Andrew Preston – Business Management – Level 3
Eastern Connecticut State University, USA
Studying abroad has always been a personal ambition of mine, particularly in the United States. When I found out that QMU offered an exchange program with American partner universities, I saw it as the ideal opportunity to experience both academic and cultural life overseas. As I am pursuing a career in finance, the idea of gaining international exposure felt both exciting, necessary and professionally valuable.
Pre-Exchange Semester
Before my exchange semester, I was studying towards my HND with Fife College while researching and applying to universities. ºÚÁÏÉçÇø’s exchange programme stood out to me, as I’d always wanted to move to the United States, and this felt like the perfect chance to experience life there, even just for a semester. ºÚÁÏÉçÇø also has a strong academic reputation, so it was a no-brainer, I listed it as my main choice on my UCAS application.
Once I received my offer, I immediately contacted the study abroad team to get a head start and begin researching the partner universities, reviewing available modules, and getting an idea of where I’d like to go. Eventually, it was narrowed down to Eastern Connecticut State University as my destination. From there, I ensured I was in regular contact with Chris Drewry, the exchange coordinator at Eastern, to learn more about the university, its accommodation options, and the steps needed to secure my place.
The U.S. visa process was definitely one of the more challenging aspects, as there was no clear guide, and it was quite hard to figure out which website to use for each step. Initially, I thought I had applied, but I didn’t realise I had to go through a separate website to book my in-person interview, and I only realised this once I hadn’t received any follow-up emails. Once I figured that out, things went more smoothly. I travelled down to the U.S. Embassy in London for my interview, where I was asked a few basic questions and had to show my DS-2019 form. Shortly after approval, they returned my passport, complete with the visa stamp. It was officially time for the states!
Arriving in Connecticut
My journey involved flying from Edinburgh to Dublin for U.S Customs, followed by a long layover in Washington, D.C. before finally landing in Hartford, Connecticut. Due to the late arrival, I spent my first night in a hotel, and the next morning, my exchange coordinator picked me up, and we collected my accommodation keys and university ID card.
After just one night, I took advantage of the jet lag and boarded a 6am train to New York City. I had pre-booked a return ticket for around $40 and spent the full day exploring the city. I walked over 40,000 steps and saw all the iconic landmarks. That night, I returned to campus, and one of my roommates had just moved in. I was welcomed by Liam, who was watching UFC in a cowboy hat! Truly a proper American introduction!
University Culture
I had the time of my life at Eastern. I met so many incredible people who I am grateful to call my friends. One thing I would recommend for anyone going on exchange alone is to go into student accommodation and get random roommates. It’s the pathway of meeting new people and building strong connections. I initially had considered staying off campus, but I’m very grateful I didn’t, as living in student housing made it easy to make friends, get around campus, and feel involved in university life.
There are always things to do on or around campus, such as going to the gym and partying. If you get bored at Eastern, the University of Connecticut (UCONN) is 10-15 minutes up the road, and they have plenty of places to eat, drink and more. There were very few times I was actually bored during my time abroad.
Eastern also have many different clubs you can join that have many incredible opportunities you can take up. For example, the Finance Club went on a tour of Liberty Bank, which provided a great networking opportunity. We met directors, talent acquisition specialists, and various other employees and learned about different roles and opportunities.
Travelling Around
As an exchange student in the U.S., I could not work under the student visa. That, however, gave me plenty of free time to travel and explore. I visited New York City multiple times, went to Miami during spring break, explored Boston, and took a very memorable trip to New Hampshire.
The New Hampshire trip was the most memorable. It was for Liam's graduation party, and around 14 of us rented out an old four-story firehouse. It had been converted into an Airbnb with multiple bedrooms and game rooms. We spent two nights up there at the end of the semester. It was an unforgettable experience and a great way to say goodbye to most of my friends before I left America and travelled to Canada, where I spent 2 weeks on a road trip and 1 week in Montreal with my friends from Scotland, who flew over to spend the last week with me!
Reflection and Conclusion
Looking back, my exchange semester was one of the most transformative experiences of my academic journey. I developed even greater independence and greater confidence. Being immersed in a different culture helped me to grow personally, and the friendships I formed have already stood the test of distance. Professionally, the experience has enhanced my interest and solidified the goal of moving out to the U.S. to work in finance.
If I had the chance, I would do it all over again. I would strongly encourage any student considering an exchange semester to take the leap. It comes with its challenges, but the rewards in growth, learning, and memories are absolutely 100% worth it.
