JMU Journalism sports student Zoe Woodward blogs about her exciting year studying abroad in California as part of her degree course.
From the moment I started at LJMU, I knew that I wanted to make the most of this part of my life.
Along with new experiences as part of my sports journalism degree, another way I did this was by taking advantage of the global opportunities team at the university.
In my first year, I took part in one of the summer schools in Shanghai, where we made ten-minute documentaries about our cultural differences.
Despite being apprehensive before going, this adventure turned out to be one of the best in my life.
Upon returning, I made one of the biggest decisions I had made since being at university as I applied to the year study abroad programme.
It has always been a dream of mine to travel the world and live abroad at some point, so throwing myself into a year overseas felt like the right thing for me.
Although I was nervous about the experience, I knew that I wouldn’t regret it – just like I hadn’t with China.
Sport is a huge passion of mine, especially American football, so I chose the USA as my destination, more specifically San Jose in the Bay Area.
I am now halfway through my study abroad and I have just had the most surreal and incredible time!
There has definitely been some ‘pinch me’ moments, such as going to Levi’s Stadium for my first San Fransico 49ers game, and visiting Hawaii for Thanksgiving and my 21st birthday.
In addition to these moments, I have also had the opportunity to be in the press box for division one college football games, and featured on the college radio station, KSJS 90.5FM.
There have of course been times when I’ve missed home, but by throwing myself into this experience, I have met the most amazing people from around the world and made true friends for life.
I have learnt so much about American culture, university life there and enhanced my journalism skills too.
For anyone considering applying to do the same thing, I would say do it 100%. You never know when you will get a chance like this again, especially with how much support LJMU give you.
It is nerve racking at the start, but you will find your place and people in no time!