I had always wanted to spend time studying in the US, which was one of the reasons I chose to come to the University of Sussex. Few other places have the same choice of study abroad destinations in the US for law joint programmes – my degree is in law with American studies, and I was guaranteed a year abroad place in the US, which is unusual for law students at other universities.
So I spent my third year studying at the University of California, Berkeley – my dream destination. I wanted Berkeley specifically, because the famously liberal ethos of the school fits well with my personal interests as a law student: they focus on public interest law as well as commercial and corporate law.
The biggest difference between studying in the US and at Sussex is that at American colleges you don’t work so independently – the class load is bigger but you’re given much more guidance on assignments. It was a big contrast between my experience at Sussex, where you’re expected to come up with original thoughts and ideas on your own.
One of my most interesting experiences while I was away was getting involved with Berkeley’s Teach in Prison programme. We spent time tutoring inmates at San Quentin State Prison, helping them improve their maths, reading and writing. Being inside the prison was intimidating at first, but the prisoners themselves were friendly and polite – they just wanted to learn. Getting such a first-hand knowledge of the US prison system was eye-opening, and something I’ll never forget.
As well as keeping on top of my classes and extracurricular commitments, I also managed to fit in some travelling – weekend trips in California, Christmas in New Jersey and spring break in Seattle – I had some great adventures. Living so far away from home was challenging at times, but keeping in touch with my friends and family via social media helped me cope.
Before we went, the study abroad team’s advice was basically “don’t worry about it, just go,” and I agree with that. It can be daunting to set off to a new university in a faraway country but you’ve just got to seize the opportunity and go for it. Everyone who went away at the same time as me says it’s been the best year of their life so far.
I’m just about to graduate from Sussex with a first-class degree, and I’m so excited about the future. I don’t know exactly what I’ll do next but since I’ve enjoyed the university experience so much I’m considering doing a master’s. I hope eventually to work abroad in public interest law or in human rights – maybe I’ll even make it back to America.
Find out more about study abroad programmes at the University of Sussex.
New opportunities for American students
Of course, study abroad works in both directions, and at the University of Sussex we host students from around the world, who join us for a semester or year. Sussex is pleased to announce it has recently joined the Generation Study Abroad initiative, which aims to double the number of American students choosing to spend part of their degrees at universities overseas. We look forward to welcoming more American students to our campus very soon.
