Past Study Abroad Students
My time at Newcastle University was truly a worthwhile experience. The education I received was truly exceptional and challenging. I believe that the lectures and labs in the School of Biomedical Sciences have adequately prepared me for my future career. It was not just the quality of education that made me fall in love with Newcastle, but it was also the wonderful city that surrounds the University. In my three months, I am certain that there are parts of the city that I have left undiscovered. Though I am excited to be home with family and friends, there is still a part of me that longs for my days at Newcastle. Much thanks to the University of Newcastle for memories that will never be forgotten!
Monique Brown, Towson University, Maryland, February 2008
My time in Newcastle University was a great experience. The English academic system is set up quite differently from the American and I was able to fully experience it by studying at Newcastle for the full academic year. It helped me to better appreciate how the different systems have their benefits. The social aspect of the university is also a different experience. You generally hear about the English being more carefree and relaxed about life's drama and, for me, I found that to be quite true. It was refreshing to be able to take a break from the drama ridden ways of American culture. All in all, I feel that my experience at Newcastle University allowed me to broaden my mind in all aspects of life.
Agnes Ma, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
I will never forget my semester abroad at Newcastle University. With the location right at the city centre, the campus was the perfect balance of university learning and metropolitan culture. The courses I enrolled in at Newcastle were not only engaging and fascinating, but they also matched perfectly with my interests in medicine. I was most fortunate to have the opportunity to shadow a physician for a week. It was an experience that not only gave me first-hand exposure to the medical field, it also made me gain a greater appreciation for life. Overall, my time at Newcastle University has opened my eyes to the colorful culture of Northeast England and has made me grow remarkably as a person.
Cassandra Dela Cruz, University of California, Berkeley
I learned so much more about medicine than I could at my home University. I gained so much valuable insight and skills through the pre-med study abroad program that will give me a head start when I start medical school back in the United States. The professors were very passionate about their work and students and the class sizes were just right. Not only was the education more interesting, the social atmosphere at Newcastle is class. Located in the heart of the city and with amazingly cheap travel opportunities, there is never a dull moment. I have made some great friends and lasting friendships that will keep me coming back. It was definitely a life-changing experience worthwhile.
Kristine Santiano, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Studying abroad was more fun and enlightening than I had thought possible. The cultural and education system differences were a refreshing change. It really gave me a chance to see the United States from a different point of view and realise how connected the world is. The knowledge and memories I gained in and out of the classroom will stay with me for many years to come! Thanks for all your help this past semester.
Rebekah Alford, Towson University, Maryland, February 2008
By coming to Newcastle, I was able to attend classes in the faculty of medical sciences at the University of Newcastle upon Tyne which is one of the top three medical schools in the entire UK. I attended practicals alongside fellow medical school students where I worked with cadavers and was also able to gain invaluable clinical experience by learning how to perform routine examinations in my clinical skills courses. After getting a taste of medical school, and successfully completing medical school coursework I know I have proven I am fully prepared to deal with the upcoming challenges of medical school. As a practicing U.S. physician, I want to improve the quality of healthcare and so by being able to be immersed in another country’s healthcare system, I could learn the benefits of how others practice medicine and can use this experience to improve the quality of healthcare I administer to my patients one day. I knew that coming to Newcastle would be a challenge but that it would also give me a rare opportunity to see if I was really passionate about the medical profession. My experience as a study abroad pre-med student has strengthened my conviction and determination to one day become a physician. Academics aside, I enjoyed my Newcastle experience a lot. Coming to Newcastle has been the experience of a lifetime. My advice to any student considering to study abroad in Newcastle is to definitely do it. It is a wonderful learning experience and once in a lifetime opportunity. If you embrace it for all its worth you certainly will not be disappointed.
Rashi Chandra, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, May 2009
Everything about Newcastle is top-notch…the education, the people, the city… I’ve never had access to all the best things in one place, until I came here. It’s obvious the University really cares about providing the best tools to succeed academically, and the professors are all at the top of their game. Meeting people is super easy—on campus or out on ‘the toon’! Overall, I couldn’t have asked for more out of life in one semester than I received here at Newcastle University. Newcastle is such a unique place to study—it offers the best academics with the best nightlife around. I feel like I’m learning about the very latest and the very best in Biomedicine. I can’t wait to use the skills I’ve gained here at Newcastle back home in The States. I’ve attended lectures with pioneering researchers, been to the best nightclubs in the UK, met people from all over the world. Coming to Newcastle really gave me the opportunity to explore what the world has to offer… and it’s inspiring. Studying here is one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. Come see for yourself—you won’t regret it.
Douglas York, University of San Francisco, June 2009
I spent 1 year at the Newcastle University as a study abroad student at the School of Biomedical Sciences. A broad range of modules as well as University as a whole made me choose Newcastle as my destination. I have not regretted that decision for a second. A great University with excellent teachers and facilities. From the first day I felt taken well care of by the entire staff. Throughout my stay I got to study interesting courses as well as take part in a challenging Research Project. In addition to the University there is a top standard sports centre where I spent a lot of time. Also a lot of other activities are offered by the University and the Student societies. It has been an overall great experience that has taught me a lot as well as given me an additional edge to my studies.
Jan Steine, NTNU, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, June 2009
Newcastle was an amazing experience. The people are friendly, and the faculty and the staff were very helpful in getting me adjusted to university life in Newcastle. Studying at Newcastle University was a challenge; the teaching and grading styles are different. However, I enjoyed the change of pace. There were not as many deadlines. Instead of a big workload, the curriculum places more emphasis on being self-motivated. Ironically, the lack of weekly assignments, initially, was unsettling, but I was not complaining. In addition to a change of pace, a change of scenery was also a welcome. Newcastle is a great place to live and London is only a train ride away. As for the rest of Europe, catch a short flight for a weekend retreat or longer.
John Kwok, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign May 2010
My time spent at Newcastle University was great! I had never been in classes that large, and it gave me a new perspective on how classes at a University could be. The staff was very helpful and accommodating. They were flexible with my schedule as some of my classes clashed with times. I would recommend the School of Biomedical Sciences at Newcastle to both Study Abroad and University Students!
Rita Flynn, Loyola University, Maryland, Baltimore December 2009
