How did I get here?

As I lay outside my apartment soaking up the hot California sun by the pool, I think to myself...ah, paradise. I can't believe I'm here...and to think that if I hadn't decided to go to university, then I wouldn't be here! Maybe it was for the best that I didn't pursue a career in performing instead.

Stirling Castle

My university in Scotland offers students the opportunity to study abroad for a year or semester. It was something I had always planned to do, but when I was clearing out my room one day, I found a booklet about it and decided to find out more about it. Luckily, I hadn't missed the information session held by the Study Abroad Office.

I remember sitting in a large lecture theatre, where a vast amount of other second-year students were also sitting. Older students, who had studied abroad the year before, told us about their experiences and that they all had an amazing time. Some of them mentioned that in America there are more opportunities to take film production courses as film is taken more seriously as an academic area of study. This immediately gained my interest as this was the reason I had chosen to study at the University of Stirling. 

The previous exchange students also mentioned that it there were only limited spaces available and that it had been expensive - but worth it. I remember thinking I have no chance. I only worked part-time in Homebase, a DIY store and had competition with hundreds of other students also.

Even so, I thought it's better filling out an application form with a chance of being considered for an interview, than doing nothing at all. And I was right. I got an interview, only to find out weeks later that I had been accepted and was given a place at the University of California! 

It goes to show that you are best trying to achieve something and being rejected than not trying at all. You really never know, you might be lucky!

To find out how I managed to arrange my finances to go abroad, become a follower and check out the blog next week!

Goodbye Glasgow!

Glasgow International Airport

I sit in the airport, nervously waiting. I know as soon as I get on the plane my life will change forever.

Destination? Amsterdam...although I'm only transferring there. Final destination? Kansas City International Airport, MO. Missouri? I thought I was going to Kansas!

Before this trip, I had never flown by myself previously, let alone take three flights halfway across the world to America. Where was I heading? Lawrence, Kansas to study for six months as a film major at KU (University of Kansas). Then I was transferring to the University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB) for another six months to complete my third year.

Goodbye to all my family and friends! I remember as I hugged and kissed my mother and sister before I went through airport security. It took all my strength not to burst into tears. I didn't realise just how much I would miss them after several weeks.

I was an international exchange student from Glasgow, Scotland and it seemed only by luck that I ended up in the States in the first place. I have many experiences to share. To find out how I managed to study abroad, check out the blog next week as I continue to write about my experiences. Thanks for reading!