Becoming a Hokie was formative for British exchange student

Olivia Black is getting her degree from the University of Kent in the United Kingdom, her home country, but for a year, she got to find out what it is like to be a Hokie at Virginia Tech. Here, she shares her reflections of her time in Blacksburg.

Becoming a Hokie during my year at Virginia Tech, nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia, was one of the most formative experiences of my life. It was my first time in the United States — a country I had always dreamed of visiting — and I never imagined I’d have the chance to live and study there for a year. As someone who loves history, especially American history, this opportunity meant more to me than I realized at the time.

Going abroad alone for so long felt like a huge leap into the unknown. As the only British student in my program, I didn’t know what to expect — what classes would be like, whether I’d fit in, or if I’d find people to connect with. I worried I might feel isolated or out of place. But from the moment I arrived, those fears began to ease. I was met with the warmth and generosity I’d long associated with Americans, and that welcome made a bigger difference than anyone around me probably realized.

Virginia Tech is a remarkable place. The strong sense of community, school pride, and kindness among students and staff left a lasting impression. Whether walking across the Drillfield in blistering snow or screaming my head off in the stands at a football game, I felt part of something much bigger than myself.

Academically, Virginia Tech challenged and inspired me. Professors took the time to get to know me and encouraged me to engage deeply with the material. One standout experience was the Diplomacy Lab, a course run in partnership with the U.S. Department of State. It gave student researchers the chance to engage directly with real-world policy questions. I especially enjoyed the second-semester project, which focused on U.S.-Vietnam reconciliation efforts. It ended with a visit to Washington, D.C., where we presented our findings to State Department desk officers. It was nerve-racking but incredibly rewarding — an experience that boosted my confidence and helped me grow in research, teamwork, and public speaking. 

Looking back, studying abroad didn’t just introduce me to new places — it helped me grow in ways I hadn’t anticipated. I built friendships that I know will last a lifetime, especially with my American friends who made me feel so at home while being so far from it. My confidence grew as I learned to navigate unfamiliar situations, and I had the chance to travel to places I’d only ever dreamed of — from historic cities on the East Coast to the beaches of California.

One memory that will always stay with came when I returned to campus early to help welcome new exchange students. Walking across campus late one January evening, I found the Drillfield covered in untouched snow under a perfectly clear sky. I sat in the Pylons, taking it all in, and thought to myself how lucky I was to be in a place that had started to feel like home.

Getting to experience such a range of cultures and landscapes within one country was incredible, and the memories I made will stay with me for years to come. Studying abroad didn’t just shape my university experience — it reshaped how I think about opportunity, identity, and what it means to make somewhere new feel like home.