Mary Rudder

Mary discovered a new side of English literature while studying abroad in Manchester, England.

Home University: Regent University

Host University: University of Manchester

Major: English

Why did you choose to study abroad in Manchester, England?

There are so many choices when studying abroad, but I chose Manchester because it offered unique classes in my course of study. It was also a great central location for traveling all over the UK, which turned out

to be very handy for trips!

Did anything about England or Manchester surprise you/was it different than you expected?

I did not know if there would be much to do in Manchester (besides football matches, of course!), but there was always something going on either at the University or in the City Centre. I went to a couple of vintage fairs, visited homes of famous authors, and spent a lot of time shopping all over the city. Manchester also has a great music scene. I think it’s truly a city that has something for everyone!

As an English major, what was it like visiting places you’d read about in books?

You get a whole new perspective on literature when you are able to see the sights that meant so much to the authors or see where they lived and wrote. I have always loved the poetry of William Wordsworth, but I never truly understood his love of nature until I saw the Lake District with my own eyes. Poetry and novels seem to come to life right before your eyes, and is such an amazing experience that I wish everyone could have.

Was there a particular place that you visited that was your favorite?

I was invited by my flatmate to spend the weekend with her and parents at their home. They took me to two smaller villages, Hebden Bridge and Hayworth, and allowed me the chance to truly experience British culture. They knew I was studying literature, and took me to see where my favorite novel, Jane Eyre, was written. It was an amazing weekend, and is a memory I will treasure for the rest of my life.

From your pictures and blog, it looks like you had great flatmates. Tell me what your housing was like and how it helped your time abroad.

I stayed in Saint Gabriel’s Hall on campus, and it was such a great experience. I was nervous when I first got there, but by the end of that day I had already made many close friends. It is a very social hall, and it is also catered. Everyone has dinner together in the evenings, which was very nice because it gave me a chance to catch up with everyone. I was so afraid I would be homesick while I was in England, but Gabs soon became my home away from home. I already miss hanging out in the hallway talking to my flatmates!

How do you think study abroad will help you in your future?

My study abroad experience is already helping me in my career field. I feel more confident in my abilities and am no longer afraid of taking risks. Studying abroad helped me come out of my shell and truly engage myself with another culture. The diversity of England helped me understand more about the world and myself. I made great friends while studying abroad, and look forward to visiting them soon!