An American In Wales
WORDS: Abbey Jones ::
"The Americans stopped and breathlessly took in the beauty of the Welsh hills. It was a beautiful sunny day and they discarded any warnings of Welsh weather...."?
I am one of five American exchange students studying at the University Of Glamorgan for 2008-2009. Glamorgan boasts an international student population of 3,200 from more than 60 countries, and it is easy to see why so many international students are attracted to this campus.?I have been in a state of euphoria ever since I have been here. I feel as if I was born in the wrong country, and this beautiful land of hills and hues of greens is where I belong. If there is such a phenomenon as cultural fit, Wales is my perfect size.?
Alissa Loen, an US exchange student studying psychology, describes herself as being in love with Wales:?“For the first time in a long time, I feel like I have a home,” says Leon.?“Everyone is so welcoming and helpful. That is something I don't see all the time back home.”?
The university gave all international students the opportunity to participate in International Welcome Week. The week was full of scenic tours, a trip to Big Pit, and free trips to Cardiff. This gave all international students the chance to immerse themselves in Welsh culture, and of course, eat free food. ?
After Welcome Week came Freshers Week, which reminded the international students they were not the only students on campus and gave us the chance to socialise with more Welsh people. I have experienced some American xenophobia from a few Welsh people, but I must remind myself that in any place there exists a lot of great people and very little people who are so biased against different cultures.
My two weeks of freedom were over and I was friendly reminded that I do have responsibilities with the onset of courses beginning. As I looked over my course schedule, I thought there must be some mistake. It must be impossible to only have modules on Mondays and Tuesdays. However, I was pleasantly surprised that this was indeed the case.
“I like my courses here much more," says Leon. "They seem more practical and applicable here than at home. It is also nice to only have class seven to ten hours a week rather than 30.” In the US, students take general education for two years, meaning they must take a few modules from a variety of courses. Unfortunately, these classes are usually vague and dull.?
I was so happy to dive into my Creative Writing class and begin doing what I love to do: write. My lecturers have been very supportive and enthusiastic in regards to my studies. To be so happy thousands of miles seems so impossible, but it is my reality.?I am absolutely in love with Wales: the people, the culture, and the scenery. I will always be geographically American, but a little piece of me considers herself Welsh.
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