“Two days in Plymouth made me want to stay for the year”

Kyra Rosas came to the University on international exchange from Florida
Kyra Rosas meal with friends
Kyra Rosas (pictured centre) out for a meal with new friends during Welcome weeks

Being from ‘sunshine state’ Florida, you’d forgive budding paediatrician Kyra Rosas for never wanting to leave home.
But she knew from an early age that she wanted to meet new friends and broaden her horizons. So, after a term-long opportunity at the University of Plymouth came her way, she jumped at the chance - and just two days in, she decided to extend to a year. 

Why Plymouth?

In Kyra's words ...

“I study at Florida Atlantic University (FAU) and was set on gaining study experience abroad. 
I narrowly missed out on an opportunity to study in Australia, so I asked whether there were any other opportunities for the fall (autumn) – otherwise I’d have to wait for a whole year before applying anywhere again. 
College mentioned International Exchange at the University of Plymouth for a semester, and I said sign me up!"
“I decided to do Psychology at Plymouth – as that was the most valuable subject to complement my paediatrics major – and was looking forward to being here for a few weeks. 
I arrived in halls, and there were so many events bringing people together from the word ‘go’, it was so people-orientated and very different from back home. 
Within my first two days I’d made new friends from all over the world, including India, France and Norway, and loved the local area – I knew I had to stay for full year. Thankfully the team have made it a reality, and it’s amazing.”
Kyra Rosas and flatmates
Kyra Rosas seaside

The best thing about being here?

“Back home, everybody's just like, oh, you're so shy. You don't talk at all. But since I've gone here, I literally won't stop talking, it's brought me out of my shell more and made me less shy. 
It helps my personality making networks and connections, so I'm definitely happy that everyone wants to know the real me, which feels nice. 
Here in Plymouth, people genuinely care and want to hear what you have to say. It’s so friendly. I’ve been to the Mayflower Steps, watched the sunset on the Hoe and enjoyed live music on the Barbican too, it’s beautiful."

But…what about the weather?

“People keep saying ‘why did you come here?’ when you think of the weather. But it’s ok, I used to live in New York, it’s kind of similar, and we’re on the same level. Watching the sunset on the Hoe was so pretty and I’ve been able to wear my shorts at least once, which is something!
The other big change is accepting that to everyone else, I have an accent. I can't always understand the English accent that well, and you speak so much faster over here! I’m also remembering to say ‘pounds’ instead of ‘dollars’, and ‘university’ instead of ‘college’, along with other bits of lingo. 
I’ll certainly be learning as I go, but with my flatmates, international friends I’ve already made and the many societies in the Students’ Union, I’m so excited.”

Supporting a dream

Research shows that students who study or work abroad during their degree are more likely to achieve at a higher academic level, get a job and earn more when they graduate, are more international in their lives and show greater personal development.

At the University of Plymouth, we provide opportunities for our students to take advantage of these life-changing experiences through semester or year-long placements at overseas partner universities or employers and we offer the same to students from our partners. 

Kyra joined us for a one semester placement from Florida Atlantic University and we are so pleased that she loves us so much she wants to stay for the whole year!

Whatever opportunity our students or our partners students choose, our Global Opportunities team support them all the way and is working with Florida to make Kyra’s dream come true.

Dave WalkdenMr Dave Walkden
Senior Administrator

BEd (Hons) Primary international opportunities
Psychology student holding an electroencephalogram in front of a book case