Trinity is a Trent student majoring in Anthropology, who went on exchange to the University of Kent.
Name: Trinity Vandeloo
Major: Anthropology
Exchange University: The University of Kent – Full Year
Advice:
“Firstly, I wish I didn’t pack as much. I had to get rid of quite a few things before returning home because they simply didn’t fit in my suitcase. Secondly, I wish I had made a budget that included travelling. I didn’t really pay close attention to my finances but by the end of my exchange I had almost nothing left.”
Q - Why did you decide to travel abroad?
I developed a love for travelling in high school after a two-week trip to Europe which was then followed by a long weekend in New York City. I knew when I got accepted to Trent that I wanted to study abroad and not even covid could stop me.
Q - Why did you choose to study at The University of Kent? How did you learn about it?
England was my number one destination and fortunately I had a lot of options. Most of my family is originally from the UK so I’ve been fascinated by the country since I was a child. The reason I choose the University of Kent was because it was the best school, I found, that suited my major of Anthropology. In fact, it has one of the best programs in the UK. I learned about it on the study abroad destinations page on the study abroad website.
Q - What was your experience like? What are some of the differences & similarities with Trent?
I found the UK school system very different from Trent, especially in terms of the school/life balance. Firstly, you only have to take four courses (or modules as they call them) instead of five which means your course load isn’t as heavy. Also, the coursework is much lighter. It is just an exam and an essay, each worth 50%, which allowed me to have more free time than I knew what to do with.
Social life is much more prominent in the UK as well, with a club (“societies”) for almost everything and a huge night life presence, but if that is not your scene there are also many museums, cafes, tea rooms, old churches, and castles. Since Kent is located near the coast, I also had access to beaches and cliffs overlooking the ocean.
Q - What did you find was the most challenging/difficult while abroad?
I don’t think I ever truly adjusted to the time change. The UK is 5 hours ahead which doesn’t seem like much, but I found myself falling asleep at 2 or 3 AM and waking up at 12 or 1 PM most days. Eventually, I just learned to force myself awake for classes, but I struggled with it a lot at first.
Q - In your opinion, what would you say are the benefits of studying abroad?
There are so many benefits to studying abroad and I believe everyone should do it at least once. There is so much in the world to experience and explore that you cannot learn from the comfort of your home. This experience changed my perspective on life, making me see the world in a new light. I also learned so much about myself while I was here. The amazing thing about studying abroad is you are literally removed from your comfort zone.
Q - What was one of your favourite memories from your time abroad?
The best part of my exchange by far was the people I met. During my exchange I met people from all over the world. Through international events held by Kent and my roommates (or flat mates as they say in the UK), I met so many wonderful people. My friend group was comprised up of students from Poland, Finland, Denmark, Spain, Germany, and Bermuda. They challenged me, inspired me, and helped me become a version of myself that I really love.
Q - If someone told you they were thinking about studying abroad but weren’t convinced they should, what would you tell them?
If you take anything from me, take this; studying abroad was the best decision I’ve ever made. I created memories that will last a lifetime and friendships that I will cherish for the rest of my life. If it were up to me, studying abroad would be a mandatory requirement for graduating. You may not realize it while you’re on your exchange, but when you look back, you’ll remember it as some of the best times of your life.