MURFREESBORO, Tenn. — When Ruby Grace Smith arrived at Middle Tennessee State University from the United Kingdom last fall for an academic year in the United States, she had no idea the experience would turn into the most incredible year of her life.

Visiting from MTSU’s sister university, the University of Salford, Smith spent her time learning in the Scott Borchetta College of Media and Entertainment during the recent fall and spring semesters. The first semester focused on video and film, and the next on journalism.  

“I have had the most amazing year of my life,” she said. “Not just in the classroom, but because of the people I have met. Even though America is so big, I’ve tried to see as much as possible.”

Smith said her experience at MTSU and in America far exceeded her expectations.

“I wanted to have the American school experience, meet amazing people and do something different and exciting,” she said. “I want to live the most interesting life possible, and this felt like a great start.”

When comparing college life in the UK and in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, Smith said the experiences are very different.

“College here is completely different. It’s more structured and high-school-like with attendance and homework,” she explained. “At home, it’s more independent with one big project or essay at the end of the semester. This actually suits me as a hands-on learner.”

Smith finished her studies at MTSU in May. Before returning home to the UK, she planned to visit Los Angeles, California, for a week.

“I have loved every second of this experience; no regrets at all,” she said. “I wish I could stay longer. Thank you, MTSU, so much for this experience. I hope to come and visit again.”

She encourages students from both Salford and MTSU to take the opportunity to study at the sister universities because it is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

“To someone from Salford: absolutely do it. Don’t even think about it; don’t blink because it will be over before you know it. It’s the most incredible year if you make it that,” she said.

“To an MTSU student thinking of going to Salford, do it even just for a semester. It really makes you see that little things are not a big deal and that there is a whole wide world outside America. Go live in it!”  

For more information on the student exchange program with Salford University, click here.

—   DeAnn Hays ([email protected])