Chip Sweeney
About My Study Abroad Program
Major/Minor: Journalism/History
Program: City University, London
Location: London, United Kingdom
Email: cswee3@live.unc.edu
Term: Fall 2019
Why did you choose to study abroad and how did you select your program?
My mother studied abroad twice while she was in college. Throughout my childhood, she would tell me stories about her time abroad and what a fulfilling experience it was for her. When it came time for me to start applying for programs, I was on the fence about it originally. I had established a routine in Chapel Hill and I did not want to disrupt that for three months. But when I found the City University program through the Hussman school, I knew it was something I could not turn down. It was a combination of a journalism program in a city I had always wanted to visit, which made it perfect for me. Looking back on my experience, it was exactly what I had hoped for and more.
What did you learn about yourself?
I learned, first and foremost, that I do not like flying. It's too cramped and navigating through airports is a massive inconvenience. On a more serious note, I learned how to live on my own and how to take care of myself fully like I never had before. I was across the ocean from my parents for three months and I came back without a scratch on me. That's one of my lifetime crowning achievements.
What is one of your favorite memories from your program?
One of my favorite memories was going to Stamford Bridge to watch my favorite football club, Chelsea, play against Liverpool. I got tickets to the game as a gift from my parents for my birthday, and although Chelsea did not win the game, it was an experience I will never forget. The atmosphere in the game was immense, the action was everything I would have ever dreamed, and it provided me with one of the coolest experiences of my life.
What advice do you have for future study abroad students?
Slow down and take a breath. Don't let the moment in time overtake your common sense thinking. You're there for a reason. Do not let the pressure or stress of being in another country intimidate you too much. There are likely people around you who are going through the same thing and can help you through it, so use them to help you, and it'll make things go a whole lot smoother.
Memories
