Cheers

I embarked on a journey nearly 4,000 miles away from home for over four months. Spending the spring semester of my junior year in Manchester, England was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. After applying through Cornell’s CALS Exchange Program, I was elated upon receiving my acceptance letter to study abroad. While home, I packed three bags that I took aboard and my mother so kindly mailed me additional items shorty after my arrival.

Acquiring a short-term study visa was easy; while in Manchester’s airport, I provided my passport and acceptance letter from the University of Manchester (and carried a copy of my finances and round-trip ticket in case I needed further proof that I would not remain in the UK for more than 6 months). Later that morning, I attended Orientation and met many other exchange students. My first day was pleasant, but I’ll admit I shed a tear or two during my first night. I left everything that I had ever known and everyone that I knew. I landed in a new city, new country, new continent with my luggage as the only thing familiar to me. But the next day, I began to feel optimistic as I pondered the intents I set for the semester. I wanted to become acclimated to UoM, attend class, thrive in the city, bond with new friends, and plan a Euro trip.

After completing the University’s online “Health & Safety Induction” course, registering with a local health center, and becoming aware of my dorm’s safety precautions, my mind was at ease. Next on my list of priorities was class. Although I knew my grades would not be factored into my Cornell GPA, I knew they’d appear on my transcript. There were pleasant differences between my academic experience at UoM and at Cornell. While abroad, I didn’t purchase any textbooks and was able to rent books from the library for the entire term with no renewals necessary. MyILibrary facilitated accessing articles online and the UoM database provided old final exams usually within the past three years.

I was actually surprised at the low number of assessments. For the first time in my life, I was enrolled in a couple of classes where my grade was determined only by the final. Let’s just say that my will power was tested…and my procrastination habits did not improve much! Additionally, the overall undergrad grading system surprised me. Although my grades at Cornell are weighted by credits for all four years, grades at UoM increase in weight during the three years of undergrad. Grades received during the first year are weighted the least while grades received during the third (last) year are weighted the most. Despite these differences, I must note that in general, the professors at UoM made themselves available for any questions similarly to those at Cornell.

While abroad, I spoke in my unwavering American accent with a tinge of southern twang but did pick up on some linguistic conventions. You might catch me saying I’m keen to grab brunch or that I fancy my celebrity crushes. Topics of conversation at UoM usually surrounded the nightlife. My music selection was broadened by grime and EDM which pounded during many electrifying late nights of clubbing—a bonus of having a University so close to city center. Another hot topic was football (soccer) and I actually watched a Manchester United 5-1 victory. My leisure time also consisted of attending concerts and even though I missed Cornell’s Slope Day, I partied at UoM’s end-of-semester bash, Pangea, which was equally thrilling. In addition to hanging out like a UoM student, I ate like one too. I had the classic fish and chips, English breakfast, afternoon tea time, and bangers and mash. My options were actually vast and within Manchester I saw restaurants and shops representing a plethora of foods from other cultures.

During my adventures in Manchester, I had good company. I attended organized events that allowed me to connect with classmates who became close friends of mine. I didn’t end up in the “American bubble” and branched out by bonding with students from across the globe. Having made friends while in Manchester and knowing many fellow Cornellians that were also abroad, I planned weekend getaways and a Euro trip for the three and a half weeks I had for Spring Break. I travelled to Wales, Scotland, Ireland, the Netherlands, Italy, Spain, Denmark, and Sweden. Hostels became a way of life and looking back at my adventures, I probably should have taken my friend’s advice on Travelex, but instead I paid in cash while traveling as I tried to approximate how much I’d spend in each country. Sticking to a budget was challenging because my friends and I had the “#DoMore” mentality. But it was worth it! I explored and saw palaces, monumental castles, intricate architecture, historical landmarks, riveting canals, and gorgeous beaches. I witnessed cultural ceremonies and toured numerous cities by foot, bike, bus, and even Segway. I ate delectable dishes of food from restaurants and markets and had my fair share of beverages during pub crawls and clubbing.

I’ll admit, at times it was difficult to navigate when I didn’t speak the native language. However, becoming lost was acceptable when I was accompanied by good friends who merely fell into adventure with me. Throughout my travels, I shared my journey with loved ones back home via my blog, Skype, Facebook and other social media. And when necessary, I called the US via my cell with a UK SIM.

Nostalgia set in shortly after my return to the US. Manchester taught me how to enjoy the leisure lifestyle and my Euro trip taught me that the world is mine for the taking. I miss my friends at UoM and my fellow exchange students, but we’re keeping in touch until we meet again someday. I highly recommend studying abroad if you have the chance. Embrace your youth by earning some academic credit while embarking on the adventure of a lifetime!

Safe travels,

Keandra