By Rachel Lees

I can hardly believe I’m in my final days at Lancaster University here in England. After years of planning and anticipating this time, it is nearly over, and it has gone so quickly! It is a week of ‘lasts.’ Last Criminology class, last time I’m going grocery shopping on the university’s free bus, last time I visit town, last time I go to the incredible library here, last time I do laundry, etc. I know I will feel a mixture of sadness, but also satisfaction when I get on the train out of here at the end of the week.

The highlights of my exchange have been getting to live the full immersive experience of life in a different country with a different university system. As much as possible, I tried to throw myself into local life here, try new things, try new food. It has been challenging at times, especially in the early weeks, to find a place for myself here. To meet people and make friends, not to mention finding my way around this enormous university campus. I got lost more than once, but there is always someone to help, no matter the barrier.

The biggest thing that this exchange has given me is confidence in myself. To travel to the other side of the world on my own, to navigate my way through foreign airports and towns and public transport systems and then a university has stretched me in ways I didn’t know I would have to learn. One weekend I had an overnight trip planned to see York, a well known historic town, but the weekend I decided to go was very stormy and as I was hurtling through the countryside in the dark on a Friday night our train suddenly came to a stop and we were informed that a tree had fallen across the tracks and that we would be stopped here – seemingly in the middle of nowhere – for an hour or more. Once we got going again, they then announced that the train would no longer go direct to York. It had been cancelled, and that we would need to find another train at the station in the city of Leeds. I tried not to panic. It was late and cold and dark, and I hated the thought of navigating a huge railway station that wasn’t familiar to me, but I had no choice. I had to get off that train and find another one. Again, there is always someone there to help, and I was directed to the platform where another train could pick me up. I only had to wait half an hour or so. I had to stand in the over-crowded train for the 20 minute ride to York, but I eventually got there safely and was proud of myself for navigating something beyond my control.

This exchange has widened my worldview, given me confidence, given me life experience, and I am truly grateful for the opportunity to come to Lancaster University.