By: Natalie Burke

Studying abroad at the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa has been an incredible mix of learning, adventure, and community. Before arriving, I was nervous and wasn’t sure what to expect in terms of balancing student life and exploring such a beautiful place but it turned out to be surprisingly manageable. The workload has been very reasonable, which has allowed me to stay on top of my studies while still making the most of my time on the island.

Most days, after finishing my classes or assignments, I head straight to the beach. The campus is only a short ride away from so many different beach spots, and it’s become part of my daily routine to swim, surf, or just relax by the water. I’ve also met so many amazing people, like other exchange students from all over the world as well as local students from Hawai‘i and the mainland U.S. Everyone here is friendly, social, and always up for an adventure.

The lifestyle in Hawai‘i is incredibly active, which I am loving. People are constantly outside surfing, hiking, and being active and it’s been so easy to find people who share the same interests. The bus system makes it simple to explore the island even though it can sometimes take a long time to get anywhere, a lot of people I have met luckily have cars which makes it easier, and there’s always something new to see.

One of the highlights of my exchange so far has been the chance to travel to other Hawaiian islands. A few friends and I spent four days on Kaua‘i, where we explored, went hiking, and even got a boat day to swim with dolphins. We’re also planning a big Thanksgiving trip to the Big Island—about 25 of us are flying to Hilo for five days to swim with manta rays, explore volcanic rock formations, and visit the island’s black sand beaches.

This experience has really pushed me out of my comfort zone and helped me grow more confident, independent, and open-minded about new cultures, friendships, and opportunities. Every week is a new adventure, whether it’s watching sunsets, snorkeling with sea turtles, or finding new beautiful spots.

Living and studying in Hawai‘i has been such a unique experience—combining education with exploration in one of the most beautiful and welcoming places on earth. It’s shown me how possible it is to balance university life with travel, friendship, and adventure. I am never bored and always busy in the best way and I’m so grateful to be here.