Studying Abroad: How Did We Get Here?

If you're coming from the About Anna page, you already know that I'm a full-time exchange student studying at the University of Hull for the 2022 - 2023 school year. However, for the majority of my college career, I've been studying at the University of North Carolina Greensboro. So how did I start my studying abroad journey, decide to study in the United Kingdom, and pick the University of Hull to be my new home-away-from-home?

In October of 2019, I was accepted into my dream school; the University of North Carolina Greensboro. In January of 2020, I was accepted into the Lloyd International Honors College at UNC Greensboro. As a member of the honors college, you're required to take four levels of a foreign language and have a study abroad experience.

Thus begins my deep dive into researching different countries, their universities, and their business schools (it also began my French courses). I looked at a lot of different countries, talked to people who had lived abroad, and turned to counsellors and the internet for help with my search. I eliminated countries based on cultural differences, weather, and language barriers. Finally, I had narrowed it down to approximately 12 schools in the United Kingdom.

I came up with a list of "Must Have" items for each school:

• Was their on-campus housing for international students?

• Was the business school accredited?

• Will I be able to complete all of the classes that I need?

• Is the university around or smaller than 20,000 people?

• Is the campus easy to navigate?

After closely reviewing all of the schools, University of Hull checked all of my boxes (plus, they have a huge sustainability program since they're on the river). The feeling I got when researching University of Hull was the same feeling I got when I toured UNC Greensboro for the first time. I submitted my application confidently and certain that I would be accepted into their business program.

9 months later, I'm headed to the University of Hull, excited for what the future will hold, nervous to make the (large) adjustment to a European university, and having never tried Earl Grey tea. Thank you for coming along with me on this adventure of a lifetime!