’t think it's fair to judge knowledge on exams.
What did you find was the most challenging while abroad?
Food was the biggest thing to adapt to, the grocery stores here have a much more limited selection and I had to adjust my go to meals accordingly to find tasty and affordable things to eat.
Were you able to travel?
I was luckily able to travel quite a bit! I had a three-week break at Easter, where I went to Finland and Spain and travelled around England during term time. My favourite destination was Finland overall, it felt like going home to Canada! But in England, I absolutely loved Fowey in Cornwall.
In your opinion, what would you say are the benefits of studying abroad?
I learned more about who I was as a person, and I think it was very beneficial to experience a new place where I had to find my own way. It was transformational and I enjoyed the challenge of a new degree topic as well.
Did you live in residence or off-campus, and how was that experience?
I lived on campus in Radnor residence with 5 other people (6 total) in a flat with shared living space and kitchens but our own ensuites in our rooms. Luckily, I was paired with amazing people and got along very well with all of them! We will be friends for life.
What advice would you offer a student who is thinking about studying at your host institution and country?
Join clubs! Get involved! Adventure and expo were my absolute favourite and how I made most of my friends! Also, just because everyone around you might be drinking all the time, don’t feel pressured to do the same (drinking culture is very prevalent here)! Do what you need most and if people don’t like that, they aren’t your people to be around.
What was one of your favourite memories from your time abroad?
One of my favourite moments from my time abroad was making dinner with my friends in our Air Laughing in the kitchen with my flatmates, hiking the southwest coast, and learning to rock climb!
If someone told you they were thinking about studying abroad but weren’t convinced they should, what would you tell them?
If you aren’t convinced, ask yourself why. There are some people who are homebodies and going abroad won't have the same positive impact. Although, if you don’t you will probably spend a lot of time thinking about what could have been. The way I approach life is to say yes and take the experience head on, and if it doesn’t suit me then there are so many ways to change it. You can always come home, but sometimes the homesickness and struggle are the best part, it really shapes the way you see the world and what you value. My experience was transformational, and I am so glad I chose to go abroad. Just think about what your reasons for wanting to go are, and your reasons why not. At the end of the day, you know yourself best.