2015
Maeve at her study USA university
Maeve O’Neill, who has just returned from Study USA to her final year of BSc Economics and Finance recounts her experience studying at the University of Evansville.
“It would be impossible for me in just a few short paragraphs to encapsulate what Study USA has meant to me. This programme works on so many levels: educational, social, personal, developmental and cultural.
I spent my academic year studying at the University of Evansville (UE), situated at the southern tip of Indiana. The city of Evansville is the third biggest in the state and the university is home to 3,000 undergraduates, many of whom play for the division 1 sporting teams. It is renowned for its international links, with a sister college in Grantham, England. There are 55 nationalities represented on campus and we were encouraged to teach our American hosts as much as possible about our own countries. This was a two way process – I learned to enjoy basketball and tacos while I introduced them to hurling and Dairy Milk chocolate.
Each student in the Study USA programme follows a business studies major. Alongside this, I was able to pick classes that not only allowed me to enhance my own economics background but also broaden my horizons, taking electives in world history and art therapy. I learned how to manage my time better, participate more, work consistently all year round and get hands on experience working with real life clients.
Like with most things in life, the US college experience is one in which you get out of it what you put in. Thankfully at UE, there were more than enough opportunities. One organization that I did get heavily involved in was College Mentors for Kids where I would spend time with my ‘little buddy’ who came from a disadvantaged family. I was also a member of the Outdoor Adventure Crew, International Club and played on seven intramural sporting teams.
Having to start fresh in a place where no one knows who you are, and to try and make something of yourself is a challenge - a challenge that I willingly accepted. I was incredibly fortunate with my roommate who quickly became one of my best friends, as it may well have been a long year if we hadn’t have gotten along so well. I have made friends from all over the world, many of whom are visiting me in the next few months. I have also increased my business network in the hope of one day maybe returning to the USA to do an MBA.
In the near future, I know that this experience will help me stand out against other job applicants. A lot has changed for me over the last year and I have come back to Northern Ireland more determined and motivated than ever before – I am aiming for a first class honours, I want to get more involved in student clubs and also travel at every opportunity. Study USA has changed not only me as a person but also my outlook on a lot of things. I am very privileged to have taken part in this programme, and it is a year that I will never forget.”