How studying abroad in New York prepared me for my final year at Kingston University

After a semester studying in New York, Vee returned to Kingston University. She arrives with new skills, confidence and a clear vision for her future. We spoke to Vee about how this experience has prepared her for her final year.

What made you decide to study abroad?

Studying abroad was always something I wanted to do. Before coming to Kingston University, I wanted to experience living in another country. I wanted to learn in a different environment.

My mum studied abroad when she was at university. Hearing about her experiences made me realise I wanted to as well. When I found out Kingston University offered study abroad opportunities, I planned towards it.

Was New York always your first choice?

Actually, no, my first choice was Japan. I was interested in the culture and imagined myself studying there. I was disappointed when my application was rejected by my chosen university.

I spent a lot of time trying to understand why. Looking back, though, everything worked out for the best. I have absolutely no regrets about ending up in New York.

What was your first week in New York like?

Pratt had an orientation week for exchange students. It’s like Welcome Week at Kingston.

We played a game where you met new people and filled in a bingo card. I'd played it at Kingston, while working on Head Start. I knew exactly what I was doing. There was a prize for the winner and I won a $20 voucher for the local art shop.

My first friend was another British student studying at UAL in London. We had lots in common because we'd both experienced art school life in the UK.

What was it like studying at Pratt Institute?

One of the biggest differences was how flexible it was.

As an exchange student, I didn't have lots of required classes. Instead, I could choose modules that interested me and fit into my practice.

I studied:

• Drawing for Animation
• Experimental Animation
• Dreams, Memories and Hallucinations
• Sequential Art and the Graphic Novel
• Screenwriting
• Pilates (Yes, Pilates counted!)

Honestly, being able to build my own timetable was amazing. It allowed me to explore areas I was interested in rather than following a fixed programme.

Which classes had the biggest impact on you?

Experimental Animation was probably my favourite class. I knew I wanted to explore stop-motion animation. I used almost every project as an opportunity to develop those skills.

I also loved a class called Dreams, Memories and Hallucinations. It combined psychology, film and creative experimentation. We read research papers, watched experimental films and created our own work in response.

Those classes pushed me creatively and gave me space to experiment.

Did studying abroad help you develop your creative practice?

Absolutely, I gained clarity about what I want to do in the future.

I've always enjoyed different creative disciplines. After spending six months experimenting and creating projects, I realised that stop-motion animation is my niche.

I worked on several stop-motion projects during my semester. I even created a film that my lecturer encouraged me to submit to festivals. That was a huge confidence boost.

How did you spend your free time?

A lot of it revolved around food. I became a food tourist.

I spent loads of time exploring Chinatown because you could get incredible food for cheap prices. There were dumplings, noodle dishes and local restaurants that became personal favourites.

I also loved discovering neighbourhood restaurants and cafés around Brooklyn with friends.

What did you learn outside the classroom?

My biggest lesson was confidence. Moving abroad isn't just about studying. You're dealing with housing, visas, finances, travel and everyday life on your own.

There were moments when things felt overwhelming. Every challenge I overcame made me realise I was more capable than I thought.

You could throw me into a lot of situations now and I'd find a way to survive.

Did you do much sightseeing?

I did loads of sightseeing. The Met and MoMA were must-visits as an art student. Some of my favourite experiences were actually the unexpected ones.

Before I left New York, I watched medieval knights fighting in Central Park. It sounds completely random, but there were people dressed in full armour fighting in front of a crowd and it was amazing.

That's one thing I loved about New York; there was always something unusual happening.

Did you travel beyond New York?

Yes! After my semester ended, I spent almost a month travelling around the United States before my visa expired.

Some of the trip was solo travel and some of it involved visiting friends I'd made during my time at Pratt. One of my favourite stops was visiting a friend in Virginia and seeing a completely different side of America from New York City.

How has the experience prepared you for final year?

I feel much more ready to start projects now.

Before, there was always a bit of uncertainty around trying new techniques or approaches. Because I had so much freedom to experiment in New York, I don't feel like I'm fumbling around as much any more.

I know what interests me, I know the direction I want to take, and I feel more confident in my abilities.

How are you feeling about returning to Kingston University?

I'm really excited. I've only recently come back, so I'm still adjusting to being in the UK again, but I'm looking forward to seeing friends and getting started on my final year.

Most importantly, I feel like I know what I want to focus on. Stop-motion animation is my thing, and now I'm ready to dive into that and make the most of my final year.

Could study abroad be part of your Kingston University journey? Find out more about international opportunities, funding support and our partner universities.