Student Testimonials for University of Winchester
Isabelle Johnson
Age (while abroad): 20
Degree(s): Undergraduate
What was your prior language knowledge (if applicable)?: English
Where did you go?: Winchester, England
In what school did you study?: Winchester University
When did you go?: January-May 2026
Have you studied abroad before?: I had taken a short trip to Italy with the MSUB art faculty before but had not previously gone abroad for a full semester.
Why did you do study abroad?:
I decided to study abroad for a few reasons. Firstly, because I could. I am in my 20s, not tied to anything except my studies, and I had the unbelievable opportunity and privilege to travel somewhere I have long hoped to see. Secondly, because I completely refuse to live a life that I could look back upon with regret. I never want fear to hold me back from anything worthwhile, and in my opinion, travel is one of the most worthwhile things there is. Lastly, because I wanted to build confidence in myself and make wonderful memories while growing as a person and learning to navigate unfamiliar situations.
Would you do this again?:
I got a lot out of the experience and will absolutely continue to travel, but I will not be studying abroad again.
What was your favorite part?:
During my time abroad in England, I met some wonderful people with whom I hope to remain in contact the rest of my life. They were without a doubt one of my absolute favorite parts of the experience. However, honorable mentions must go to my trip to Scotland, my trip to Italy, the unrelenting and beautiful rain that is constantly pouring in England, England itself, and of course, the pigeons that live in the park surrounding the Winchester Cathedral.
What was your least favorite part?:
The differences in the education system were much harder to navigate than I had previously expected; the overwhelming urge to return home the moment I arrived was much stronger than I planned for; and, on a slightly lighter note, I am a total nerd, and I was really hoping they would have a chess club, however, unfortunately, they did not.
How has study abroad affected your life now?:
To put it simply, it has altered the way I see the world. It gave me a deeper appreciation
and understanding of places I had never been before and allowed me the opportunity
to see many things I had only previously known from movies or photographs. It also
gave me a deeper appreciation of home. I don't think you ever quite realize how much
you crave
familiar places, sounds, and people until you are away from them for a bit longer
than is comfortable.
What did you learn, outside of academics, from your study abroad experience?:
I learned that travel is an incredible thing, and it is also completely terrifying
and deeply uncomfortable. However, doing it despite the fear is what helps you grow
and allows you to have the most amazing experiences. I have also learned that who
you travel with, during study abroad or throughout your life, is equally as important
as where you are going. Good
people have a tendency to make even the most mundane places feel special and significant,
whereas bad company can make the most beautiful places feel lonely
What advice you would offer students interested in studying abroad?:
Ok then, for those of you who are interested in studying abroad, and have made it
this far into my testimonial, here is what I find myself obliged to tell you... 1.
You will think that the first day will be the best. It will not be. Once you arrive
and are sitting in a quiet room thousands of miles from everyone and everything you
know, it will feel awful, and you will
probably cry. 2. The best days will be the ones that aren't marked on your calendar.
The ones you couldn't have predicted if you tried. They will be a month or two into
your semester when everything makes a bit more sense, and you've realized that everyone
you miss is actually just a phone call away. They will consist of seeing the most
beautiful places, trying amazing new foods, or simply laughing with people whom you
have just recently met but already know you are going to miss when it's time to go.
3. Bring a few small decorations from home for your room, as well as your own sheets
and at least one towel, because you will want a shower and a soft, comforting place
to sleep on that dreadful first night. 4. It is very important that you appreciate
every wonderful little moment. Travel if you have the means and courage, buy lots
of postcards, take pictures of everything you don't want to forget, drink water, call
home often, be silly, make friends, play board games, have good conversations, ask
for help, rest when you need to, listen to music, listen to the rain, if you are a
weirdo like me, go walk around in it, and most of all, be proud of yourself, not boastful,
but deeply, incredibly proud.
Lauren Treu
Age (while abroad): 22
Degree(s): Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice and Sociology
What was your prior language knowledge (if applicable)?: English
Where did you go?: England
In what school did you study?: Winchester University
When did you go?: Spring 2026
Have you studied abroad before?: No
Why did you do study abroad?:
I wanted to study abroad because I knew it would provide me with an opportunity to travel and explore a new country for a lower cost than outside of college.
Would you do this again?:
I thoroughly enjoyed my time abroad and would gladly travel abroad again however, I would not study abroad again.
What was your favorite part?:
My favorite part of studying abroad was traveling around the UK and Europe. Another favorite part of my experience was meeting many other wonderful study abroad students.
What was your least favorite part?:
My least favorite part was the 7-hour time difference between my family and I, which made contacting each other difficult.
How has study abroad affected your life now?:
Study Abroad has affected my life by helping me build my confidence in traveling.
I had never left the United States before
studying abroad but now that I have, I would love to do more international traveling.
What did you learn, outside of academics, from your study abroad experience?:
Outside of academics, I learned about English daily life, English history, the English
university system, and using public transportation. Also, I learned to enjoy the slow
and quiet moments throughout the fast pace of life.
What advice you would offer students interested in studying abroad?:
For students that decide to study abroad, I would highly recommend trying to make friends with other study abroad students upon arrival. They will relate to all your emotions and experiences; you will be able to lean on them and feel supported when inevitable difficulties arise.
Ashley Clark
Age (while abroad): 21
Degree(s): Bachelor in History
What was your prior language knowledge (if applicable)?: English
Where did you go?: England
In what school did you study?: Winchester University
When did you go?: Fall 2022 semester
Have you studied abroad before?: No
Why did you do study abroad?:
I have always been interested in traveling and learning about things from different perspectives. My first year at MSUB the opportunity was presented to me and with COVID I was afraid I had lost my chance. Then, the opportunity came again and I knew I had to take it.
Would you do this again?:
I would go abroad again but not to study.
What was your favorite part?:
My favorite part was becoming part of a community that I never expected to meet or be part of.
What was your least favorite part?:
Being 8 hours ahead of everyone I wanted to talk to.
How has study abroad affected your life now?:
I value the ability to communicate and talk to my family and friends much more. I also am aware of the privileges I have had growing up in America.
What did you learn, outside of academics, from your study abroad experience?:
Answering this questions seems impossible because it truly felt like I learned something new every day. From the different species of trees/plants/crops/etc., to learning about the Royal Family, or even learning that I CAN survive and thrive in another country all by myself.
What advice you would offer students interested in studying abroad?:
Research the area, try to talk to students in the country, try to communicate with the faculty of the university. I would also recommend taking note of everything that you normally use in 91 days (total number of days abroad for fall semester) and try to cut it down so you don’t have to worry about over or under packing. I would also advise bringing as many photographs you can – they do not take up much space and they are incredibly invaluable. I also recommend spending some time soul searching before you go. Something that really had a negative impact on me was that I did not anticipate or expect many of the differences that existed between the US and the UK. Even simple things like vocabulary—all of the small things added up and took a toll on me and I had to dig deep into myself and find ways to cope with the changes and differences. I had to learn to embrace change. I began journaling and going for walks as ways to embrace my emotions and think them through without having other distractions.
Denise Morales-Boyd
Age (while abroad): 20
Degree(s): History, Women & Gender Studies minor
Where did you go?: England
In what school did you study?: Winchester University
When did you go?: Spring 2020 semester
Have you studied abroad before?: No
Why did you do study abroad?:
I wanted to venture out to a new country because I had never left the continent. I wanted to get the historical presence of this experience.
Would you do this again?:
Yes, in a heartbeat, can I go back right now?
What was your favorite part?:
I loved traveling via train, black cabs, planes, etc
What was your least favorite part?:
COVID-19 and the strike.
How has study abroad affected your life now?:
I made amazing friends from different parts of the world who I plan on traveling with and having new experiences with academically and personal again, real soon.
What did you learn, outside of academics, from your study abroad experience?:
I learned to be open to new experiences, responsibly, but not scared to do something even if it means doing it alone.
What advice you would offer students interested in studying abroad?:
Don’t go abroad during a strike or a pandemic.
GO OUTSIDE WALK AROUND.
Ask questions in and out the classroom.
Kaelen Shay
Age (while abroad): 23
Degree(s): Accounting
Where did you go? Winchester, England
In what school did you study? The University of Winchester
When did you go? Fall 2019 Semester
Have you studied abroad before? No
Would you do this again?
Absolutely! I’m currently planning my next trip to visit.
What was your favorite part?
Where do I even begin? In some ways I don’t have the words to describe how awesome traveling and studying abroad was. Apart from the friendships I developed at “St. Lizzy’s a.k.a St. Lizzy’s Mafia” my trip to Edinburgh and Ireland were incredible.
What was your least favorite part?
The conversion rate on currency. The US dollar was worth less than the Pound and Euro.
How has study abroad affected your life now?
It has altered the trajectory of my life and how I perceive everything. Doing so has amplified my gratitude and revealed on a deeper and personal level how blessed I am to be an American.
I am reminded daily how sacred the interactions and moments we share, and experience are because more often than not we don’t fully realize their value until they are gone. Whether it be in the small simple things or large and grand ones, there is something to be gained and had in all of it.
What did you learn, outside of academics, from your study abroad experience?
I learned to live out of my comfort zone–that’s where many of the good things lie. Whether it was big or small I challenged myself to do this. Doing so helped me grow in my capacity as a man, which was one of my primary goals and reasons for going abroad to begin with. The more I did it the better I got and more I gained. I also learned the value and sacredness of time and people and how special it is to be a chapter in other people’s lives and they in yours.
What advice you would offer students interested in studying abroad?
Time is sacred. Go and do it because living the regret of “would have, could have, should have” is too heavy to carry. It’s so important to seize opportunities when they appear and/or doing what’s necessary to make it happen. Set out a plan of where you want to go and what you want to do. Having a framework to work within actually makes the experience more freeing. Be wise, but don’t limit yourself when you go. Go live your life, who you become from it will have a profound effect on you and those you interact with.
Madalyn DeLeon & Elizabeth "Lizzy" King
Ages:
Madalyn DeLeon (20 years old when abroad)
Lizzy King (20 years old when abroad)
Degrees: Elementary Education undergraduate students in the College of Education
Study Abroad: University of Winchester, United Kingdom
When: Spring 2017 semester
What did you like most about studying abroad?
We both loved the town that we studied in and had a really good group of other international friends. To see what it was like to be a minority was a great experience and also getting to explore a new place every day was special
What classes do you take while there? Did these classes coincide with your major?
We studied in Winchester England. We were only able to take 4 courses and two of them coincided with our major which is Elementary Education.
How long were you there for?
The semester lasted about three months but we were overseas for almost four months.
What did you learn, aside from the classes, while studying abroad?
Madalyn- I learned how to be more responsible and mature.
Lizzy- I learned how to be independent and travel on my own.
Since we both are living at home throughout college, we learned how to travel and experience life on our own.
What did you all see when you were there? What was your favorite place?
There was too much! In London we did the typical double decker bus tour and went sightseeing throughout the city. Along with London, we saw Stonehenge and traveled to many little places in England.
Madalyn- Overall, my favorite place was Winchester, however I enjoyed being by the beach in Bournemouth.
Lizzy- My overall favorite was also Winchester, but I really loved our day trip to Jurassic Coast which was a beautiful beach in Durdle Door.
Did you travel outside of the country you stayed in? If so, where did you go?
Yes, we both traveled to Ireland, France, Italy, and the Netherlands.
What was the most challenging aspect about traveling abroad?
Madalyn-Going to England I assumed there would not be much of a language barrier considering England and the US both speak English. However, while being there I found it was actually very hard to understand the British accent.
Lizzy-Learning how to travel efficiently and on a college student budget was challenging. Overall, looking back we made the challenges bigger than they needed to be instead of just enjoying it.
Any advice you would offer to students interested in studying abroad?
Before leaving for England multiple people told us to avoid saying no to new things. Although we had that thought in the back of our minds, there were some instances where we did say no, and completely regret it now. If you are even considering studying abroad but have doubts, just go because it is definitely worth the experience. We have both grown as individuals and have experiences in life that some people never get the chance to have.