Ryan Shock
About My Study Abroad Program
Major/Minor: Statistics and Analytics; Economics (Double Major)
Program: University of Warwick
Location: Coventry, England
Email: rshock@live.unc.edu
Term: Academic Year 2019/2020
Why did you choose to study abroad and how did you select your program?
I chose to study abroad because I wanted to study, experience, and immerse myself in another culture. Additionally, I wanted to study abroad because it is a great opportunity to broaden my horizons and travel to many different places. Similarly, I have always wanted to live/work abroad, so this was a good test to see if I would enjoy that. Finally, most college graduates who I spoke to said not studying abroad at some point during college was one of their biggest regrets.
I first decided on the country/region I wanted to study abroad in. I wanted to study in the UK because I did not feel confident in my foreign language skills to be able to live and study in a country that did not primarily speak English. Once I decided on the region, I asked the study abroad advisor for the UK, Ben Briggs, for some guidance on what programs would be best for me based on my majors (Economics and Statistics) that were within my budget. Ben gave me a list of three to five universities and I researched them and decided on Warwick because it was the best school for Economics and Statistics in my budget.
What did you learn about yourself?
Studying abroad on your own in a foreign country likely in a different timezone than all of your friends and family can be quite intimidating. However, it is a great way to learn so much about yourself and what you can overcome. It truly is a sink or swim type of experience. I learned that I have the capacity to overcome many obstacles and can handle almost anything that is thrown my way. I learned how independent I can be and how much fun it is to cook with my flatmates.
I also realized sometimes we can get stuck making ourselves into the person we are expected to be or people think we are. However, by going to a place where no one knows you, you can break free of those restraints and get a good idea of who you truly are.
What is one of your favorite memories from your program?
It is hard to select a favorite memory from my time abroad. Reflecting back on my time in the UK, my favorite memories are the nights I went clubbing or on pub crawls with my friends or playing Mario Kart with my flatmates. I guess my favorite memory would have to be all of the friends I made during my time abroad and all of the time I spent with them. Whether we played pool (they called it snooker) at a local dive bar (pub?) or exposing my European flatmates to Will Ferrel movies, the memories that I most fondly look back on are the ones where I am with the friends I made at Warwick.
What advice do you have for future study abroad students?
It is okay to feel overwhelmed at first, you’re living in a foreign country away from your support system of family and friends but you will get through it because just applying and getting accepted into a study abroad program is proof enough that you can handle it. When facing uncertainties, try to remain calm and don’t overreact to anything. Try to stay levelheaded and if you’re not sure of what to do ask friends or a professor. Additionally, don’t take your time abroad for granted, try to make the most of each day. For instance, if you want to travel, travel!! Even if you have to go alone (although do not be unsafe if you end up traveling alone), it is worth and don’t be discouraged if you can’t find travel companions