Laura Godfrey-Brazier: How studying in the US boosted my confidence

Posted on: 19 December 2024 in 2024

Laura graduated with a Business Management degree in 2023 and during her studies she studied abroad at Stevens Institute of Technology in New Jersey from August to December 2021.

We caught up with her to hear how her time studying in the US boosted her confidence.

Why did you decide to apply for a global opportunity during your studies? 

Luckily, I always knew that I wanted to take part in a study abroad programme; Growing up in a small village in North Wales, I often felt limited in terms of exposure to diverse perspectives and experiences. Studying abroad presented the perfect chance to not only broaden my horizons but also enhance my confidence and adaptability—skills I knew would be invaluable for both personal growth and my future career. Also, I have always wanted to travel and experience a new culture, and I knew studying abroad would offer the opportunity to travel while enjoying the security of a university environment, making it easier to build friendships and access a strong support network.

When I was researching universities during Sixth Form, I prioritized finding one that combined a strong academic reputation with opportunities for international study. ULMS stood out to me because it offered both an excellent business school and a structured program for global opportunities, making it my top choice. As soon as I started my first year, I was determined to make the most of these opportunities, and I invested time in learning about the destinations available and the application process.

What motivated you to choose the specific university and course for your global experience?

The University of Liverpool Management School offers a wide range of universities to visit for your global experience, allowing you to select three options. I thoroughly researched each institution to find the ones that resonated with me. I knew I wanted to go to the United States, but I hadn’t heard of Stevens Institute of Technology until I discovered it on the global experience page. When I looked into it, I was immediately captivated by the campus, which is located in Hoboken, NJ, right on the Hudson River with stunning views of New York City. With just a 10-minute train ride into Manhattan, I knew this was the place for me. Growing up in a small village in Wales and only ever seeing the city in films, I’d always dreamed of going to New York. I could picture myself grabbing a coffee and studying in a coffee shop in Hoboken. Also, I have always wanted to experience New York at Christmas time, to see the Rockefeller tree, Times Square and the Empire State Building and Steven’s could offer me all of the above! Although I was studying business management, I chose to focus on marketing during my global experience. I was eager to learn about how marketing in the U.S. differs from the UK, and I found the courses to be incredibly interesting.

How did the curriculum and teaching style at the host university differ from your home institution?

I found the American curriculum and teaching style to be quite manageable, giving me plenty of time to enjoy socialising with friends. The campus and classroom experience felt like something straight out of a classic American college film, and every class was engaging. Compared to the UK’s focus on assignments and exams, the US curriculum included more 'pop quizzes' and presentations that directly contributed to your grades. Classes were highly interactive, yet still familiar in structure to what I had experienced in the UK. Instead of large lecture halls, we often had smaller seminar-style classes, which made it much easier to engage with the professor and ask questions. Additionally, there was a strong emphasis on group work, which not only enhanced my learning but also helped me make new friends.

In what ways did this experience enhance your personal development? 

Before my global experience, I lacked a lot of confidence and was quite shy. Moving across the country to a busy city, alone at 19, forced me to face those fears and adapt. I had to push myself to speak up in situations where I would normally stay quiet. My biggest piece of advice to anyone lucky enough to study abroad is to speak to everyone! Even if you don’t feel like it, or don’t get the response you were hoping for, it will help you make connections. For example, on my first day on campus, I decided to ask a group of girls if I could sit with them for lunch. They ended up becoming my best friends, and I spent Thanksgiving with one of their families. I still visit them every year!

This experience had a huge impact on my confidence. In my final year at university, I became a Global Opportunities Ambassador for the University of Liverpool. In that role, I had to speak in front of large groups during open days and lead exchange student sessions. Before studying abroad, I never would have had the confidence to do that!

I was truly thrown in at the deep end—this was my first time traveling alone, and I moved to the U.S. during the pandemic when borders were closed, meaning I couldn’t visit my family. But I adapted and grew in ways I never expected. That experience made me a better version of myself, and I’ll forever be grateful for it.

Did you face any challenges adapting to a new educational system or country and how did you overcome them?

One of my initial worries about studying at an American college was having a roommate—sharing a room with someone 24/7 felt a bit daunting. But once I arrived, my perspective completely changed. I was paired with another British girl, and we hit it off right away. She became my rock throughout the semester, and whenever I needed a dose of British humour, she was always there to provide it!

I also experienced homesickness during my first week, which was something I never expected. I found it hard to leave campus at first because everything felt so overwhelming. But I pushed myself to adapt, get out, and make friends. By the end of that first week, I felt much better, and soon I didn’t want to leave!

As I mentioned earlier, my U.S. educational experience included plenty of presentations, which initially terrified me. However, once I put in the prep work, collaborated with my group, and completed my first few presentations, my confidence grew, and I was ready for the rest.

Although we share the same language, the cultural differences were still noticeable. This wasn’t a negative, though—it was fascinating to immerse myself in the American college experience. From attending sports games to going to fraternity parties and joining campus activities, it was a truly eye-opening experience!

What was the most memorable experience you had during your time abroad? Can you describe a specific moment or event that stood out as the best part of your experience?

One of my most memorable moments was celebrating my first Thanksgiving. By this point in my semester abroad, I had a great group of American friends, and we decided to host a "Friendsgiving" at my friend's apartment. Everyone brought a dish, and we ate until we couldn’t move. Of course, things didn’t go smoothly—we burned the turkey, set off the fire alarm, and even had the Hoboken fire department make an unexpected visit to the apartment!

Afterward, I spent the weekend with my friend’s family at their beautiful beach house in Asharoken, Long Island. They welcomed me into their Thanksgiving celebration with such warmth, and we spent the weekend eating, playing games, and taking morning walks on the beach. They were genuinely curious about the UK, and it was so nice to be part of their family traditions.

And I can’t forget about the fraternities and sororities! My campus had a street called "Frat Row," a row of fraternity houses where we would often meet up with friends and head to a frat party. They were just like the movies— fun and unforgettable! It was definitely an experience I’ll always cherish.

What skills or knowledge did you gain that have been particularly useful in your graduate career? 

I studied business management, but I’ve always been more drawn to the marketing side of things. When selecting my courses for my semester abroad at Stevens, I made sure to focus on marketing-related classes, especially since I was living next to one of the world’s biggest marketing hubs! It was fascinating to learn about American marketing strategies and how they differ from those in the UK. This experience really expanded my understanding of the field and has been invaluable in my graduate career.

One key skill I gained, and something I talk about often, is increased confidence. My semester abroad had a huge impact on my self-assurance, and I truly believe it shaped me. In my current role as a regional operations manager, I frequently attend meetings with major clients where I need to speak up and present ideas. While confidence comes with knowing your stuff, a lot of it stems from my experiences abroad.

I also took a social media analysis class while abroad, and the knowledge I gained from that has been incredibly useful in my graduate role. I now manage all of my company’s social media accounts, and what I learned during that class has played a big part in my success.

What advice would you give to students considering applying for a global opportunity? 

DO IT!! It doesn’t matter where you go, what matters is you’ve got the experience! Studying abroad shows your adaptability and you will stand out in interviews for graduate roles, plus you’ll make lifelong friends from across the world! Because of my study abroad experience, I now have friends in America, Paris, London, Kazakhstan, and Singapore, which I visit at least once a year! Don’t take the opportunity for granted, it was the best experience of my life to date, and I will forever wish I could go back and relive it. 

As for the application process, my advice is to thoroughly research the three universities you’re considering. I spent hours exploring on Google Maps to get a feel for each place!

How can students make the most of their time abroad, both academically and personally?

Academically, give your best effort in your courses, and don't be afraid to ask questions if you're uncertain about something. Having a study abroad experience is valuable, but having that experience paired with strong grades is even more rewarding! While it may not be realistic to never miss a class, aiming to attend consistently helps you get the most out of the academic opportunities available. Time management is crucial—balance your social activities with your academic responsibilities, and make sure you dedicate enough time for studying. A study trip to the library, fuelled by coffee and snacks, can actually be a lot of fun and a great way to focus!

Personally, embrace every opportunity and don’t shy away from new experiences. Remember, no one knows you at your host school, so it’s a perfect chance for a fresh start. Be open to meeting new people, exploring different cultures, and stepping out of your comfort zone. The more you engage with your surroundings, the more rewarding your time abroad will be.

What would you say to a student who is hesitant about applying for an international opportunity? 

If you're feeling hesitant about applying for an international opportunity, I would encourage you to take the leap and go for it! It’s completely normal to feel nervous about stepping out of your comfort zone, but that’s exactly where growth happens. Studying or working abroad opens doors to new experiences, perspectives, and personal development that you can’t get anywhere else. You'll learn more about different cultures, develop independence, and gain skills that will set you apart in the job market.

It’s also worth remembering that you’re not alone in feeling uncertain—many students feel the same way before they go, but once they’re there, they realise how rewarding the experience is. And if you’re worried about logistics or challenges, know that most international programs have great support systems in place to help you adapt and succeed. Stevens had an international student programme; all international/exchange students would meet with our advisor once a week and we all became really good friends!

Take the chance to push past your fears; it might feel intimidating at first, but the benefits are well worth it. Don’t let fear hold you back.