Kamara's Exchange to Aberystwyth University | Wales
It was time for me to step out of that comfort zone and live a little. Exchange was
something I always wanted to do, but never thought I actually could. I always wanted to see more of UK, learn as much as I can there and make new friends. After all the planning, paperwork and time spent on this exchange the time comes for you to say goodbye to your friends and family, because you won’t be the same person when you return. You learn so much about the world around you and more about yourself as a person. I lived six months in Aberystwyth and travelled whenever I wasn’t studying. It’s a long and emotional journey, I was uncontrollably crying once I got on the plane, being exhausted once I landed. But once I finally settled down and explored the town it became really exciting.
Aberystwyth is a such cute small town, with the most people sunsets by the pier. It was so relaxing listening to the waves. Unless it was a windy day of course, don’t get too close or the tides may get you wet. The people were the friendliest people I have ever met in my life. And I was someone who was worried about feeling alone, I can’t deny that sometimes you will, but you will most definitely make friends. Trust me, the fact that you’re from Australia will be enough to wow them! The best decision I made was joining a society, they literally have a society for almost any interest. They all do a social every week where you get to hang out, play drinking games (everywhere sells really cheap alcohol!) and dance at the clubs! I joined their musical theatre society and had an absolute blast, made so many friends (in my classes as well!) and made great memories I will never forget. I also got to be in their show, which was so much fun and an overall awesome experience!
For my first four months I stayed in a flat with other exchange students from America, Denmark and Netherlands. Which is awesome, you’ll have so many opportunities to meet people from all over the world! They’ll surely want to travel with you if you ever want to go somewhere. And If you’re worried about a language barrier in Aberystwyth, honestly do not worry! Most locals don’t even speak Welsh, every sign or email is half Welsh and half English. As for the classes; I studied Theatre, Film and Television Studies and found that the industries in the UK were far more developed and interesting to learn about. I found that my tutors taught me so much useful information that I never would have gotten in Perth.
Wales is known for it’s beautiful landscapes, it was pretty cold though! It actually snowed during my time in Aberystwyth, which apparently doesn’t happen. That was my very first time seeing snow fall so to me it was special, since we don’t get snow in Perth. I explored North Wales as well because I had family who were from Anglesey, which is so more more traditional to the Welsh culture. However, most Welsh speakers live up North, not many speak English! Beforehand I went to Winter Wonderland in Cardiff with friends and hike near the waterfalls at Devil’s Bridge. It was raining during my time at Devil’s Bridge was the hike was very slippery, I recommend going on a sunny day!
I also travelled around other places in the UK and Europe during the holidays. Such as London, Paris, Nice, Barcelona, Florence, Rome and so many more amazing places! I went on a Contiki tour, tours like this are much more affordable if you’re wanting to travel to multiple places. Which again you get to meet so many people and learn about the places you’re travelling too. The highlights for me were going on a bike ride near the pier in Nice and celebrating New Years in Florence! It was great see more of the world with new friends to have a little holiday before studying again!
If you are a student thinking about going on exchange, just go ahead and do it! Put some money aside and find the university/place that it best for you. You come back more independent, smarter and a better person! You’ll make amazing friends that you may come back to if you’re nearby. I know I won’t forget the experiences I’ve had living overseas and I don’t regret anything, even when things went wrong!
- Kamara studied abroad at Aberystwth University in Wales, United Kingdom
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