Anashe Barton
Q&A
I chose to study abroad because I realized this would be the most inexpensive and free time I have in my career to move abroad without the permanent issues of changing citizenship. I wanted to experience life in the United Kingdom, especially since I may go there for my PhD.
I spent my Spring Break traveling throughout Europe and I had a fantastic time in Portugal where I made life long friends and spent time fully immersing myself in the culture and history of the place.
I was concerned about making friends, loneliness, and homesickness. Luckily I found a tight knit group of friends who did a lot of things together like weekly dinners and going out to pubs. It was a fantastic time and I made so many new friendships.
I'd go to school, come home and go for a job, perhaps go back to the library to study, then go out with friends in the evening for dinner/drink/event.
I took a French language class, and two law-related courses. I felt two of them were definitely less demanding than a Berkeley course (especially since you're only tested until the very end), and one was comparable.
Really immersing myself in a new way of life; living like a local in a different country and making friends who came from other countries as well. I really appreciate British (Scottish) culture, I appreciate walking everywhere, I appreciate the slowed down vibe and the completely different climate. I am looking forward to when I go back!
I've grown in a lot of ways. I'm definitely more sure of myself and confident I can handle the logistics of travelling alone. I am more likely to approach strangers and create happen-chance friendships, and I am a lot more aware about what people from other parts of the globe are like and think like
Absolutely! Scotland is cold in the winter, so I might advise going in the Fall. But 100% recommend students to try Edinburgh.