Marta Martinez – PR & Marketing Communications – Level 3
Southern Connecticut State University, USA
PRE-DEPARTURE
Embarking on my semester abroad in the US was an unexpected journey that unfolded just two months after the application deadline had passed. Initially, the idea of studying abroad hadn’t crossed my mind, until an email from Ann Turner, my program leader, illuminated the possibility of available spots and funding in some universities. Intrigued, I couldn’t shake off the “what if” that lingered in my thoughts throughout the week. Encouraged by this newfound curiosity, I reached out to Laura and Ann to unravel the steps required for the application process. Weeks of email exchanges, university research, and the actual application ensued. The thrilling moment arrived when I received the email confirming my acceptance to my first-choice destination—Southern Connecticut State University (SCSU) in the USA. However, the excitement was accompanied by a rigorous and lengthy process. Navigating through the intricacies, I had to secure a Visa, pay the SEVIS fee, and schedule a VISA interview in Madrid, Spain. The to-do list continued with the purchase of Mandatory Health Insurance, the selection of classes, and the completion of Mandatory Health Forms—ensuring that I had all the required vaccines for campus living. This pre-departure phase, though demanding, laid the groundwork for an adventure that promised to be as enriching as it was challenging.
FLYING TO NYC / FIRST WEEK
My adventure began with a flight across the Atlantic from Barcelona to the vibrant city that never sleeps – New York City. Touching down at JFK around 10 pm on the 24th of August, I made the deliberate choice to spend my first night in the city, allowing me to explore its iconic streets before going on to my final destination. The following day, I ventured to New Haven, my eventual home for the semester, and settled into my accommodation. On this day, I met Mollie and Charlotte, my flatmates, who were to become the most important individuals in my semester overseas. As the weekend progressed, my excitement increased as I met other exchange students who would quickly become my second family. From day one, our friendships grew stronger, and we found ourselves exploring the campus, going to Walmart, enjoying IHOP’s iconic pancakes, and even taking a spontaneous day trip back to New York City. An extended introduction day kicked off our first week, which turned out to be an adventure in itself. Along with a bag filled with information and university merchandise (a t-shirt, notebook, pen, mug, and backpack), the induction day also included an excellent breakfast, lunch and a lovely trip to IKEA and Aldi. SCSU never stopped fascinating us with its abundance of free events, making sure our days were full with unforgettable experiences. The university really turned into a centre of endless possibilities, with events like barbecues and bingo evenings with amazing prizes, to unique ice cream carts, delicious snacks, free clothes, creative painting sessions, and disco nights. The wide variety of activities during that first week set the tone for a semester full of adventures, friendships, and unforgettable memories.
HOUSING
Opting for on-campus accommodation, I was assigned to the North Campus Midrise apartments, a vibrant residence hall tailored for upper-class undergraduate students. Upon arrival, I found myself in flat 404, a cosy space shared with two exchange students from the UK and our unofficial flatmate, Cristina. What struck me the most was how lucky I was not to have a roommate, which allowed me the luxury of privacy in our flat. The residence hall offered everything needed for a comfortable stay, from the convenience of Roberta’s Marketplace, the on-campus convenience shop, to shared areas like the computer lab and laundry facilities. Our corridor, bustling with international students, fostered a sense of community that made adapting to life abroad feel effortless. Within a short time, Flat 404 became our favourite safe place, adorned with unique decorations from all across the university. With music playing constantly, our flat became a magnet for social gatherings and unplanned hangouts. And, as the semester progressed, our living room saw the addition of an extra sofa, later replaced by the spare bed in my room, accommodating the revolving door of friends and visitors. In 404, we not only shared meals and movie nights but also the laughter, tears, and cherished moments that defined our semester abroad. Our shared experiences, including caring for our beloved fish, Purple Pescado, transformed our accommodation into more than just a living space—it became a home away from home.
AMERICAN UNIVERSITY SYSTEM AND CAMPUS
Unlike the familiar structure back in Scotland, the American system revealed itself through a variety of weekly assignments, quizzes, midterms, and presentations. But what truly set the American classroom apart was the personal touch injected by the professors. During our initial week, as they introduced themselves, I found myself immersed in a cultural shock. Personal narratives unfolded, weaving stories of their early years, university experiences, previous jobs, and snippets about their families and friends. Compared to the more formal introductions in Scotland, this open sharing was a huge contrast. One unexpected difference was the reliance on textbooks, which is generally taken for granted in Scotland. In the US, it is typical to purchase expensive textbooks for every module. Luckily, I only needed to buy two. The majority of SCSU’s student body is from Connecticut, so I learned about their varied origins from this new academic environment. This demographic dynamic highlighted the depth of our differences and gave my cultural immersion a further dimension. The extensive university campus opened out to reveal a variety of buildings, all of which contributed to the overall learning atmosphere. Prominent buildings included the Academic Science and Laboratory Building, the Health and Human Services Building, and the School of Business. Beyond these highlights, though, each portion of the campus was thoughtfully planned to accommodate buildings filled with classrooms, study spaces, and other facilities. Moreover, a central hub of student life emerged, featuring the canteen, library, gymnasium, and the Adanti Student Centre. This area served as a nexus for diverse activities and events, offering a Dunkin’, a cafeteria with a wide array of food options, a fully-equipped gym, and key areas like the Multicultural Centre. Additionally, the campus boasted different fields dedicated to various sports, creating a dynamic and comprehensive environment for both academic and extracurricular pursuits.
Opting for the first semester allowed me to traverse the spectrum of New England’s seasons—summer, autumn, and winter—a sensory journey in itself. It also gifted me first-hand experiences of quintessentially American celebrations like Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. In the midst of all of this, the university’s Homecoming event offered a classic example of American college life.
TRAVELS
Thanks to our car-owning friends in Connecticut, our travels were varied and fascinating, taking us from Boston to the beach, from camping adventures in Sudbury, Massachusetts to the ethereal charm of Salem. Exploring several Connecticut towns and feeling the energy of an American arcade were only a taste of the fun that was to come. Additionally, the university provided us a free pass to public transportation around the state, which made it easier for us to travel and cut down on the expense of our trips to New York City (which we visited multiple times). On top of that, SCSU offered plenty of interesting events each week, including a memorable trip to the Big E in Springfield, Massachusetts—an iconic New England fair. During Thanksgiving break, my friends and I took advantage of the opportunity to fly to Miami, Florida—a trip that turned out to be unexpectedly affordable. Finally, as the semester came to the end, I prolonged my stay, spending a few weeks immersed in the vibrant atmospheres of New York City and Boston. After Christmas, I embarked on another incredible journey, this time up north to Canada to visit one of my best friends. I boarded a bus and travelled to Toronto, Niagara Falls, and St. Catherine’s, where I spent New Year’s Eve and the first few weeks of 2024. It was an experience that will always be treasured in my memory.
FINANCES
“Money comes and goes, but memories last forever” was one of the quotes that we cited on a daily basis. Budgeting for a semester abroad in the US can be a daunting task, but with careful planning and resourcefulness, it’s definitely manageable. I was fortunate to receive the Lisa Persdotter Simonyi funding, which covered a significant portion of my expenses including rent, visa fees, and a portion of my flight. This funding truly made my experience possible and I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity it provided. However, even with financial assistance, it’s important to have some savings set aside. Living in the US for 4-5 months without employment can strain your finances. Thankfully, my university offered several cost-saving amenities. For instance, we had access to free transport around the state, and the institution organized free weekly events including several types of products, including snacks and excellent food. Furthermore, the university provided essential services such as the Food Pantry, where students could obtain free food items each week. Additionally, there was the Sexuality and Gender Equality (SAGE) Centre which offered a room where students could access free clothing.
LAST WEEK
Our final week together was bittersweet. Amidst the sadness of parting ways, we seized every moment to create lasting memories. The highlight of these adventures was definitely celebrating my 21st birthday in New York City. Not too long after, we celebrated my flatmate’s birthday as well, marking yet another amazing episode in our adventure together. Each day was packed with activities that perfectly captured the essence of our time spent together. From strolling around cafes and pubs to going on spontaneous adventures, we enjoyed every moment knowing it would be our last. We said goodbye to our new friends with tears in our eyes, not knowing when our paths would cross again. Despite the heartache, our last week together was evidence of the relationships and memories we had made.
As I return to Europe, I carry with me a profound sense of gratitude for the ways in which this semester has shaped me. I learned numerous things about the subtle elements of ordinary life and the diversity that shapes American society, going beyond the representations found in movies and social media. This journey has not only broadened my understanding of global cultures but has also deepened my perspective on marketing strategies across continents. The lessons learned inside and outside the classroom have transformed me into a more enlightened and empathetic person.
Lastly, I would like to thank Laura Stevenson and Ann Turner for their constant assistance, both of whom were crucial in assisting me in navigating the early stages of this journey. I would also like to express my gratitude to Lisa, whose incredible fund was crucial in achieving all of my objectives. Last but certainly not least, I would like to express my deepest appreciation for the unforgettable impact that Mollie, Charlotte, Cristina, Felipe, Dom, and Minjae created. Their company and friendship have made the entire experience absolutely remarkable.
