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Student experience at SUNY Albany

Steffan spent 1 academic year (2016-2017) studying at The State University of New York at Albany as part of his American Studies degree. Here are some of the comments he made about his experience: 

 

 

The State University of New York at Albany

"I felt that undertaking an exchange student programme would make me a much more worldly and confident person. Undertaking a year of education under the American Higher Education system, was a very rewarding experience, as it encouraged me to undertake tasks that I wouldn’t normally expect to face during my time at Swansea University." 

Steffan Lewis, Albany

Challenges

"I found it rather difficult to establish a close friendship with some of the other American students. This may be due to the fact that, both my accommodation and classes were for students in their 3rd year or above, and so by this point many had their own established friend groups and circles, and breaking into any of those groups was rather difficult for someone who isn’t that naturally forward or confident like myself. Nonetheless, I still managed to get to know many American students rather well, and the other exchange students that I did make friends with, were some of the closest I’ve had, as we were all able to experience everything new together, which I felt made us become such close friends."

"Getting used to the American Higher Education system was a challenge at first. They have a significant number of tests, quizzes and examinations throughout a semester compared to the UK. I had to dedicate a lot more of my own time to studying and preparing for classes. In addition to this, one minor aspect that caused a few headaches was the difference in spelling between the U.S. and the UK."

Biggest Highlights

"I visited 15 states and even travelled to Canada which is something I didn’t even consider before leaving on my year abroad. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed travelling and it’s certainly been a highlight of this opportunity."

"Spending almost a year in America meant that I was able to experience an endless number of holidays and traditions that aren’t typically celebrated in the UK. From grand holidays and events like 'Thanksgiving' and the 'Superbowl' to the more minute holidays such as ‘Labor Day’. You certainly get to experience a whole range of events you wouldn’t in the UK."

"The photo perfectly represents my time in America as in order to get to where it was taken (just like my time in America), there were some challenges on the way, but ultimately at the end of it all it's been an amazing experience and one I won't forget for a long time."