Leanne Peres da Silva | UCB Study Abroad

What led you to study abroad? Why did you choose your country/program?

When I heard that Physics, a prerequisite for my major, was being offered during the summer as a part of the summer study abroad program at the University of Sussex, I was excited about the prospect of learning in a new country. I felt that such an opportunity would definitely fulfill my curiosity both my academically as a student and personally as an adventurer. Because the University of Sussex is one of the top 20 UK universities, I was confident that this university would provide the exposure, experience, and development I sought while I was studying physics. Thus, I chose this study abroad opportunity in order to be exposed to different study methodologies as well as learn new practices and customs in England.

What was the most interesting cultural experience you had abroad?

In Britain, I did not experience any drastic cultural shocks, because everyone spoke English and most places were very similar. Upon my arrival, I found the English accents to be very intriguing but occasionally difficult to understand, especially during some physics lectures. I found the food in Brighton and London to also be very different, but enjoyable!

What was the biggest challenge/concern of your study abroad experience? How did you respond?

While I was initially a little nervous to take an important course subject abroad, my learning abroad extended to more than just study material. My experiences abroad taught me to hone my social abilities as well as learn how to adapt to new ideas and cultural expectations. While studying abroad, I always went to office hours when I required additional help and found myself becoming a more attentive listener in my new work environment. In addition, I also joined study groups with people from the other UC schools.

Describe a typical day for you abroad.

Typically, my morning would start with me heading to my discussion or lab section (they would alternate days). After this class, I would usually have a couple hours before my assigned Physics lecture to study and catch up on homework. After the lecture I would sometimes continue studying or spend the day at Brighton with friends.

What coursework did you take while abroad? How did courses abroad compare with Berkeley classes?

I decided to take Physics 8A and 8B while I studied abroad for 2 months at the University of Sussex. While studying abroad, I felt that the material was slightly easier than Berkeley classes, but it was taught at a significantly faster pace.

What was the most memorable/meaningful aspect of your time abroad?

I loved going to the many different tourist sites in England, especially Bath and Stonehenge. The most memorable aspect of my time abroad was being able to go to the Warner Bros. Studio Tour in London. Being able to see where Harry Potter was filmed, look the movie props, and drink Butterbeer fulfilled all my childhood wizarding fantasies.

What impact did studying abroad have on you personally?

After my study abroad experience in Sussex, I believe that I return back to California renewed and rejuvenated from my educational and cultural experiences abroad. This experience inspired me to continue traveling to different countries in order to gain personal growth and gather new experiences.

What would you recommend to students considering studying abroad, especially to your country or program?

I would definitely recommend this program to other students who are interested to studying abroad. Not only was this course very interesting, but being close to Brighton and a train ride away from London made the experience very enjoyable.