Suzanne McFetridge, Class of 2023
Northern Ireland
Major: Business
Why did you choose Virginia Wesleyan University?
The campus is very spacious but has a reasonable walking distance between each of the buildings. There is also so much to do outside of campus, such as the oceanfront boardwalk, various restaurants and food places, and the premium outlets, which are all extremely close to the campus itself! There are also various sports opportunities (intramural and intercollegiate) and the courses offered at VWU interested me greatly; courses such as the business, sport and recreation, criminal justice and sociology.
What were your first impressions when you arrived on campus?
Everyone was super nice and welcoming and my field hockey teammates came to welcome me and help me get settled in.
What have you liked best about VWU and your experiences here so far?
The people that I have met and the friends that I have made, not only through field hockey but through other activities and opportunities available on campus.
What is most different from what you were used to at home?
The culture, campus life, and sport traditions are not what I am used to. The culture—from food and drinks, to the traditional way of life is different. Even though I come from an English speaking country, we have a lot of slang, so I have really enjoyed teaching others about different phrases and sayings that we have as well as learning not only USA slang but slang specifically used in the Virginia Beach area.
At my home university there are four different campuses. I study at the business school in the capital city, Belfast. The campus is all together and is located right in the city. As well as this, students do not stay in accommodations on campus (e.g. dorms).
Game day traditions, such as tailgates and very long bus journeys to away games have been a big change for me but something that I have really enjoyed being able to experience with such an incredible group of girls!
What were some of your biggest challenges in adjusting to college life in another country?
Having good time-management skills has always been a challenge for me, so having professors close the door and not let anyone in if you are even a minute late has actually improved these skills.
What campus activities are you involved in or do you plan on being involved in?
On campus I play intercollegiate field hockey. As part of projects for various classes I am volunteering as a soccer referee for the YMCA; I am involved in the planning, implementing and evaluating of the student activity organization’s “OFF THE HOOK” Halloween Carnaval (CarnEvil); and I am involved in the planning and implementing of Virginia Wesleyan University's annual student business conference.
What advice would you give to other students coming to VWU from another country?
Keep an open mind and don’t be scared to reach out to people and speak to new people. Don’t be put off by the fact that you may not know anyone because it gives you an opportunity to get to know more people.
What do you hope to do after graduation?
I plan to work in hospitality, specifically in the hotel industry.