From Small Classes to Big Lectures: My Study Abroad Experience

Hello, my name is Erica Viklund, and I am a third-year student at Richmond American University London, studying Management and Marketing and have recently finished my study abroad experience in the USA. The global fashion and business industry motivated me to pursue my studies abroad, as I wanted to experience different perspectives and cultures to enrich my education. 

During my time abroad, I had the great opportunity to study at two amazing institutions: Florida International University (FIU) in Miami, Florida, and the University of South Carolina (UofSC) in Columbia, South Carolina. Both experiences offered unique appeals. Studying in Miami allowed me to be in a vibrant, international city filled with culture and diversity, while South Carolina gave me a true American college experience, with fun tailgating and exciting sports like football and basketball.

Two Campuses, Two Worlds

One of the most notable differences I observed between studying in the UK and the US was the structure of academics. In the US, there was a greater emphasis on continuous assessment, including assignments, quizzes, and extra credit opportunities. Classes were often much larger than the intimate ones at Richmond, which required adapting to a less personalized academic environment. 

Many courses used online platforms for tests and quizzes, which felt smoother and more efficient compared to in-person assessments. However, in larger lectures, it was easy to feel like “one of 100 students,” which made it less intimate and challenging to build relationships with professors. 

That said, there were standout professors who left a lasting impression. At FIU, Professor Mihaela Plaugurasu was a dynamic presence, she’s an award-winning author with a fascinating career. Her confidence and unique attitude inspired respect from all of us. At UofSC, Professor McGinnis in my Marketing class brought over 20 years of real-world experience to her teaching, and her passion for the subject rubbed off at us students. 

This study abroad experience allowed me to learn different teaching styles and approaches while expanding my academic network. It also gave me the opportunity to meet new friends from all over the world and develop a broader perspective on my field of study. 

Learning Inside and Outside the Classroom

Adapting to life in Florida and South Carolina was an exciting challenge. Miami offered a lively and diverse culture, filled with incredible food, music, and energy from its international community. I loved exploring the city, enjoying Cuban cuisine, and relaxing on its beautiful beaches. In South Carolina, I experienced Southern hospitality and traditions, from country barbecues, Greek student life, Sunday night football and university sports tailgates. Football games and tailgating were a cultural highlight for me. The enthusiasm and school pride were unlike anything I had ever experienced. Outdoor activities, such as hiking in South Carolina’s scenic trails, also added a refreshing touch to my routine. 

Living in the US came with challenges, particularly adjusting to life on my own. Moving abroad required me to adapt quickly to new environments, develop independence, and push myself out of my comfort zone. These experiences helped me grow personally and gain a sense of resilience.

Making Friends and Finding Community Abroad

Building friendships and creating a social life abroad were crucial to making my experience fulfilling. I connected with roommates, joined events on campus, and participated in club events or parties. Football games, tailgates, and frat parties became opportunities to meet new people and engage with American college culture which was fun. At both FIU and UofSC, student organizations and campus activities were abundant, making it easy to feel part of the community.  

Compared to the UK, I found that US schools were far more active in organizing events and promoting school spirit, which created a tight-knit and lively social environment. 

How Studying Abroad Helped Me Grow

Experiencing student life overseas changed my perspective in many ways. Living independently in a new country taught me to adapt quickly, be more self-reliant, and embrace cultural differences. I learned to put myself out there, even in situations where I felt unsure or out of my depth. 

This experience also made me more globally minded, as I interacted with students from diverse cultural and academic backgrounds. The skills I gained adaptability, communication, and a broader worldview will undoubtedly benefit me in my personal and professional life and I will be forever grateful for this experience.

Why I’d Recommend This Programme to Everyone

I wholeheartedly recommend studying abroad to students at Richmond. It is a life-changing opportunity that offers personal growth, academic enrichment, and unique cultural experiences. 

To students considering a similar opportunity, my advice is this: 

• – Embrace the challenge. Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone because you’ll grow more than you can imagine. 
• – Be open-minded. Take time to learn from different cultures, teaching styles, and people. 
• – Get involved and join clubs, attend events, and take advantage of every opportunity to meet new people. 
• – Stay organized and try balancing academics and social life can be challenging, but it’s worth it.

Find out how you can have your own study abroad experience with Richmond here.