A minor in Pennsylvania: Magda on studying abroad at East Stroudsburg University

As an international student who had already moved from Bulgaria to the Netherlands, Magda has always wanted to get more out of her education than just good grades. “I always wanted to make the most of my education, not just academically but also personally,” she explains, by collecting memories and living just a bit outside her comfort zone.

When she learnt that Fontys has hundreds of partner institutions worldwide, going abroad became a goal. After researching the options, she chose East Stroudsburg University in Pennsylvania.

Arriving in America
Surprisingly, the first weeks felt a little unreal. Thanks to films, series and pop culture, much of American life already seemed familiar, and she describes those early days as “a simulation of a life”. As she met people and built a new routine, the details started to show and life felt real again. She calls it one of the most formative experiences of her stay.

Her most memorable moment came on move-in day. She had landed in New York the day before and went to campus to unpack and meet her roommate. After months of visa applications, interviews and paperwork, everything suddenly became real. “This realisation almost instantly cured my jet lag,” she says.

A different way of learning
The biggest difference with Fontys is the education system itself. An American university works like an ecosystem of its own, with department heads, deans and student provosts. After the project-based “learning by doing” approach at Fontys, she found herself in a traditional lecture hall with around a hundred other students and a professor presenting the material. She also takes exams, something she never did at Fontys.

What impressed her most is how dedicated the teachers are. Even when one professor teaches 300 students, they try to connect with each of them, care about their success and prepare them well for the exams.

Psychology and Sociology for a designer
Her courses differ from what you might expect of an ICT student. She chose no programming or graphic design classes, but picked subjects to broaden her horizons: Psychology and Sociology. As a designer, she finds them valuable because “a great portion of coming up with an effective design comes from understanding how one thinks and why one would act in a certain way.”

Unlike at Fontys, there are usually no big, semester-long projects. Most classes focus on theory and tests, sometimes with a project assignment or a lab class. She has also seen what the Art, Media and Design students on campus are building, and how.

Friendly Americans and a lively campus
Meeting people has been easy. Americans are outgoing, and her accent works as a conversation starter, as people are curious to know how she ended up there. Student life is also much richer than she is used to in the Netherlands, with events almost every day, game nights and clubs to join. It all makes it easier to find “your people”.

Small talk and long distances
The biggest culture shock was small talk, which she calls “a non-negotiable”. Shop assistants greet you, ask about your day and compliment your outfit, and strangers strike up conversations by the toaster at breakfast. It felt unfamiliar at first, but she soon noticed herself easing into it, and sometimes starting the conversation herself.

The campus is large but secluded, and you need a car to get anywhere. Even with a car, every errand feels like a journey. A trip to McDonald’s means 15 minutes on the highway across two cities. It’s a big contrast with hopping on her bike in the Netherlands and reaching any shop she needs.

What it gave her
The experience has reminded her that any new start can be hard at first. But if you give yourself time to enjoy building a new routine, “things fall into place pretty quickly.” As a student, it has given her a look at a different form of education and learning environment.

Her advice: go for it
What would she tell fellow Fontys students considering a period abroad? “I would say, ‘Go for it.’” It doesn’t have to be the USA. Wherever you want to go, pack your bags, meet new people and stay curious and open to anyone and anything.

Her practical tips:
- Apply on time;
- Talk to students who are or have been abroad;
- Don’t be afraid to ask for advice;
- Enjoy every second once you are there.