University of North Carolina, Greensboro (UNCG)

I spent less on food and accommodation because compared to the UK, these were relatively cheaper in the US, I spent more on the telephone due to the long-distance calls to friends and family back home. I spent a lot more money on travel as I wanted to make the most of evey travel opportunity that was available to me while I was there.

That you needed a car to get anywhere in Greensboro!

The University system was highly efficient, and easy to get to grips with. The sports facilities at UNCG were fantastic, this appeared to encourage participation and support. On a professional level, the lecturers made the classes very interesting and enjoyable and on a personal level were supportive and understanding. The people who I met and befriended were incredibly wecoming and friendly, and joining a sorority gave me an intersting insight into an important aspect of American University life. The overall experience greatly enhanced my social capabilities, confidence and academic perspective. WhenI left, I left behind some of the best friends I have ever had and took with me some of the most wonderful memories imaginable!

If you are not mathematically inclined -stay away from Econometrics, I struggled! Otherwise, courses were comparable to those in Britain, although there was far less essay writing, and multiple choice sections in the exams (a rare treat in the UK!) Classes were far smaller, so there was far more student interaction which made the topics more interesting and it easier to get to know other students and to form study and social groups with them.

I felt that the lack of essay writing left me a bit behind when I came back to the UK and was faced with writing a 12,000 word dissertation! Because it hadn't been required of me in the US, my researching and report writing skills were not quite as sharp as they might have been with a bit more practice.