Zoe Shields - Spalding University, Louisville, Kentucky, USA

Study USA Programme 2023/24

"I found it comfortable as I had been backpacking and travelling before, so I had a bit of experience behind me."

Memorable moments

I had the most amazing and memorable year in America. I was able to join a college lacrosse team, a sport I was not familiar with, and thrived by travelling across the country to play matches. At our end-of-year banquet, which they organised to celebrate the team's achievements, I was awarded the Attitude Award.

During my year, I did some travelling, from Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, to spending the summer in New York State, working and riding for a very established equestrian yard. These experiences were once-in-a-lifetime, and I will never forget them!
However, my favourite part of the year was meeting some incredible friends. They invited me into their family homes for Thanksgiving and Christmas. I will always remember their generosity.

New place, new culture

I found that Americans were just as friendly and welcoming as people back home. On several occasions, I was invited to my friends' houses for the weekend, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. However, I found the food to be a significant adjustment, with so many fast-food restaurants, and some foods didn’t match the quality I was accustomed to back home.

Challenges going abroad

From the moment I arrived at Spalding, I was faced with challenges, from meeting new friends to adjusting to classes. When I decided to join the lacrosse team, my coach told me to "get comfortable being uncomfortable" due to learning a completely new sport and the challenges that came with it. Some may say the phrase is a bit "cheesy," but I found it to be true and carried it with me throughout the year.

My biggest challenge was not returning home to see my family during my time abroad, as I spent Christmas with my friend's family and missed some important events. To cope with being so far from home, we regularly FaceTimed and kept in touch.

Making friends

The Americans at my college were very friendly and welcomed me with open arms, and I was able to form some lifelong friendships. However, looking back to when I first arrived at Spalding, I didn’t think it would be so easy to make new friends. I feel incredibly grateful to have formed such valuable relationships along the way.

Travelling and sightseeing

Travelling around America was fascinating, and because it's such a large country, each state is different. The opportunities were endless as there is something for everyone. I went swimming in a quarry, camped with friends on the beach, and attended a few rodeos.

By joining the lacrosse team, I had the opportunity to travel to various states, including Wisconsin and Ohio. I also travelled to Nashville, Tennessee, for my 21st birthday and took a trip to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, with friends.
After my classes had finished, I was offered the opportunity to work at a top-class equestrian yard over the summer. This was an incredible experience, and I was able to significantly improve my horse riding, which was invaluable.

Advice

Do it! I had the best year of my life and made unforgettable memories and amazing friends. It will help you grow so much as an individual. It's scary at first, but it's definitely worth the risk.