I’m from the United States so definitely a ways away. I’d lived in a big city, Atlanta, before, but cities in the U.S. are quite different. I traded out skyscrapers and honking cars for old architecture and walkable streets. Before I would drive everywhere and most of the buildings were similar, but here I’ve loved that I can reach anything I need (groceries, pubs, movies, etc.) within a 25-minute walk–and the walk actually feels safe. I do miss some of the greenery I had in undergrad and my hometown, but I do have the option to venture out with the metro or trains.
One of my favourite parts of studying at Newcastle has been the people I’ve met. My program is filled with students from different countries who have exposed me to a wide range of cultures and perspectives. I genuinely love to hear about my friends’ backgrounds and it always sparks interesting conversations and creates strong bonds amongst us. One of my goals while studying abroad was to widen my views on the world, especially being a part of the International Multimedia Journalism program. I’ve certainly broadened my perspectives by sharing this journey with the friends I’ve made and continue to make.
When it comes to the actual student element, it has been a bit of an adjustment. I was jump-scared seeing a number that would be considered poor in the U.S. but great here. I’m sorry but the pass, merit, and distinction rubric confuses me; please do ABCD I beg you.
Additionally, I’ve been thrown off by the weight of the final grades being placed on 1-2 assessments often at the end of the semester. In the U.S. there are often weekly assignments and participation elements that contribute to your grade, on top of a final assessment. This change was a little bit scary for me, being that most of the pressure was heavy just at the end of the semester and carried over the winter holidays.
Now for the most obvious question: are you homesick? Yes and no. I miss stupid, little things, as I assume every international student does. I miss driving to Target with no real purpose but to look at the Lego section and hopefully find a new chemical-filled snack I don’t need. I miss Chick-fil-A, Chipotle, and Raising Canes (McDonald’s isn’t cutting it and it tastes different here I swear). And I miss my friends and family of course.
At the same time, I don’t want to return to the U.S. for the next 4 years. If you consume any media, you can guess why.
It’s been hard watching it all break apart from afar, grappling with the fact that I won’t return soon, and sorting through feelings of concern for everyone in my life back home. I know U.S. Americans are probably the first to make fun of their country, and I certainly do, but also consider those feelings bubbling underneath before you make a sly remark to your U.S. American peers.
Overall, I’m happy to call Newcastle my hyem (geordie for home) and can’t wait to see what the next few months (and hopefully, years) bring.