The idea of moving to America for a year still feels slightly unreal to me. A few years ago, I was living in a small village near Northampton, spending most of my time playing rugby, going to school, and not really thinking much beyond the next weekend. Now, I’m preparing to move over 4,000 miles away to study at the University of West Florida for a full academic year.
Part of the reason studying abroad appealed to me so much comes from the fact that I lived in Normandy, France for several years when I was younger. Even though I was a child at the time, I still remember how different everything felt at first. The language, the schools, the routines, even simple things like shopping or eating out. Looking back, I think that experience made me more open to different cultures and ways of life. It also showed me how much personal growth comes from stepping outside what feels familiar.
When people think of studying abroad, they usually focus on the exciting parts first: travelling, meeting new people, and experiencing a different culture. Obviously, those things are a huge part of why I wanted to do it. But what interests me most is the challenge of adapting to somewhere completely new and learning how to become more independent.
Florida is going to be very different from both Nottingham and the quiet village life I grew up around. The climate, university culture, and day-to-day lifestyle will all be new to me. I know there will probably be moments where it feels uncomfortable or overwhelming, especially at the beginning, but I think that’s where the real value of the experience comes from.
One of the reasons I chose to study International Business is because I’ve always been interested in how people, cultures, and businesses connect across different countries. It’s one thing learning about that in lectures, but completely different actually living in another country and experiencing it yourself.
I’m also looking forward to the smaller things people don’t always mention: building friendships with people I would never normally meet, adapting to different routines, and experiencing American campus life properly rather than just seeing it online or in films.
Of course, there are nerves as well. Moving abroad for a year is a big step. But I think the experiences that shape you the most are usually the ones that push you furthest outside your comfort zone.
By the end of the year, I hope I come back with more confidence, a broader perspective, and experiences that will stay with me long after university.
