In August 2021, I left for Cedar Rapids, Iowa, on the Study USA programme (run by the British Council). The programme involves studying business at an American college for two semesters. 

With this being my first time away from home, I was initially nervous. I had not even heard of Iowa, let alone considered living there for a year. However, it has turned out to be the time of my life. Cedar Rapids is a beautiful city, with the most hospitable, and friendly people I have ever met.

Studying abroad has exceeded my expectations. I have been exposed to a host of new experiences: I share a room with two Americans; I have my daily meals in the college cafeteria; and have been given the full 'college athlete' experience. Inside the classroom, the different teaching environment has allowed me to grow academically. It has really opened my eyes to opportunities outside of Northern Ireland. I hope I will be able to avail of these opportunities in the future.

During my time off college, I have been able to travel around America. In the first semester, I travelled to New York City, Chicago and Los Angeles. This semester, I have plans to visit North Carolina, Washington DC, and spend my spring break in Florida. Seeing the variety of American cultures has given me a new perspective on how large and diverse this wonderful country is. 

Although there have been challenges this year, I have grown as a person in ways I could not have imagined. I am extremely grateful to have been given this experience, and would encourage anyone to take advantage of these opportunities. It won’t always be easy, but it will absolutely be worth it. 

I am now excited to return to Queens in the summer, to pursue the final year of my Psychology degree. I am confident the skills I have learned on the programme will benefit me greatly not only in my degree, but also in the rest of my life.

To find out more about how you can internationalise your study, visit:

Queen's University Study Abroad