News release: California Dreaming

Abstract

Manchester Film and Media student Thomas Roberts is experiencing life at the Central Connecticut State University on a one-year placement from the University of Central
Lancashire.
Three months into her one-year placement from the University of Central Lancashire, Nicky Stoddart is enjoying her American experience as a second year student at Fresno State University in California, studying Marketing and Management.

The twenty-year old former student of Haydon School in Northwood Hills, wanted to see if she could adapt to a different culture and environment and improve her job prospects so jumped at the chance of studying abroad. She is glad she chose Fresno.

"Fresno, California, was my first choice because I've been to this part of the states before on family holidays and thoroughly enjoyed it. I liked the people, the environment and, of course the weather! Fresno was also recommended for the course I'm taking. "So far I've experienced many things, the culture is quite different compared to the English culture. When I first arrived here it felt as though it was just a holiday, everything was new and exciting. My apartment is lovely and right next to the swimming pool! It all seems too unreal but I loved meeting lots of new people although it was a bit overwhelming at first. The Americans are great fans of the English accent and you find yourself having to repeat words and sentences so they can hear it, they're very friendly and very welcoming."

Since arriving in California Nicky has enjoyed exploring the area. She's been to football games at the huge football stadium next to her apartment complex. She describes the atmosphere as amazing in the 40,000 capacity stadium and every game comes complete with a brass band, cheerleaders and big screens. Fresno State University is renowned for it's athletic teams and Nicky has managed to gain some work experience at the Fresno State Marketing Department of Athletics. She's also planning to visit Los Angeles and San Francisco and see a live showing of Friends. The only problem Nicky seems to be having is choosing where to eat.

"The number of fast food places is overwhelming, wherever there should be a pub there's a fast food
restaurant. Americans do like to eat! I have found myself having a meal at four o'clock in the morning and getting doughnuts at strange times of the night. There is never a shortage of food."

Nicky returns to Preston next September to finish her final year and in the future hopes to work in
Marketing.

"I'm so pleased to have had the opportunity to study abroad. I feel is has helped me gain a better
understanding of how other people live and that I have the ability to adapt to a different environment and culture. I did experience a cultural shock but that is part of adapting to a change. I also feel I've gained more confidence by meeting so many new people and making a new start on my own in another country. There have been ups and downs but overall it has been an enjoyable experience so far."

25th October 2001
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