I’ve always been interested in travel and exploration, but living somewhere else temporarily is a whole different ball game. In many ways, I wanted more of the places I had visited and an experience that was more immersive than taking a short trip. But I also knew that I was a student first and needed something to keep me busy, and I was interested to learn in a new environment. So, when I found out that York offered academic exchange programs, I was quick to take the opportunity!
Decisions, decisions, decisions
Deciding where I was going was the first step. I needed to make some choices, like picking what course I would be interested in and what city I would be comfortable in. I took a risk and chose Athens and a Greek history course outside of my major because I wanted a completely new experience.
When applying for academic exchange, you can apply to up to three options and rank them according to what you’re most interested in. My advice: choose a course that will interest you! Or it can be something that you feel will give you a new skillset that you may have not been originally exposed to.
Pro Tip: Check out York’s summer exchange options so you can be better informed to make a choice.
Why I chose to go on exchange
I was looking for something new. I think deep down, I wanted a reset and I was craving a challenge. And since I’ve always had a passion for trying new things, going to Greece for an academic exchange felt like the ultimate adventure. There's something exciting about living in a completely new city. And then there’s the experiential learning part of study abroad, the kind you can’t get from textbooks or lecture slides. The thought of walking through ancient museums, seeing historic landmarks in real life and being surrounded by cultures I’ve only studied from afar is what really drew me in.
I felt that the knowledge I would gain while on exchange would have more of a lasting impact—I'm more likely to remember the facts and realities of a city if I had the chance to see it all first hand.
Preparing to go abroad
Now that the summer is approaching and I'm getting closer to actually leaving, it’s all beginning to feel tangible. I'm learning so much already and I haven't even left yet!
Putting yourself out there can be scary. When meeting some of the people who will be a part of the exchange, I was nervous, but my exchange program has pre-departure sessions and I was added to a group chat with my classmates. Get to know people, put yourself out there and take in all the information at the pre-departure sessions.
Pro tip: Make your travel plans as early as you can, pack light and travel in a group if you’re a first-time traveller. This way you can connect and coordinate with your other classmates!
Overall, I'm very excited for this experience. See the world if you can because that's the point knowledge and exploration.
Stay tuned for updates on my exchange experience on YU Blog!