By Molly Allen

When I first arrived at the University of Stirling in Scotland this January, I was overwhelmed with excitement but also very nervous to be travelling so far and immersing myself into an entirely new environment by myself. The idea of studying abroad had always been exciting to me, but in the few weeks leading up to my flight I was really nervous, and when I first arrived in the UK the reality of being so far away from friends and family was nerve-wracking. I felt quite alone at first and was often unable to talk to loved ones when I wanted because of the time difference. This and the anxiety around settling into a completely new environment were significant challenges for me. Looking back now, I am so lucky to say I made some amazing friends really quickly and the uncomfortableness of this transition phase was absolutely worth the amazing five months I had whilst studying overseas. Having an amazing support system to travel, study and explore with made all the difference, and it was amazing meeting people in the same boat as me who also felt unsure!

This exchange instilled a sense of self-confidence and self-assurance in me, and I feel like I have become much more independent and able to overcome challenges I would have found much more daunting in the past. Being in a completely new setting meant I needed to adapt constantly. This included figuring out public transport abroad, trying new foods, and establishing effective study routines in a new place. I had to learn to rely on myself and make my own decisions. These everyday experiences taught me that I’m capable of more than I thought, and I expect this self-sufficiency will set me up well in my future career and life.

One of the biggest highlights of studying at Stirling for me was the proximity to Europe. I took the opportunity to travel to different countries, including Italy, France, Morocco and Spain. Exploring Europe has always been a dream of mine, and being able to do as many trips as I have was an amazing privilege. Navigating language barriers and busy foreign cities pushed me further out of my comfort zone and helped me understand various other cultures, while deepening my love and understanding for history, art and social interaction.

My exchange has provided me with incredibly precious memories that I know I will treasure for the rest of my life. I have made best friends from all over the world that I plan to stay in touch with and visit abroad as much as I can. My time in Scotland has taught me more about my values, interests and helped me discover a love of travelling which I expect will continue throughout the rest of my life. Despite being unsure and nervous at first, I am so grateful for every part of my exchange and genuinely could not have dreamed up a better few months on the other side of the world.