Study USA
This past year, I had the incredible opportunity to study Law and Business at Edgewood University in Madison, Wisconsin through the Study USA scholarship programme. Moving to America, I stepped into a completely new way of life and made friends from across the globe. It was a once-in-a-lifetime chance for academic growth, professional development, and cultural exchange that shaped me in ways I never could have imagined.
What drew me most to the programme was the chance to study Business alongside Law. This combination gave me fresh insight into how legal systems and commercial structures intersect in the United States, while also allowing me to compare this with the UK. Moreover, I had the opportunity to study Accounting and Spanish, both of which pushed me outside my comfort zone and allowed me to explore areas I had always been curious about.
Edgewood’s small classes and close-knit learning environment made this experience especially rewarding. Instead of large lectures or seminars, I was in small groups that resembled secondary school more than university. My professors knew me personally and regularly gave highly personalised feedback, which created space for meaningful mentorship, an aspect I really valued. The classroom felt engaging and interactive.
I was delighted to be awarded Student of the Year by the British Council, during our graduation at Stormont, for achieving excellent results throughout the year. This recognition was rewarding as it acknowledged not only my academic performance but also the dedication and resilience I demonstrated throughout my time abroad. Additionally, receiving Semester Honours and Distinction on the Dean’s List was very gratifying, as it affirmed the consistency of my efforts and my commitment to maintaining a high standard of excellence.
Life on campus was warm and welcoming. The college itself is small and set on the edge of Lake Wingra, which gave it a beautiful, community-oriented feel. However, its location in central Madison meant there was always something exciting happening. For example, concerts, museums, markets, festivals, and the buzz of college sports, meant that weekends were always packed with an exciting activity. Even when the weather hit -25 Celsius, my friends and I went ice skating on the Lake or made snowmen at our dorms.
From the outset, I felt like a valued member of the community. Orientation and traditions like Eagle Spirit made me feel at home, but stepping into leadership helped me grow the most. As Treasurer of the Asian International Students Association, I learned how to manage responsibilities, collaborate across cultures, and lead inclusively. We hosted karaoke nights, bingo, and free Mandarin classes, each event a chance to bring people together. Through engaging actively on campus, I made wonderful lifelong friendships.
Professionally, my legal internship with the Wisconsin Department of Corrections was transformative. I gained insight into the challenges of justice, rehabilitation, and policymaking, and I reflected on how different societies approach these issues. I contributed to contracts for reentry programmes and even visited maximum-security facilities to see how this work was being applied. Working alongside colleagues from diverse backgrounds taught me the strength of bringing different perspectives together. It was rewarding, but it also clarified my ambitions, reaffirming that my passion lies in the fast-paced, dynamic world of corporate law.
Before moving to Madison, I had never set foot in America, and I made the most of every chance to explore the states. I frequently visited Chicago I enjoyed spending weekends with friends and family that came to visit and watching the river run green on St. Patrick’s Day. In Washington D.C., I visited the Washington Monument and Capitol, but the highlight was visiting the Supreme Court and learning how the executive branch, the presidency, and the legislative process function together as a unique system of governance. Nashville was a fabulous fusion of live music, cowboy culture, and delicious Southern fried chicken. However, my favourite trip was to New York City. Since I was a child, I had dreamed of visiting New York and the iconic buildings, dazzling lights on the river, and stunning skyline did not disappoint.
The holidays brought some of the most meaningful moments. Spending Thanksgiving with family in Philadelphia introduced me to new traditions, games, and food, while celebrating Easter with my roommate’s family gave me a sense of home thousands of miles away. These moments of kindness reminded me that belonging can be found anywhere, if you’re open to it.
Looking back, I can see how much I’ve grown. The Study USA programme taught me resilience, independence, and the value of seizing opportunities. My year abroad was truly unexpected but completely transformative, and I feel privileged to have been afforded it. It was not just a chapter in my education, but a real turning point in how I see myself, my ambitions, and the world around me.
