After reading the work of Welsh Renaissance poets in a poetry course, UAB student Riley Nails became interested in learning more about Wales such as its history, language, culture and traditions. When he discovered UAB’s Wales study abroad program, he saw an opportunity to move beyond studying another culture from afar and experience it for himself.
“I chose this program so I could live in the country and trace the same paths as some of the poets that I do work on,” Riley said.
From exploring Wales and traveling across the United Kingdom to navigating life in a new country for the first time, Riley’s experience gave him a new perspective on the world and a deeper appreciation for cultural immersion. Here, Riley reflects on what inspired him to study abroad, his most memorable experiences and how his time in Wales changed the way he sees other cultures.
What inspired you to study abroad, and what made you decide to take the leap?
I have always been interested in learning languages and discovering foreign cultures. I took a Renaissance poetry class in the fall, and read some Welsh Renaissance poets’ poems. From there, I explored more about the Welsh background of the poets. I never really understood, or at least appreciated, that Wales has its own history, language, culture, and cuisine. When I learned about the study abroad program at one of the fairs, I did research and decided I wanted to go.
Why did you choose this particular program?
I chose this program so I could live in the country and trace the same paths as some of the poets that I do work on. I got to read The Prelude by William Wordsworth on a bus that drove past the mountain I wrote about. The chance to do things like this is what inspired me.
What is something you experienced abroad that you never expected?
One thing that I experienced abroad was the beauty and reliability of public transport. Birmingham has buses, sure, however these trains that traverse Wales go to the smallest of towns, and from there buses can take you across the entire country to small villages. We don’t have that reliability in the USA. However, in Wales you could truly travel anywhere, even beyond into the hamlets of England and the villages of Scotland.
How has living in another country changed the way you see the world or understand other cultures?
I have always enjoyed learning about other cultures prior to my study abroad. However, I was always reading through a clouded lens. I could only see what other people saw in it. But when you are in the country and singing the songs in that languages –even if you don’t understand–, and you are talking to people and seeing the joy in their eyes as they explain their culture, it changes you deep inside. It’s like seeing photos of a sunset versus feeling the warmth on your skin as it sets.
What was the most memorable moment of your experience?
The most memorable experience, I think, was when I went with my roommates to Edinburgh for the weekend. We spent the weekend exploring the streets and castles and museums. We took the cheap 14 hour bus from Birmingham to Edinburgh and then the train back in the evening on Sunday. However, as none of us had ever traveled abroad before, we did not know that train stations are not 24/7 and that not all trains travel throughout the night. We had to spend the night in a McDonald’s in Shropshire sleeping in the booths. We walked back to the station in the rain, but when we boarded the train for Aberystwyth, we got to see the sunrise over the Cambrian mountains. It was honestly the most beautiful sunrise I’ve seen in my life.
What advice would you give to another UAB student who is thinking about studying abroad?
I don’t want to sound cliche, but do it. While you are young, if you are, and when you don’t have many things holding you back, go explore another culture through a study abroad. You will learn so many things, meet people that you will talk to for the rest of your life, and you will love it. There are so many resources online that can provide help and guidance nowadays on where to travel, how to travel, and what to do. Plus, UAB has a great support system for studying abroad, and, for UAB in Aberystwyth specifically, there are so many people on both sides of the ocean who want to see you succeed. Do not be afraid to reach out and ask for assistance at all.
