When Madison arrived from North Carolina to Bangor, she was impressed by the natural beauty of north Wales, and the university that looked like Hogwarts. She immersed herself in the language and culture, making Wales her second home.
Madison travelled from the mammoth American state of North Carolina with a population of eleven million people to pursue her adoration for English literature in the Welsh city of Bangor.
It wasn’t long until she fully embraced Cymru’s culture by spending time at the National Eisteddfod, conversing with friends in Cymraeg, and enjoying the vibrant melodic tones of traditional Welsh folk music.
The decision to study abroad was a difficult one to make, but Madison has opened her heart to Wales and is proud to call it her second home.
Leaving your home university is a big choice, branching out into the unknown can be a bit nerve-racking at first, which is why you should choose somewhere you can fully embrace all things new. This is why you should choose to study in Wales.
"When I first looked into studying abroad, there were many paths that I could have taken, but the one that kept calling back to me was Bangor University in north Wales.
Growing up in a rural town in North Carolina, I was in awe seeing the architecture that was so different and stunned to be going to classes and studying in a building that looks like Hogwarts.
The Main Arts building is the staple image of Bangor University; it was built in 1848 and sits on a hill that overlooks the city. Coming to Bangor University was one of the best things I ever did for my education, the pastoral care you receive from the lecturers is unlike anything I have ever experienced.
As a person who struggles with dyslexia, there is an abundance of support available to me that I did not originally have: one-on-one meetings with the writing centre to double-check my work and help me improve my skills, a direct line of communication with my lecturers about my disability, and a kinder grading system that takes my disability into account.
One thing that aided in a smooth transition is fully embracing all things Cymraeg (Welsh). From government sponsored Welsh classes to the National Eisteddfod – there is so much this country has to offer.
If you're more into nature, Eryri National Park should be considered one of the wonders of the world with mountains that make you feel like you are walking on clouds, cascading waterfalls that take your breath away, and natural infinity pools hidden in the mountains that make you feel like you’re on a tropical vacation.
There truly is something for everyone. When you come into a close-knit community like Bangor, you really feel supported, which is really important when you start your study abroad journey!"
As they say in Cymru: “Teithiau diogel i ti!” (Safe travels!)
Inspired by Madison's story?
