Going Back Home, Goodbye AmericaPros and Cons to Studying AbroadIt's already been 6 moths and my stay here in America has come to it's end... First, I would like to thank all my teachers here at VCU for the knowledge they have given me, I would like to thank my study abroad adviser, who helped me with all my ridiculous questions and finally, I would like to thank UWE for granting me this magnificent opportunity! And last, but not least, I would like to thank all my readers for following my blog, my very lazy blog, and I hope I have helped you in a way! Pros and ConsThe list of 'pros' is really long. Dear readers, if you have been with me from the very beginning you could see to how many new and exciting places I have been and how many cultural differences I have embraced. My horizons were broaden and my way of thinking has drastically changed. I now feel like I can accomplish so many things that I felt too weak to do. And most importantly- I now have a strict path I want to follow and will never give up on my dream. I am not a leaf floating on top of the river's current. I am the current! But enough sweet talk and ambitious words.. it's time we talk in numbers. The only cons I would say are grades, money and maybe weather. First of all, if you are planning to do a study abroad you need to be careful of how your grades will transfer. If you are unsure- please, speak with your study abroad advisers and decide if you could actually afford to go abroad and miss a whole semester off from your own university. Speak with your tutors as well to see what they will be teaching when you are gone and then decide whether it is worth it. Second, money. Plan out carefully this step. If you are a Bristol (UK) based student then studying in Richmond will probably be about the same as what you are paying here. If you are not from England then do a research on what costs are like. Also, look into scholarships or any kind of loan or grant that you might be eligible for from your own university. Do remember that if you have never been to America and this is going to be your first time- you WILL need to prepare to spend money on every trip and buy a lot of souvenirs! Weather. This is also a key factor for studying in Richmond. The weather there tends to change quite rapidly. When I firs got there it was -5 degrees Celsius and just recently a snow storm had struck the city. Afterwards the temperatures went up to nearly 30 degrees, however we got rain storms quite a lot. Food and culture. As America is quite different from Europe, there are a lot of things that at first you might miss a lot. If you have gotten used to your everyday Tesco then you might find Walmart strange at first- lacking some products or healthier foods. For me, I got used to it quite fast but if you are a more stay-at-home type of person you will have to embrace some changes in you diet and way of living (I did gain a few kilograms in America but noting life changing). Also, be prepared for random compliments on the streets or people asking you about your accent and where are you from. Americans tend to be quite open and very friendly! Education! Usually in England you have a few lectures here and there in your weekly schedule but here... here you have classes you have to attend without being late and most of them will start early in the morning (8am) so no slacking off . This is pretty much all I could think of. I hope it has helped in a way. If there are any more questions I would love to have a chat or answer any worries! My contact details are in the 'CONTACT' page and I will try to respond as soon as possible!
It has been a pleasure to keep this blog and I hope it has for you, too! My adventure ends here but my exploring has still a long way to go! With lots of love to all the readers, Vasilena Thank you!
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The End of an Amazing AdventureDowntown Chicago, The Planetarium, The Aquarium, Baha'i House of Worship, Navy Pier and then on the plane to Richmond!
Each place from the listed above has it's own hyperlink to a page for the readers to find more information. I hope that helps! All of the places were amazing and it was really hard for me to leave! I recommend them all and all of them are a must-see destination when going to Chicago! I can't express how grateful I am for this opportunity and my trusted guide a.k.a. my cousin! I have see so much new and interesting places that my mind can't wrap itself around that thought. I have taken so much notes and pictures from going to the aquarium and the art museums that I can research them in peace later on when I go back home. So much new material to study! I will never forget Chicago and the magic it put on me! |
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