Embarking on multiple study abroad programs during my undergraduate years at Temple University broadened my horizons and offered diverse perspectives on education and cultural immersion. Each program – Temple Rome, Temple Japan, Temple Summer in Mexico, and my final study abroad experience with the exchange program at the University of East Anglia (UEA) in the UK – brought unique experiences, shedding light on the varied dynamics of international study. I’m excited to share my insights comparing being in Temple’s programs to my experience in an exchange program, hopefully helping you choose what program is best for you.
Temple’s global programs—Rome, Japan, and Mexico—offered a comfortable bridge to international education. The structured guidance and familiar academic setup of Temple programs provided a comforting framework, ensuring a seamless academic continuation from the main campus. The Temple faculty really helped ease the transition of moving to a new country.
Reflecting on my study abroad experiences, I’ve come to see each of them as transformative stepping stones, each offering its own unique blend of cultural immersion and personal growth. Temple University’s programs in Rome, Japan, and Mexico served as my initial trial runs into studying abroad. These experiences were invaluable in enriching my worldview and exposing me to new cultures. With extensive support from Temple faculty, which I greatly appreciated during my earlier study abroad ventures, I was able to comfortably adjust to the new countries.
Temple Rome, nestled in the heart of the Eternal City, provided a captivating backdrop for exploration. Even with its affiliation with an American university, TUR offered glimpses into Italian culture through its curriculum and extracurricular activities. From wine tasting sessions to pasta-making classes, I found myself getting a taste of the rich tapestry of Italian traditions. There were also a variety of excursions to museums in Rome and other Italian cities like Venice or Naples. These immersive outings provided invaluable insights into Italy’s artistic legacy, allowing me to trace the footsteps of ancient civilizations and marvel at masterpieces that have shaped the course of human history. Temple Rome was a gateway to a world of discovery and cultural exchange.
You can read more about other student experiences in Temple Rome here.
Similarly, Temple Japan, situated in the bustling metropolis of Tokyo, introduced me to the vibrant culture of Japan. With its diverse international student population and a plethora of clubs catering to various interests, TUJ fostered a sense of community and cultural exchange. Students could join rich array of student clubs, whether it be for dance, basketball, futsal, film, or whatever people were interested in. TUJ also curated a diverse array of cultural immersion events for study abroad students designed to deepen students’ understanding of Japanese traditions and customs. From tranquil trips to onsens, where students could unwind and experience the therapeutic benefits of Japanese hot springs, to traditional tea ceremonies steeped in centuries-old rituals, these events offered a window into the soul of Japan. Temple Japan felt like more than just an academic institution; it was a vibrant community where students from around the world came together to learn, grow, and explore the boundless wonders of Japanese culture.
You can read more about other student experiences in Temple Japan here.
I won’t go into detail with Mexico as you can read about my experience in my blogs for Merida!
However, as I progressed in my study abroad journey, I was looking for a deeper immersion into a foreign culture. For my last semester of study abroad, I found myself drawn to the exchange programs and the extensive offerings of a local university with a large student body, leading me to embark on a new adventure at UEA. Located in the picturesque city of Norwich, UEA offered an entirely different experience characterized by its vibrant campus life and diverse student community. Here, I had the opportunity to fully integrate into British academia and culture.
With a student body exceeding 16,000, UEA provided a bustling environment teeming with opportunities for engagement and exploration. The campus itself was a microcosm of diversity, where students from all corners of the globe, from India to Australia, converged to pursue their academic aspirations. Despite me being situated in the UK, UEA offered a truly global experience. I was given the opportunity to learn about different cultures and perspectives from around the world, not just British.
Moreover, the multicultural fabric of UEA extended beyond the classroom, enriching the social and cultural landscape of the university. From international festivals celebrating various traditions, like Lunar New Year, to student-led initiatives promoting cross-cultural understanding, there was no shortage of opportunities to engage with diverse perspectives and experiences. I got to foster lifelong connections with people from all walks of life.
Additionally, UEA’s expansive campus life opened doors to various clubs and sports, offering a taste of authentic British university culture. The vibrant array of extracurricular activities offered a more holistic student experience, allowing me to actively engage with various student communities. (You can read more about this in my blog post, “A world of new experiences: Trying something new!”.)
Beyond campus, I ventured into the surrounding city of Norwich, where I discovered a treasure trove of cultural landmarks and hidden gems. Exploring the historic streets lined with medieval architecture, visiting local pubs to savor traditional British cuisines, and attending community events and festivals provided me with a deeper understanding of British heritage and customs.
Moreover, my interactions with local students and faculty members enriched my cultural experience and broadened my perspectives. Engaging in lively discussions, sharing meals, and collaborating on academic projects fostered meaningful connections and facilitated a deeper appreciation for the nuances of British society.
Navigating the intricacies of the British education system and connecting with the local students challenged me to really step out of my comfort zone and embrace the unfamiliar. The independence afforded by the UEA exchange program empowered me to take ownership of my academic and personal journey, fostering invaluable growth and self-discovery.
Academically, the differences were also profound. The Temple programs maintain a similarity to the main campus in terms of coursework and teaching methods because technically it is the same school. However, the exchange program at UEA required adaptation to a new educational system and a different style of teaching and learning. For example, I was only allowed to take 3 courses per semester at UEA, which is completely different from my usual load of courses of 5-6 per semester. Furthermore, there were usually just 2 big final assignments I would need to accomplish for a course. This is sometimes the case with certain courses at Temple Rome and Japan, but there are still other grades like attendance/participation or little quizzes that help you boost your grade. Talking about grades, in the UK, they grade by number so they don’t use the ABC lettering system. The number grades also are significantly different values in the UK as 70 and above is the equivalent of an A in the U.S., while a 70 in the U.S. would be a C.
Looking back on my study abroad journey, each program played a pivotal role in shaping my perspective and broadening my understanding of the world. From the enchanting streets of Rome and the bustling corridors of Tokyo to the vibrant hot markets of Merida and the serene campus of UEA, I am grateful for the diverse experiences that have enriched my academic pursuits and fueled my passion for exploration.
Each program contributed uniquely to my growth, whether through the comfort of a structured environment or the challenges and rewards of an independent exchange program. These varied study abroad experiences profoundly shaped my personal growth and global outlook. The exposure to diverse educational structures allowed me to adapt, learn, and appreciate different approaches to learning and academic systems. Each program brought its unique set of challenges and rewards, enriching my global perspective and understanding of different cultures. These experiences collectively shaped my global perspective and solidified my belief in the transformative power of international education.
I had a wonderful time wherever I was, smiling always, no matter what program. I am sure you will too!
Whether you are looking for the structure of Temple programs or the immersive exchange programs in a country of your choice, you will be able to experience something magical. Each experience, with its distinct nuances, will offer invaluable insights, fostering adaptability, cultural understanding, and personal growth. Studying abroad has changed my life, and I hope you can go on your own journey gaining this life-changing experience.
Visit the Education Abroad website to find the right study abroad program for you!