Queen Mary University of London History student, Milica, reviews a year spent studying abroad at Hunter College in NYC.

I title the blog in such a way as from my perspective, the most important thing I learnt was the way in which to harness and understand the emotion of fear. To control and harness the emotion as a call to action in a place far away from home. I do not want to make it seem as though I had the easiest time of my life – in many ways it was challenging. Yet this experience was the biggest learning curve for personal growth and understanding my own reactions to situations and how to utilise emotions which would have previously crippled my call to action. This exchange forced me to take on a far more positive, and most importantly, adventurous mindset, willing to do things and explore things I never would in London.

All in all, the city was to my own chaotic mind, a magical place which truly forced me to broaden my horizons and realise the vastness of what both the city of New York and the world truly holds. It opened up to me a plethora of ideas for my career choices, and taught me that if one seeks, or indeed simply places oneself into situations to try new things, things begin to emerge. I of course spent a vast amount of time hunting down places to eat and I found the most incredible delis (controversially I believe one of the best delis for bagels is Yorkville Deli by 96th Street, Q line.) And if you are ever in New York you must try Xian Famous Foods, a spicy noodle bar with the most flavourful and big portions of meat, noodles and cabbage! I also found some of the quaintest pubs and most fun dive bars New York had to offer. (Check out Beauty Bar on 14th Street, by 1st Ave station.)

Adventure and intrigue after this exchange has truly taken root. And it has led me to understand the beauty in fear, not to be misconstrued as a consistently positive emotion and experience. But rather in that in building mental fortitude, I understand my own role in the utilisation of emotions for either a positive or negative perception of the world. This is where the importance and value of an exchange programme lies, and I would highly recommend anyone to take on the opportunity even if you feel as though it may be a daunting proposal that you would never see yourself taking on.

Academically though I found the change in systems challenging, however I was greatly inspired by the difference in approaches through the availability and encouragement to take on fellowships, essay competitions and general accessibility of extracurricular competitions which allow for a greater personal development, but also networking between students, professors and interesting individuals. The exposure to other educational practises and approaches allows for comparison, and in comparison we are able to see what is lacking and what indeed we may need to further our own educational experience. It has made me think of my own need for pushing and testing my abilities through open calls.

I must add however, I am guilty of romanticising. I still think about the lights of New York as I am driven on the FDR Drive and of the view of Brooklyn Bridge as I take the Q train across Manhattan Bridge. Yet my fear pushed me to learn of its beauty, and my own ability to maturely understand that it was my own perspective which would either provide a positive or negative perspective of my exchange. Overall, the experience was character-building and essential to my own development both educationally and as an individual. I would highly recommend others to take upon this experience anywhere around the world and in everyone’s own capability, for there is indeed beauty in fear.

P.S. God Bless Trader Joes!

P.P.S. 169 Bar is also where it’s at!