‘One of the best things I’ve done’: Liverpool Hope student on international study exchange
If you’re a student looking for a university that provides an opportunity to develop inside and outside of the classroom, then Liverpool Hope University could be the place for you.
One of four Catholic universities in England, Liverpool Hope has been ranked fifth in the country for student satisfaction by Times Higher Education, and is rated top in the North West for academic support, mental wellbeing services and learning opportunities in the 2024 National Student Survey.
One such learning opportunity available to all undergraduate students is the chance to participate in an international study exchange. The dedicated Global Student and Partnership Centre is on hand to help you enjoy life-changing experiences abroad.
That proved the case for Kiera Savage, a final-year Creative Writing and Education Studies student who spent her second year at Hope College in Michigan, USA.
She said: “It’s one of the best things I’ve ever done and a highlight of my time at university.
“I knew before I joined Liverpool Hope that I wanted to study abroad because I wanted the chance to experience other cultures and the University really supported me in making that happen.
“I have had an incredible time studying in Liverpool and it was the same in Michigan. It widened my perspective on life and I learnt a lot about myself that I didn’t know before I left, so I can thank this experience for growing as a person.”
Liverpool Hope has a global network of partners offering international study exchanges, including institutions in Europe, Asia and North America.
This opened up a world of opportunity for Kiera, who had the chance to mix with students from across the globe, providing her with the culturally enriching experience she craved.
The 20-year-old immersed herself in American life, joining the volleyball club, working on campus and participating in the college traditions synonymous with the US education system.
She also had the opportunity to travel to cities across America, including LA, where she spent three weeks working with children from low socio-economic backgrounds as part of a school engagement project organised by Hope College.
Dr Wendy Bignold, Dean of Global Engagement, said: “We provide our students with a range of international opportunities.
“From studying overseas to volunteering around the world, we have a team dedicated to helping students enjoy life-changing global experiences.
“This allows them to immerse themselves in a different culture, to learn about different world views and to make friends for life and there is evidence that their time abroad improves their academic outcomes when they return.”
Now back in the UK undertaking her final year, Kiera is beginning to think about life after university but remains grateful for the opportunities afforded to her by Hope.
“I chose to study here because I wanted to go to a small university and one which allowed me to combine my interest in creative writing and education,” she added.
“Having a personal connection with your lecturers is better than just being another name in the system and that’s what you get at Hope.
“The University is big on creating a sense of community and they succeed in providing that in so many different ways because they listen to student feedback and that makes for a great experience.”
