Study at Nottingham University in England

Tips From a Study Abroad Graduate

Article and Photo by Elizabeth L. Hatt

Trent Building on the University of Nottingham, University Park Campus.

Past study abroad recipients answered my concerns, just as I tend to answer others: “You will love it and not want to return home.” What did I wish they had told me? That loving it wouldn’t come instantly; I wish I had known how lonely the first week would be.

I studied abroad in England. I chose this location because of a) my inability to speak another language fluently enough to converse with a young child and b) the British accent, which makes me giggle like a schoolgirl. Having grown up outside New York City, I wasn’t looking for the big cosmopolitan city experience. I opted for the mid-sized city of Nottingham — known for its association with Sherwood Forest — where Robin Hood and his merry men stole from the rich and gave to the poor. It was enriching, character-building, and eye-opening, to say the least; the most encouraging thing I can say to emphasize the impact of this experience is that three years later, I returned as a full-time student to complete my graduate degree.

What to Know Before Departure

The overwhelming loneliness passes quickly. Although surrounded by groups of new friends and fellow exchange students, lonesomeness struck the minute I entered my dorm room alone. I was ready to pack up and return to the airport the following day. I doubted myself. Yet, by the end of week one, I stopped calling home twice a day and recognized that I was not the only student in this predicament. Before the end of week two, I began to "‘love it" and "not want to leave."

Get involved as soon as you arrive. Whatever your priority is — traveling, educational opportunities, meeting people, or volunteering — get involved immediately. It is easy to think you have loads of time, but it goes faster than you can imagine. Jump into your activities the first chance you get! When an opportunity to spend a weekend in Scotland or Prague arises, please take it. If a new friend invites you to join their organization, sign up. When eating out, try something you have never eaten before. Live it up from the day you arrive because no matter how much time you spend abroad or how busy you are, there will always be more to experience.

Living day by day is part of the addiction. Growing up in America, I spent my childhood like most other kids, rushing from school to dance class, gymnastics, and softball practice and back home to finish my homework at the dinner table before going to bed to do it all again. We are raised to be ambitious in making our days—now more than ever—overscheduled. Take time away from your busy schedule to invite new activities and interests into your life.

Don’t expect to be welcomed everywhere you travel. Traveling abroad brings endless rewards, but not always without disappointment. Living in America, we are swallowed by our own extensive culture. With such a substantial economic impact on international affairs, enemies and opposing opinions are inevitable. It is a rude awakening to hear people on the street who don’t even know you insult you because of your nationality. Being denied a hotel room is frustrating because you speak American English. Coincidentally, and unfortunately, my departure for Europe took place three days after President Bush declared war on Iraq in 2003. In many cities, we were met without a welcome and even guided by police out of a city center during an anti-war protest. But no matter what we faced, I listened to my dad’s departure advice, “Wherever you go, remember you are a guest; respect their culture.”

No matter how frustrating these occurrences are, they are well-balanced by the warm welcomes of people who appreciate you for who you are or where you are from. Not everyone will judge a traveler on their nation’s political decisions. Many will recognize you as an individual with an open mind who is attempting to absorb as much of their culture as possible.  

Choosing an Appropriate Location and Study Abroad Program

Focus

There were many reasons — besides those mentioned above — why I returned to Nottingham (pronounced: NOT-tin-um). Having gotten a taste of what was out there, I wanted to continue exploring. This passion was essential to my education, so studying internationally was necessary. I chose to study Journalism, and knowing that I would be learning the media’s portrayal of the world and American news, I wanted to view our nation from another point of view.

Just as I did, some participants will find this decision easy. Many lust to travel to a faraway land they learned about or previously visited; the decision is difficult for others. How do you decide? Ask yourself what you wish to gain from your time overseas. You should polish your language skills or learn a new one entirely. If you want to make a difference or contribute to a cause, investigate where you can incorporate volunteer opportunities. Or maybe you want to discover your heritage and learn about your ancestor’s culture. Understanding why you are traveling will increase the likelihood that your experience at a chosen destination will be fulfilling.

No matter how much time you have available to you overseas, it will never be enough. When you begin to feel accustomed to your new way of life and feel like you belong, it is time to leave. While university requirements may limit your time abroad, work and volunteer programs can be left open-ended, allowing you to alter your plans later. Investigate various types of work and study programs to ensure you get the most out of your stay.

Research

There are a lot of particulars to keep in mind. These vary drastically across nations, continents, and languages, so the key is to research, research, and research some more. Look for books and websites about customs, cultural taboos, or socially acceptable conduct when preparing. I learned that the peace sign in America — holding up two fingers — is a very offensive gesture in England. Familiarizing yourself with the day-to-day life of the local citizens will make your transition much easier — and help prevent any offenses. This information floods the Internet, and most travel guides provide general advice on appropriate behavior, such as when to tip. A key source for information is your peers and colleagues. Ask around your university for contacts willing to assist — almost all previous participants look forward to sharing their experience with potential students.

Settling in once you reach your destination can also be stressful. Many university study abroad programs will assist you in the basics, such as opening a bank account, finding accommodation, and finding part-time employment. If your program does not assist you with this, many organizations are willing to help — seek them out!

How Studying Abroad Changed My Life

Becoming a Changed Person

Returning home can involve a great deal of culture shock. The more diverse a destination and program you choose, the more adjustment it will take to return to your "old" life. This was the most significant influence my initial study abroad experience provided. Before leaving, I ate, lived, and thought like an American. Europe was a place I learned about in history class; flying over water terrified me (some things don’t change), and home was defined as the safe haven of my family, friends, and university dorm. Take all that knowledge and comfort away, and it can feel lonely. Nevertheless, the experience forces you to open your mind and welcome the world's diversity. Before you know it, you have created a new home thousands of miles away from your hometown.

During my first four months of experience abroad, I acquired a taste for Indian food, a new passion for outdoor activities, and increased self-discipline within an academic environment. It was pretty simple to accommodate these — among other subtle additions to my persona — into my daily life. Living abroad for one and a half years while completing my master's degree, my personality and lifestyle conformed to that of my peers, so I returned home a very different person. Everything from my eating habits to my political views was influenced; I developed an appreciation for British humor; my daily routine now included a lot of walking; I even spoke with a slight accent. It is hard to imagine how a short time away can have such a significant impact.

However, my personality was transformed when I combined my overseas experiences with my upbringing. There was a new me returning to New York. Being patient with friends and family is essential, as everyone has to adjust to these changes. Yet the best part is that you can now introduce them to your new passions.

Travel Makes the World Feel More Local and Intimate

Studying or working abroad is an excellent jumping-off point, a place to lay your head between city hopping. I followed convention and spent one month backpacking around Europe. Each city held a new secret, and although I am sure it was mentioned in history class, I learned about the nation's wars, love, and secrets. I realized that traveling abroad wasn’t about what I knew about my new location but what I could learn. Travel guides discuss loads of famous sites. Many of my companions were familiar with them. However, global studies must have been during my nap time because it all was new to me.  

Travelers encompass a subculture of humanity different from any vacationer or tourist. A traveler’s intention revolves around exploring and participating in a society’s culture and customs, not just enjoying the landscape and shops. Tourists return home rejuvenated with tons of photos and a full stomach; travelers collect new friends and viewpoints and return exhausted with an altered way of life. Although equally valuable, these are two very different experiences.

As a study abroad participant, you are inevitably a traveler. Your whole reason for going is to learn about, adapt to, and modify your perspective on life — even if, at the time, you were just looking for a new place to party. In this role of a traveler, you are somewhere between living as a local and sightseeing as a tourist. 

The longer you spend abroad, the more "local" you become, and the deeper you immerse yourself in your way of life. Adapting to British life sounds easy, and relatively speaking, it is. Many of my adaptations weren’t necessarily for survival but due to preference. Growing up in America — like most people living in the suburbs — I drove everywhere. Walking to go grocery shopping may be expected in a city, but it was unheard of for me. Suddenly, I found myself in a place where everyone walks. My necessities and daily routine were forced to change to accommodate this. Now, back home on Long Island, I walk everywhere I can, even to the supermarket.

Where to Start Your Study Abroad Planning

Any international trip is a big undertaking to plan. While it is comforting to outline your journey ahead of time, you will evolve as a traveler, and your intentions will change throughout. With so few restrictions, take advantage of your freedom to travel on a whim. Travelers are always looking for others to bond with — talk to your counterparts, and you can be assured that they will offer some excellent recommendations.

In planning your travel, research the specifics. Traveling internally both nationally and internationally can be cheap and convenient with budget airlines. Search for airlines based in the country you are flying from for the best deals.

Preparation for such a momentous journey can feel overwhelming. It isn’t just about packing but mentally motivating yourself. Take it one step at a time and remember that many other students are in a similar situation. Wherever you decide to go, make the most of it, and it will be impossible to regret. Arrive with a smile and an open mind, and before you know it, you will "love it" and "never want to leave."

Elizabeth L Hatt  has traveled across England, worked at a marketing agency in London, studied at Nottingham, and backpacked extensively across Europe.