Sebastian Somers

Sebastian Somers from The University of Exeter visited The College of William & Mary

The semester I spent at the College of William & Mary, Virginia was without doubt the highlight of my time at university. Not only was I able to take advantage of outstanding academic and sporting facilities, set in a beautiful and permanently sunny campus, but I was able to experience American culture as an insider rather than a tourist. It was fantastic to be part of a culture that is so different from our own and, as I travelled around, to see how this differed across America. In addition to having a massive amount of fun, my professors made my subject interesting and I met a large and very diverse bunch of friendly Americans, many of whom I hope will be friends for life. I am so glad that I took the opportunity to study in the United States and would strongly recomend anyone else to do the same, you won't regret it!

Peter Duncan

Peter Duncan from The University of Wales, Aberystwyth visited The University of Montana

I think taking part in the study abroad scheme is the most worthwhile thing I have ever done. I cannot remember being as happy as I have been while living in Montana. Studying abroad is a great way to meet many remarkable and inspiring people (I have made great friends from Japan, Serbia, Saudi Arabia, Morocco, France, Turkey, Malaysia, Taiwan, Chille, Tajikstan, and probably another 20 countries in addition). What I have learned from these people is an education in itself, in addition to meeting many great people from Montana. I think the standards in American Universities seem to be very high, and I have certainly learned a great deal since starting my forestry course. I would recommend a study abroad to anyone. I don't think there are many more inspirational and fulfilling ways to spend a year.

Robert Foxell

Robert Foxell from The University of Exeter visited The University of Denver

Choosing to study abroad in the United States for a semester has been the best decision I have ever made! Getting the chance to live and study with people from various countries is a fantastic opportunity. You get to learn about everything from their politics, to their culture and way of life, which is surprisingly different to that of the United Kingdom. During my time at the University of Denver, I managed to visit a number of other cities in the U.S, as well as getting some time in the nearby ski resorts once the snow started falling! I wouldn't hesitate to recommend this to anyone considering the idea of studying abroad. It's been an amazing eye opener, and as well as this, I've made some great friends which I'm sure will last a lifetime.

Whitney Scott

Whitney Scott from Colgate University visited The University of Manchester

Studying abroad allowed me to learn so many things about the world and its people. I was fortunate enough to travel to Ireland, Scotland, France, Italy, and also to explore England in great detail. By learning about these other cultures through interaction with diverse people, I was able to examine what little there was of my own culture and understand just how I want to live my life. I matured in a way that I know I could not have by staying in America because I would have never faced outside perspectives of my nation. More simply, I can see my life through different eyes, gaining impeccable wisdom and furthering my chance for success.

Rebecca Matheson

Rebecca Matheson from The University of Miami visited The University of East Anglia

My name is Rebecca Matheson. I attend the University of Miami in Florida. I studied in Norwich,England at the University of East Anglia.

I cannot begin to describe what an adventure it was to study in Britain. The country has a character that inspires fantasy. It only makes sense that characters like Harry Potter, Mr. Darcy, and the children of Narnia were conceived here. From London to Norwich to Cambridge and Kent, there is a beauty that pervades Britain- it is unlike anything I have encountered elsewhere in the world. I was there in the fall, when the leaves were changing and the brisk air of winter began enchanting us students. The countryside was whimsical and charming in the winter. I enjoyed it, and I miss it now. But even more beautiful than the place, were the people. I met so many people, and I share so many memories with the students at the University of East Anglia. Two of my flat mates have become two of my closest friends, and I know one ocean will not keep us parted for long. The memories I made in Britain will stay in my heart. I learned so much, from cooking to adapting to a new environment to learning British phrases, and I cannot thank the Butex scholarship foundation more. The scholarship awarded to me made all the difference. I was able to see more of Britain and more of Europe. The experience I had on my fall semester abroad has helped me grow and learn, and I will not forget such generosity. Butex has given me the opportunity of a lifetime, and I am eternally grateful for such a wonderful adventure!

Connine Liang

Connine Liang from The University of North Carolina visited The University of Glasgow

Studying abroad is the chance to explore, to go and just take a look. It's an experience to restore your curiosity, to get lost in a new city and be immersed in something different. Terrifying, but wonderfully so. Of course, anyone can travel anytime; but when you study abroad, you're a student learning to live, to grow and to study among other students. You're a young traveler, going on adventures not found in tour guides or textbooks. The journey rejuvenates the mind and those stimulated nerves follow you home, and before you know it, you're turning every corner seeing something new.

Christine Baver

Christine Baver from Pacific Lutheran University visited The University of Aberdeen

Study abroad is an exhilarating way to see chaos in a more orderly fashion, or order in chaos as often we all try to make sense of the world.
When you place yourself with new place with new people, you see who you are, your strengths and weakness. You may not see your place in the world, but you explore your limits, limits than you cannot test unless you go. It may be hard and frustrating, or beautiful and joyful, or maybe a little of both, but will you ever know unless you go?

Kelsey Hanf

Kelsey Hanf from Wellesley College visited The School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London

Studying abroad in London has given me a variety of opportunities I could never have had at home and SOAS?s unique international development programme has allowed me to really specialise in the field I hope to pursue. Furthermore, I have been able to work with refugees and study with people from many of the areas I hope to work in some day. On a person level, it has helped me grow as an independent person and learn how to take care of myself in an entirely new environment. Its been a really exciting year and an excellent addition to my university experience.