Radar’s own Anna is currently studying abroad in America. Read her updates to find out if study abroad is something you would like to do!
I have been in Cookeville, Tennessee for a few months now where I’m studying for my first semester of third year at my new university Tennessee Tech.
I’m going to be honest; living here is quite an adjustment. You hear people go on about how studying abroad is going to be the best time of your life but it can take some time to get used to.
The town I’m living in is in the bible belt of America so it’s quite religious and TTU is a dry campus, which means no drinking! So going from halls of residence that are known for partying to living in very quiet halls is quite strange but at least you’re guaranteed nobody knocking on your door in the middle of the night, something I really don’t miss.
As soon as you move here it is not hard to notice that southern hospitality is definitely a real thing; everybody here is so friendly and welcoming. The first week when the international students arrived there were lots of events that were put on for us such as people opening up their homes for dinners and lunches.
Although I’m at an American university I have been able to meet people from all over the world from places such as Germany, Sweden to Japan. There’s also another Scottish girl who studies at RGU, we never knew each other before but thankfully have become really good friends. Sometimes you’re going to really miss home so I am glad to have a fellow Scot with me.
Another good friend I’ve made is my roommate. Having a roommate was such a weird and new concept to me as even though I have a sister we never had to share a room so I was pretty nervous about this. If you’re an international student you’re usually paired up with an American roommate, which is handy as they can show you around and it’s even better when they have a car. I love to socialise but also love my own company but thankfully this was quite an easy adjustment to make.
I picked my university on location but thankfully the courses I am taking are really interesting and I think I will learn a lot about being a journalist in America, one day I’d love to live and work here so I’m pleased I’m enjoying studying here. Compared to RGU though there is a lot more coursework and frequent tests but I’ve been doing quite well so far so let’s hope this continues!
Something that I definitely don’t miss about the grey city of Aberdeen is the weather, I have been loving the hot weather and being able to sit out in the sunshine. Some of my favourite memories so far have been getting to see Nick Jonas, going to Dolly Parton’s theme park Dollywood, and even just going out for dinner in downtown Cookeville which reminds me of Stars Hollow in Gilmore Girls.