Jessica Turner

Jessica graduated from the University of Leeds in 2019 with a MChem, BSc degree in Chemistry with Study Abroad. Here, she shares her experience living and studying at the University of Vermont in the United States of America.

Year abroad

“I’d always planned on doing the 4-year MChem course from my initial UCAS application. I chose to spend a year studying abroad because I wanted the opportunity to study in a completely new environment as well as experience different culture. It also allowed me to push myself out of my comfort zone and live half way around the world from everyone I know! The opportunity to travel the USA was pretty appealing too.

I chose to spend a year studying abroad because I wanted the opportunity to study in a completely new environment as well as experience different culture.

I really enjoyed my time in Burlington, and have had many memorable expriences, tt’s honestly hard to pick just one. Skiing every weekend from December until March was pretty memorable but my 3-month summer road trip across the country and down the west coast was my absolute highlight. We did the whole thing on a super-tight budget, ate microwaved hotdogs and instant ramen every day, but saw most of the most beautiful places I’ve ever been to, and, of course, Disneyland.”

...my 3-month summer road trip across the country and down the west coast was my absolute highlight.

Learning and teaching

“The teaching style in the US is totally different to that in Leeds. For starters, the cohort for third year chemistry was a measly 8 people! This automatically changed the teaching to more of a classroom-style, almost like going back to school. Additionally, we were set homework, mid-terms and quizzes throughout the year, taking the emphasis away from 100% exam-based modules. As much as it was hard work, it was great to have a close, first-name basis relationship with your professors.”

Advice and tips 

“If you’re considering to study abroad, just do it! I was so unsure about the whole thing, but it genuinely was the best decision I’ve made since starting university (so cliché but genuinely true). I’ve had the best year of my life, met some amazing people from all around the world and done things which I never would’ve done without this opportunity.”

Find out more 

Discover more about our Undergraduate degree courses in the School of Chemistry.