Many students on campus think about studying abroad during their four years here at UMass, and take into consideration all of the nerves and excitement that must usurp when embarking on such an academic adventure. However, have you ever thought of what international students think when they arrive at UMass from foreign countries? Lydia Brown, a junior on campus, travelled here from England as a part of her college’s study-abroad program and has granted a new perspective that many may find both insightful and fascinating.

 

Q: How do you like living on campus, and living on Orchard Hill so far?

A: It’s a real difference because I lived in halls my first year, and then in a house last year, so it is different being back in the controlled environment. Orchard Hill is tough with the hill and a long way away from everything, but yeah it is okay. It’s weird having a roommate as well.

 

Q: Did you have your own room in the house last year?

A: Yeah. People in England don’t share rooms, even in the university, so it was a real shock coming here and having to change that, and having someone in your personal space. There’s not even an option of roommates there. 

 

Q: Oh wow, I didn’t know that! So, where exactly are you from in England?

A: I am originally from the South of England called Salisbury, it’s by Stonehenge. I go to University of Sussex which is in Brighton which is still south, it is just on the coast.

 

Q: Cool! Okay, so what do you want to do with your major? What is your dream?

A: I am actually a real rubbish person to ask because I don’t really want to do anything with my major. I actually want to be an interior designer. English is what I always was good at so I carried it on to this stage, but I really enjoy it so it evens out. 

 

Q: Do you have any plans to help in becoming an interior designer after college?

A: Yeah, there is a course that I want to do for a year after, and then get work experience from a few family friends. 

 

Q: How have you liked this year so far, and how has your experience been?

A: It’s been really different. I have actually been sick up until now, and I am getting over it now. It has also been hard to adjust to- I know this sounds weird but- to the different cultures and customs of Americans. It is quite hard coming in as a junior as well because everyone’s kind of gotten their own friendship groups already, everyone’s kind of settled; there’s not anyone the same age as me around- everyone is younger, so it can be quite hard to fit in. The workload is ridiculous as well compared to English Uni.

 

Q: Okay so, what would you consider your greatest talent, or a personal quirk?

A: I think that I can give good advice. I can’t always take it, like when my friends tell me advice I never take it and never listen to it, but I can give it and always cheer up my friends by putting things in perspective. 

 

Q: What’s your greatest success so far in life?

A: Probably getting into my university was quite a big success because I had issues and problems before and I was able to conquer them and get in, even though I wasn’t originally going to take the exams and stuff. So, probably getting into my university.

 

Q: Why did you choose UMass for study abroad and what was your reason for coming here?

A: It was kind of the east coast that I wanted to go to. It looked really pretty and picturesque, and it is not too far from England because the west coast is about an extra eight hours. I could easily just jump on a plane home and it would only take around 6 or 7 hours. If you think about it, this is in the middle of England and California. I don’t know that it is the same distance-it must be more to England- but it is the same time period flying...it’s weird. On the way back it only takes about 6 hours, on the way here it takes 8 to 10. 

 

Q: That’s so cool! Now, granted you have only been here a little while, but do you have a favorite professor so far? 

A: Yeah, I do! He’s called James Young and he teaches my “Representing the Holocaust” class and I like his way of teaching because it is very relaxed and I feel like I can be more confident in talking just because it is that relaxed. There’s not a pressure from the teaching, which is what I’m kind of used to at home; it’s kind of more discussion based rather than being in a classroom and told what to do. I also just think he is really wise, and he’s met loads of people. He met the Pope the other day, and he just knows a lot about his field and I respect that because it is 

what he does all the time. I like that- he’s cool.

 

Q: Do you feel like you have gotten involved at UMass or have any clubs that you like to go to?

A: I haven’t quite gotten stuck in yet because it’s been busy just getting settled, dealing with the work load, and just getting used to it. Hopefully, I will next term.

 

Q: What is your greatest fear, if you have one?

A: It’s really dark, but probably dying. Or a family member dying, or just death in general.

 

Q: What is the craziest thing you have ever done?

A: Maybe just going to Vietnam by myself, and travelling by myself. 

 

Q: Have you gone to a lot of places?

A: Well I have been to loads around Europe, but Vietnam was when I went completely by myself. I didn’t know anyone and I made friends there. I meant to go to Australia last year but it didn’t work out, and then obviously I came to America before, but mostly just Europe.

 

Q: Okay, now this is the last one, and it’s pretty simple: do you have any Halloween costume plans?

A: Yeah, I’m going to be a unicorn!