What city did you study abroad in and for how long?
Megan: I studied in Leeds, a city in West Yorkshire, England and I was there for one semester (about five months). After only being there for a matter of weeks, I wanted to stay for the entire year, and contemplated switching my enrolment to be a year. However, since it was my senior year of my bachelors degree and would have delayed my graduation, I could not and instead enjoyed that semester to the fullest.
Why did you decide to study abroad with API?
Megan: I don't remember what exactly made me decide on API. I knew that I wanted to study in England and I knew I didn't want to be in London. I suppose I selected API because the representative I spoke to at a study abroad fair had all the information I was looking for and was very helpful with answering my questions. The programme itself was also very comprehensive and this fact was well communicated in their UK information booklet about all of the programmes they offer there.
What made this study abroad experience unique and special?
Megan: I would have to say the people I met and even the city itself. My flatmates and I became like a family, and they are friends I still visit and call "fam". In addition, Yorkshire folk are probably the friendliest on the planet. They are genuinely friendly and interested in what you're saying, and very, very chatty. On days that I was a little down or grumpy, all it took was a trip down to the market and a chat with the vendors as I purchased my produce or flowers. The city itself is magical, with an atmosphere like none I've ever experienced before. It is an ideal place for students, with a great club and pub atmosphere and many shops offering student discounts. I fell in love with Leeds, still frequently visit, and hope my professional endeavors will lead me back one day.
How has this experience impacted your future?
Megan: This experience has probably had one of the largest impacts on my future. Because of my semester with API at Leeds Uni, I was inspired to return to the UK to complete my postgraduate education. I've been doing my Masters at York, and now will be heading to Queen's University Belfast, where my supervisor is a professor I met while at Leeds University. I wouldn't be surprised at all if I ended up remaining in the UK for professional, as well as some personal reasons.