Jillian Garon - Trent Study Abroad Program

Q - Why did you decide to travel abroad?: I have wanted to study abroad for as long as I can remember and looking back England has always been a place I was interested in. Living there was something I have always wanted to do and having never moved before I wanted to experience some independence while also experiencing the world in a new way.

Q - Why did you choose to study at The University of Birmingham? How did you learn about it?: The transportation offered countless opportunities for easy travel in the country and to other countries. The institution itself had many options for courses in my degree, and I wanted a variety of choices.

Q - What was your experience like? What are some of the differences & similarities with Trent?: I wish that Trent students were more social and willing to join societies and non-serious sports! I had a great time joining the hiking society and found that most people I knew were involved in extracurriculars. The education of Trent was better in my opinion though, because it is geared more towards my way of learning and the learning I adhered to growing up.

Q - What did you find was the most challenging/difficult while abroad? : Coming home.

Q – Were you able to travel?: Yes! I was able to travel quite a bit, I ended up visiting a total of 10 Countries throughout my exchange! Being a full year exchange student gave me the opportunity and the time to fit in a lot of trips. Brimingham itself was a great home-base for travel as the transport is great and it has its own airport! Some of my favourite places I was able to travel are Croatia, Wales, The Netherlands, France, Italy and Malta.

Q - In your opinion, what would you say are the benefits of studying abroad? : I learnt so much about myself and how I want my future to look. I also learnt that you are capable of so much more than you may think. The absolute worst could happen, and you will always overcome it and have people around you and cheering for you, no matter which country you're in.

Q - Did you live in residence or off-campus, and how was that experience?: I lived on-campus in the vale village, and I absolutely loved it. I will always consider it my first home away from home! I got lucky and had some of the best flat mates and was able to learn so much about the UK through them, making adjusting to life so far away, so much easier. I'm truly not sure what I would've done without them and miss the late-night kitchen shenanigans all the time.

Q - What advice would you offer a student who is thinking about studying at your host institution and country?: Although Birmingham may not be the most picturesque city, the campus is beautiful, and the transportation makes it possible for you to visit so much of the UK. If you were to choose Birmingham, I highly recommend taking a trip to Cannon Hill Park or Winterbourne House and Garden, both of which are super close and accessible!

Q - What was one of your favourite memories from your time abroad?: I honestly can't choose a favourite, from late night laughs in the kitchen to hitchhiking in Wales this study abroad experience gave me some of the best memories I could ask for.

Q - If someone told you they were thinking about studying abroad but weren’t convinced they should, what would you tell them? : I think it all depends on what you're looking for in your experience! If you want to travel and visit as many countries as possible, I might encourage you to wait until you don't have any academic ties but if your goal is to be independent, meet other students and travel while doing so I can highly encourage a study abroad. As someone who had never lived outside of my family home, I took this study abroad as an equal opportunity to travel, gain independence and experience campus life for the first time. Overall, the experience will change you as a person forever and I have learnt so much because of my time away.