Program Reviews

I still remember the first time I saw the main hall on Edge Hill's campus, and the last time I walked out those doors. The time in between those memories seem like only an instance, but it was one of the best semesters of my life. I was nervous when I first arrived because I was in a new country where I knew absolutely no one. I quickly learned how warm and inviting all of the staff of the International office are as they gave a tour of campus, local community of Ormskirk, and most importantly the Back Halls where I lived while I was at Edge Hill University. The Backhalls was my home away from home. My hall custodial staff member, Gill was like my mother who always made sure I had everything I needed, and an ear to listen if I needed to talk. All of my hallmates quickly became like my family. We had dinners together, studied together, and travelled far and wide to new locations together. The friends I made at Edge Hill University and I share a common bond that I share with no one else. We all arrived as complete strangers, but left as family. Luckily technology allows for us to remain in touch, and many of us have even travelled to each others' home countries. After I returned from an experience of a lifetime, I wasn't sure what else was left for me to do. From the new found confidence, I decided to apply to different graduate schools. Currently, I am studying Occupational Therapy at Arkansas State University, and I cannot thank everyone I met on my journey enough for the lessons they have taught me about myself and what an amazing impact they have had and continue to have on my life.

Before I decided on Edge Hill University, I was scared to go abroad. I had never gone away from home, and going to a new country for school seemed terrifying. My adviser at my home university told me about Edge Hill, and assured me that it was a true home away from home. After arriving, while still nervous, I was excited to meet people and expand my cultural awareness. Sooner than I could have anticipated, I had a new family in my hall. We did nearly everything together, American students, British students, and other international students alike. It has nearly been three years since my study abroad, and I still am close with those that I met on my trip. I am so thankful for Edge Hill University, with advisers who encouraged us to conquer our fears and learn more about the world, and ultimately ourselves.

When I studied abroad, my plan was to travel everywhere I could reasonably get to over a weekend, but it turns out, you don't have to go very far to fall in love with the area. I remember walking from Edge Hill to Ormskirk and then trying a new path to get back. We ended up somewhere different entirely, but it was so fun! We saw lots of interesting scenery and monuments. One of my first weekends there, we took a trip with the school to Wales to see Conwy and climb in the castle. It was one of the coolest experiences because the culture was so lighthearted and historic. I also loved my trip to Ireland which is so much easier to get to from Manchester.
One thing I particularly loved about the school was how great the staff was. My favorite memories might have been on castles or at the beach, but I loved the people I met too. Jan was the housekeeper in my dorm. She was around pretty much every day and everyone loved her. She was the resident "mom" who gave us advice about places to go and things to do along with hearing stories of homesickness and sharing her own travel tales. I spoke with her almost every morning before and after my classes. She really made the experience feel homey and special.
Manchester's Christmas Market was a great experience too. The school took us there also and we spent hours walking around the booths surrounding the biggest cathedral I've ever seen. But the best place we went was Liverpool. It was such a quick train ride from where we were, that we went almost every other weekend. The city is a place you'll fall in love with easily, and I left a bit of myself there. There was always music playing from a street performer or a show to jump in and watch. The best food was in Liverpool!
Every day was a new experience, and the people we met took away the distance and made us feel at home. It is certainly an experience I would repeat in a heartbeat!

In the Spring of 2013, I studied abroad for a full semester at Edge Hill University. I had an amazing experience, not only academically but culturally as well. I took four classes in English and Communications: Reading the World and the Business of Writing, Writing Short Stories, Media Writing, and Reading a Film. I got to meet amazing people, not only with the British students in my dorm, but with the students in my classes as well. Living in a dorm with other British students gave me an opportunity to interact with students on a one-on-one level through different dorm events and on campus activities. I got a chance to travel to different places as well, through my spare time on the weekends and during Easter Vacation. I traveled to almost 10 different countries which was another great cultural experience. I highly recommend Edge Hill for those who want a great academic and cultural experience.