STUDY ABROAD OVERVIEW

Madeleine Brooks • May 10, 2020

"The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes, but in having new eyes."

Marcel Proust

I can’t speak highly enough of my time in Richmond. I was so upset that I had to leave prematurely. There was so much more I wanted to do and see. But I’m so pleased I fitted in as many experiences as I did. VCU is a great university and the Graphic Design department is highly ranked in the US. I produced a lot of work that is different to what I would have if I stayed at UWE for this semester, so that as enabled me to broaden my portfolio. I’m definitely now interested in researching MA programmes and paid internships in the states as I’d love to return after I graduate next year. I also now have a lot of contacts that are so willing to give great advice on these things which I would not have access to otherwise.

The highlights of my time at VCU were undoubtedly the ski trip arranged for the international students. Everyone had such an great day and it was a really good opportunity for us all to get to know each other better. The trip to D.C. that I took with Nikki and Yara was definitely a highlight. It was so easy for us to go for the weekend and explore the capital of the US. We ate a lot of amazing food and were able to see so much over the three days we were there. Spring Break was also an incredible week. Travelling to New York for my 20th birthday was so much fun. Although this was just before everything with COVID-19 got really bad, I’m so happy Yara and I were able to go when we did.

My advice for people thinking about doing study abroad:

Definitely do it and do it at VCU if you can. I had the most amazing time and even though it got cut short I wouldn’t have changed any of it. I met some amazing people and made some unforgettable memories. Don’t be scared about travelling far away. I knew no one in America and moved out there completely alone, but after orientation day I was able to meet all the other students on study abroad placements. Everyone at VCU was also so friendly so it’s really easy to meet new people. Be open to every opportunity and you’ll be sure to have an unforgettable time. Also, being under 21 in America is not as big of a problem as you may think. You’ll also pick up American phrases.

Difficulties I faced:

The Visa process was long and expensive. I waited in the US embassy for around 4 hours for a 3-minute appointment. Be prepared to spend a lot of money when you arrive on your placement. The first two months were very expensive due to buying kitchen equipment, bedding, books & equipment needed for your classes, adjusting to supermarket prices etc. Also saying yes to opportunities costed a lot of money (travelling, eating out), but I have zero regrets. It was all very worth it.

The main differences between VCU and the American higher education system to that in the UK:

• Degrees last 4 years instead of 3 (so when you say you’re a second year and graduate the following year they get very confused – just say you’re a junior).

• It is more of a school-like system.

- Classes rather than lectures

- Attendance is mandatory

- Weekly deadlines rather than all work being submitted at the end of the semester

• More regular feedback, support and one on one meetings with staff.

• Mandatory attendance means you really stay on top of your assignments which makes time management a lot easier.

• There are always lots of free events to attend weekly (lectures from visiting professionals, eg. Bobby Martin, Champion Design NYC, Film Fridays, bingo evening).

• You could be in class with people from all 4 years, rather than all second years like in the UK.

Being part of the GDES department at VCU allowed me the opportunity to work within an international community. I was able to work with a large group of people for the newspaper project, being afforded an opportunity to reflect on my style which has helped me develop my own identity as a designer. Being able to return to my foundations of fine art and complete a semester of observational drawing was beneficial to my skill set. My knowledge of type and layout has improved a lot over this semester, and I have gained an understanding of the design community in the U.S. The readings and research tasks set were really beneficial to my education and understanding of culture and style within design. This is really key to any designer’s practice.

Overall my study abroad experience has moved me forward as a designer and I am much more confident in my approach to projects and working with a range of people. I look forwards to applying everything I have learnt throughout my time at VCU to my third year projects at UWE.

So, in the words of David Bowie, "turn and face the strange."

@madeleinebrooksdesign_

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