Emma Lynch - Warren Wilson College, North Carolina, USA

Study USA 2022/23

“I think it’s been so valuable stepping out of my comfort zone and making friends from all over the world.”

The American college experience

Warren Wilson is a work college in North Carolina with an on campus farm. It has only 600 students and small class sizes makes for a very personal teaching style.

International orientation happened a week before normal orientation, so I formed a close bond with other internationals before meeting all the Americans. Everyone is so friendly and I think the small campus size made making friends very easy.

During my time here I explored surrounding states, volunteered with Beloved Villages in creating affordable microhomes.

Memorable moments

The Swannanoa river runs through the campus and so when the weather is nice we go down there to swim between classes. I have also had the chance to travel throughout different states which has been nice, especially with Warren Wilson being very rural.

Time outside the classroom

Sports are massive in American culture and I have enjoyed attending basketball and baseball games. I also enjoyed spending my first thanksgiving in America.

I have travelled to Atlanta and Raleigh. Over spring break I am going to Puerto Rico for a week and I have plans to visit Washington DC and New York.

Challenges

Public transport is very sparse in Swannanoa and sometimes I feel very dependable on my peers. Everyone is very willing to help out though.

Advice

I would definitely recommend Study USA to anyone interested. It’s a great way to get out of your comfort zone and make friends all over the world.