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 semester, she got to find out what it is like to be a Hokie at Virginia Tech.

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 could never have imagined I’d have the chance to live and study there for a year. As someone who loves history, particularly 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 the 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 I think anyone around me could have realized.

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

Academically, 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 particularly enjoyed the second semester project, which focused on U.S. - Vietnam reconciliation efforts. It ended with a visit to Washington, D.C., where we were able to present our findings to desk officers at the State Department. It was nerve wracking but incredibly rewarding seeing our efforts pay off - an experience that really boosted my confidence and helped me grow in research, teamwork, and public speaking. I would highly recommend this class to anyone who has the chance to take it.

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, and I’m especially grateful to my American friends, who made me feel so at home while being so far from it. My confidence grew immensely as I learned to navigate unfamiliar situations on my own, 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 me was when I returned to campus early to help welcome the new exchange students, I walked across campus late one January evening, the Drillfield covered in perfectly untouched snow, the sky perfectly clear. I sat in the pylons, taking it all in, thinking to myself how lucky I was to be there in a place starting 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 completely knew, feel like home. I’d encourage anyone to study abroad if they get the chance to - especially at a place as welcoming as Virginia Tech.