AN INTERVIEW WITH A YEAR ABROAD STUDENT, MICHAEL OBASANYA
Michael is a third year International Relations student at the University of Birmingham. He shares his study abroad experience so far and advices outgoing year abroad student.
WHO ARE YOU? My name is Michael Obasanya. I am a third year International Relations student at the University of Birmingham, currently studying abroad in America at the University of Miami. I am also a writer and blogger. I have a personal blog 'Move With Michael' and a platform for young Black writers and bloggers, called 'Raise Your Voice'. On both Move with Michael and Raise Your Voice, I speak on issues to do with culture, identity and society. DO YOU HAVE ANY ROLE MODELS? I don’t have one particular role model, but I am inspired by people who have made positive change in life. Some people who have inspired me include Kwame Nkrumah, Malcolm X, Patrice Lumumba and Steve Biko. TELL US ABOUT YOUR COURSE International Relations is pretty much Politics, but with a focus on Global Politics. There are a lot of different pathways within the degree. There are components of Politics, International History, Sociology, etcetera. My main interests lie within race, so I’m mainly interested in modules which cover interconnected social and political issues. WHY DID YOU CHOOSE TO DO THE YEAR ABROAD PROGRAMME? I chose to do the year abroad programme when I was still in sixth form. I saw that my university offered a year abroad along with my degree programme, so I literally thought to myself 'why not?'. Since then, I realised that it would be a good way to lengthen my degree, so that I have more time to figure out what I would want to do in the future. It would also be a good way to set me apart. But most importantly, I wanted the experience of living abroad and being out of my comfort zone. HOW WILL YOU DESCRIBE THE UNI EXPERIENCE? (IS IT VERY DIFFERENT FROM YOUR HOME UNIVERSITY)? University in America is completely different to the UK. Whilst in the UK, there tend to be maybe one or two essays or exams per module (and maybe a presentation too) there are a lot more assignments and examinations at US universities. For example, one of my classes last semester graded us quizzes, tests (midterms AND finals), attendance and participation. As in, I had to speak in class to get a better grade! This system does have its perks, as there are a lot more chances to do well and tests are often quite easy (many of my tests were multiple choice). Nonetheless, this system did take some getting used to.
HAVE YOU DEVELOPED NEW SKILLS SINCE STUDYING ABROAD? I believe so. I think since being abroad, I’ve become very adaptable to different social settings. Although America and the UK are similar in a lot of ways, they’re also polar opposite in some ways. So being able to fit in here is a skill. I also feel like I’ve become more responsible. Although I had family both at home and in the US who helped me a lot, there were a lot of things that I had to just learn and do, myself. This has increased my sense of personal responsibility, which I actually do appreciate. WHAT IS A TYPICAL DAY LIKE? My days are pretty different because I have a very flexible schedule, which is another interesting thing about studying abroad in America. On the two days that I have school, I’d just attend class and do some reading. When I’m off, I usually go to the gym, I may chill with friends too and get something to eat/drink. WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT STUDYING ABROAD? What I enjoy the most is the freedom of studying abroad. In America, there is a lot more scope to take the classes that interest you, whether or not that is part of your major or not. Of course, it is not always possible to always take the classes that you want. But I find that there is more choice in England. At UoB I’ve been able to take one module outside my main discipline each year, which was great, but I find that it’s actually encouraged to explore different fields in the US. For example, I’m currently enrolled in Political Science, History, Dance and Musicology classes, all of which I’m enjoying a ton! WHAT HAS BEEN THE MOST CHALLENGING THING FOR YOU AS A YEAR ABROAD STUDENT? I think that the most challenging thing has been 'adulting' whilst abroad. At Birmingham, I had become used to living on my own without my parents and doing the typical adult things. Like paying rent, buying food etc. But nothing prepares you for doing this abroad! From setting up a new phone and bank account, to learning about how to transfer money (at the cheapest rate), it’s a lot! Luckily, I had last semester to make some mistakes and learn from them. I feel a lot more confident about fulfilling my responsibilities, this semester. WHAT IS YOUR ADVICE TO OUTGOING YEAR ABROAD STUDENTS? Research! Whilst your home and host universities will help you with the process, you are responsible for yourself. Look into things like location [city vs. small town, country/region], accommodation, as not every university will provide student accommodation, etc. Also, find out about the culture of where you will be staying. Wherever you go, there will be some sort of cultural difference. Being aware of this will help prepare you. When going abroad, look into apps which allow you to transfer money at cheap rates, when transferring money between home and the country you’ll be residing in. I personally use TransferWise, and the rates are great. It’s saved me a lot of headache! You should be going into your year abroad excited and enthusiastic! But also, you should understand that the highs and lows of university exist everywhere so even if you’re in the most glamorous location, realise that not every day is going to be exciting or amazing, and that’s okay! There is so much fun to be had, so when things may get tough hang in there.
You can follow Michael on Social media
Twitter @Michael_MTA
Instagram @mykes_
Blogs/websites:
Raise your voice: https://www.raiseyourvoice.online/
Move with Michael: https://movewithmichael.wordpress.com/
Mujibat Okwilague
Instagram @_mujii
Twitter @_mujii
Email: mujiokwilague@gmail.com