Rosemary Harris is currently spending her Year Abroad at the University of California, Santa Barbara.
I was so excited about going off on my year abroad that I don’t think the reality of it set in until I was on the 12 hour flight from Heathrow to LA. Stepping off the plane the first thing that hit me was the heat, this is something it has taken me several weeks of hiding in the shade to adjust to. My roommates thought I was joking when I said we have to wear a top, hoody and a coat in the winter, it was 18 degrees today and one of the girls was wearing a winter coat and a scarf – such madness.
When people ask me why I chose Santa Barbara it’s not hard to run off a long list of reasons. My accommodation is only a 5 minute walk from a beautiful beach, this has already lead to several seaside BBQ’s and beach volleyball lessons. Although if you aren’t up to the walk there’s a pool at the accommodation which is more than enough to get away from the heat.
I’m pleased to say that studying abroad has offered me more than just a beach and amazing weather; this year I am able to take classes that are not available at my home university, I have found the choice of classes unbelievable and am struggling to pick just 3/4 to take each quarter.
Going on a year abroad is a once in a lifetime experience and I would encourage anyone to apply. I’m only 2 weeks in and already I have hiked up a mountain and seen dolphins in the wild. You will never get another opportunity like this!