Student Exchange Buddies
NTU Global has a team of Student Exchange Buddies (SEBs) who have just returned from their own study abroad and exchange experiences. They have a great understanding of what it is like to be a new student at a new university, and can offer you support, friendship and advice if you are also interested in doing this. Read their top tips on this page.
What our SEBS say
Our team of SEBS can provide advice and support on study abroad, including top tips on the following:
- what to take with you
- how to deal with homesickness
- best ways to make friends, network, and make the most of your time at NTU
- best places in Nottingham to eat and drink
- best places to visit in Nottingham
- how to make the most of your time.
If you would like to contact one of our SEBs you can find their email address link to their profile below. They are here to help you so please reach out to them.
USA
Connor Gayle
BSc (H) Psychology (Education & Development)
“It enriches your experience of the world and builds your confidence in regards to how you view yourself as a citizen of the world. Education is a fraction of the study abroad experience - most of all it is the friendships and the adventures you find along the way.”
Top Tip: Make a bucket list of places, concerts and activities you may want to do – this gives you a range of things to look forward to
You can contact Connor Gayle if you have any questions or would like to learn more about his experience.
Germany
Alfina Varghese
BSc (H) Psychology
“I was able to trial a lot of interesting courses which I was not able to do before, and incorporate the learned skills into my personal and academic lifestyle.”
Top Tip: try to put yourself out there and interact with everyone. This allowed me to experience a variety of people and make forever connections.
You can contact Alfina Verghese if you have any questions or would like to learn more about her experience.
Spain
Anthony Diaz-Muñoz
BA (H) Spanish with International Relations
“Working abroad is fun and interesting, you will make new friends and face difficult challenges, but these will help you grow. It also helps to develop your CV.”
Top Tip: Be brave! There will be some occasions when you just feel like packing up and going back home but persevering will help you become stronger.
You can contact Anthony Diaz-Muñoz if you have any questions or would like to learn more about his experience.
The Netherlands
Abbegail de Wit
BA (H) English
“Exchange provides students with the opportunity to experience new cultures whilst getting real-life experience and having to adapt to their surroundings at a fast pace. It forced me to quickly perfect my time management, money and social skills in a way that was extremely beneficial to me.”
Top Tip: Get involved with every social aspect you feel comfortable with. Take a look to see if your host university as ESN (Erasmus Student Network) – a fun & easy way to meet new people & go on trips.
You can contact Abbegail de Wit if you have any questions or would like to learn more about her experience.
Spain
Megan McGlynn
BA (H) Spanish and Global Studies
“I would recommend working abroad because the level of personal development I have seen in myself is unparalleled, and I have made connections with people I believe will last a lifetime.”
Top Tip: Salta la planta! In Spanish, this means do not give up and keep going.
You can contact Megan McGlynn if you have any questions or would like to learn more about her experience.
France
Lucienne Wardlow
BA (H) International Business with French Dual Award
“An international exchange provides you with lifelong memories – you are able to meet new people from all corners of the world allowing growth to your international network, and enabling personal development. Independence is a key theme!”
Top Tip: Utilise your host university’s global connections and opportunities offered.
You can contact Lucienne Wardlow if you have any questions or would like to learn more about her experience.
South Korea
Samuel Eden
BSc (H) Psychology
“Participating in a year abroad has helped with my confidence, to align my goals in life and develop a better mindset and work ethic.”
Top Tip: Make sure you get all your paperwork done early, and be organised as sometimes things take a while to process – especially visas.
You can contact Samuel Eden if you have any questions or would like to learn more about his experience.
Spain and France
Colette Burton
BA (H) French and Spanish
“It really is an incredible experience that opens up so many doors. It allows you to experience different cultures and make friends and travel with people from all over the world. You will return feeling 100% more confident and independent with amazing memories to look back on.”
Top Tip: Go go go! Say yes to as many opportunities as you can whilst you are there.
You can contact Colette Burton if you have any questions or would like to learn more about her experience.
USA
Miya Watson
LLB (H) International Law
“I would recommend studying abroad for the independence. Moving to a different country by yourself is extremely brave – it teaches you that it is not as scary as you think & will give you the confidence to travel more comfortably. It was the best feeling ever!”
Top Tip: Enjoy yourself, go out, have fun and experience new things. Just be careful about your surroundings and don’t do anything you don’t feel comfortable with. Surround yourself with people you trust at all times
You can contact Miya Watson if you have any questions or would like to learn more about her experience.
Canada
Ishan Shivdasani
BA (H) International Business
“It’s a very rewarding experience – you will meet many amazing people from different cultures and countries, and it is the best way to learn more about another culture or language – therefore becoming more culturally sensitive!”
Top Tip: Don’t be afraid to speak to people. You are more likely to be in the same situation as them. Make the first move!
You can contact Ishan Shivdasani if you have any questions or would like to learn more about his experience.
USA
Ayreen Chowdhury
MSc Pharmacology
“Placements are a great opportunity to enhance and gain skills relevant to your degree. You can develop confidence, increase employability, get a taste of real-world experience, and network with academics/industry.”
Top Tip: Ask if unsure, make as many contacts as you can and maintain contact with your placement tutor.