Dawson, Alexandria

Alexandria Dawson

Why did you choose to study abroad and how did you select your program?
It had always been a dream of mine to study abroad once I reached college, and when I learned about Carolina Spring Forward during freshmen orientation, I immediately jumped at the opportunity to apply. I’ve always been drawn to visit the UK and Scotland was one of the locations offered within the program, so it was an easy choice for me. Scotland was also recommended for humanities majors, because the University is located near historic landmarks and offered many social science courses. The location and course offerings were very appealing to me because I am a history major and I was very excited about the idea of being surrounded by important monuments on a daily basis.

What did you learn about yourself?
Studying abroad is an experience I will never forget and forever cherish. I am so thankful for the time I got to spend in Scotland exploring a new culture and discovering new things about myself. Studying abroad showed me that I am brave, have perseverance, and adept to navigate new places and situations. I learned so many lessons about becoming an independent adult which gave me confidence that I can accomplish difficult things on my own. 

What is one of your favorite memories from your program?
I made so many great memories abroad and it’s so difficult to choose one but one of my favorite trips was during our excursion exploring the Trossachs National Park and Glasgow. It was such a fun adventure with my fellow classmates abroad. It was the first time we were able to see the countryside of the surrounding areas of Stirling and Glasgow. Taking a rural drive through the lowlands and bike riding through the Trossachs and Loch Lomond was so beautiful and fun! I particularly enjoyed our pitstop at Loch Lomond because we all sat and had a picnic with a gorgeous view! Later in the day we toured Glengoyne Distillery and finished our day in the city of Glasgow. I particularly enjoyed this trip because I felt I learned a lot about Scottish culture and got to know my peers on a deeper level. 

What advice do you have for future study abroad students?
It’s okay to be scared or unsure while you’re abroad, because I definitely was! The first week was really rough for me and I felt like I had made the wrong decision. The separation from my mom was something that I really struggled with. I also felt like I was going to be missing out on so many UNC events and friendships. These emotions caught me by surprise but I started to take everything day-by-day, rather than thinking about the semester at large, and it helped me get passed my uncertainties. Another practice that helped me get over my precariousness was exploring my new surroundings and socializing with my fellow study abroad roommates. As cliché as it sounds get out of your shell and experience your new environment because it will be over before you know it!

How do you identify?
Covenant Scholars, Scholarship Recipient

Could you share any experiences where your identity played a role in your time abroad?
I definitely had a stricter budget compared to some of the other students I studied abroad with, but I didn’t feel like I missed out on anything or wasn’t made to feel less than because of it. Due to the fact that I set a strict budget for myself, I became really confident and proud of myself for practicing financial wellness. 

Is there any advice you would give to other students who share your identity?
I am so thankful to be a Covenant Scholar because there is no way I would have been able to afford college let alone a semester abroad. My advice to any Covenant Scholar is to take advantage of the opportunities that UNC can provide, because it is possible to study abroad! 

Memories