An Undergraduate Degree Abroad

By 

Forget a semester abroad—our newest study abroad blogger, Susan, is doing her entire degree overseas.

It seems like I’ve been waiting for this moment ever since I initially submitted my application nearly exactly a year ago. In a few days, I will be heading to England, soon to be my home for the next four years.

Four years? Yes, you read that correctly!

I am 18-years-old and like most 18-year-olds, I am starting my post-secondary studies this autumn. However, unlike most 18-year-olds, I will be doing all four years of my undergraduate studies abroad—at the University of Cambridge in England, to be exact. I will be studying Modern and Medieval Languages (really just a fancy degree name for foreign languages), specializing in French and German.

Why did I decide to study abroad?

While it does seem clichéd, it is true—studying abroad is something I’ve always wanted to do. I’ve enjoyed experiencing new places—whether it was just a different part of Canada, or a different continent altogether. I was quite determined to do an exchange during high school, but unfortunately, it was impossible to arrange at my high school. So, I decided to make up for it in university. However, a trip to Switzerland when I was 16 (my first visit to Europe, and my first solo travel experience) meant that I had caught the travel bug. I realized that a semester, even a year abroad during university wouldn’t be enough; I wanted to do my entire degree abroad.  

Why England?

After I decided I wanted to do my undergraduate degree abroad, I immediately looked towards European universities because not only was I in love with the Old Continent, I wanted something not too different from a North American university. However, I quickly ruled out the majority of universities on the European continent simply because I don’t speak German or Spanish or Danish or anything other than English fluently!

In England, I would be able to immerse myself in a new cultural environment while still being able to understand what my professors are lecturing about, for example. When choosing universities, I specifically fell in love with Cambridge—its education system is so unique and full of old English traditions, exactly what I wanted and more.

There is just under a week until D-Day (my departure day!) and I’ve already purchased my plane tickets as well as applied for and received my UK Student Visa—the latter of which involved a very long, harrowing and stressful process (hence, apply as early as possible!) What I haven’t started yet, is packing, and even so, I’m already starting to worry: How am I supposed to fit a year’s worth of stuff into one checked baggage and one carry-on?! Thankfully, I have the entire weekend to figure that out!

Add this article to your reading list
Published in Study Abroad Blogs
Susan Chan

Susan Chan is doing what many recent high school graduates do—pursuing post-secondary education. However, in doing so, she moved “across the pond” from Canada to England. She hopes to satisfy her self-proclaimed “infinite wanderlust” as she does her undergraduate studies at the University of Cambridge.

Website: susan-abroad.blogspot.ca/

Join the Verge Community

Verge Magazine Membership


Join our community of savvy travellers and put nearly two decades of inspiring articles, authoritative information and expert advice to work for you.

Show me more > Login >

 

Travel Intelligence Bulletin

Namibia

The latest openings overseas—direct to your inbox.

Subscriber Login

About

Travel with purpose; travel for good. Articles, resources and events for ethical and meaningful travel, volunteering, working and studying abroad.

Verge believes in travel for change. International experience creates global citizens, who can change our planet for the better. This belief is at the core of everything we do.

Like what you see?

Follow us on social media