UA Little Rock Student Expands Horizons with Study Abroad Experience at University of Nottingham

Studying abroad at the University of Nottingham marked a life-changing journey for Josie Eanes, a junior English major from Little Rock, who had never left the country before this year.

Since studying abroad in England during the spring semester, she has traveled to nine other countries, gaining invaluable personal growth and a global perspective that will shape her future endeavors.

“I think the most valuable thing I learned while studying abroad was that getting out of your comfort zone is incredibly important,” she said. “I had never been out of the country, never been away from home for more than two weeks, and I had never even been on a plane. I was uncomfortable for a while, but I think it’s helped me grow so much as a person.”

Eanes spent much of her time attending classes and studying at the University of Nottingham, where a popular pastime was going to pubs with the other foreign exchange students. She cites her two biggest accomplishments as earning straight As during her semester abroad as well as traveling to nine different countries in Europe, including visiting several of her dream destinations.

“My favorite part of studying abroad was being able to travel places I never thought I’d be able to,” Eanes said. “I got to relax on a beach by the Mediterranean Sea. I got to see Gustav Klimt’s ‘The Kiss’ in Vienna. I got to eat margarita pizza and gelato in Italy. I had so many new experiences in such a short amount of time.”

Eanes said her favorite place to visit was the ancient city of Pompeii, Italy, which was buried in 79 A.D. by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius.

“Not only was it interesting to learn about the history of the city, but it was also beautiful,” she said. “There were mountains (and a volcano) on all sides, wildflowers sprouting everywhere, and the ruins were so vast that I often didn’t see any other tourists while I was exploring.”

After she graduates in May 2026, Eanes plans to take a gap year to get some work experience and then go to graduate school to earn a Master of Fine Arts degree in Creative Writing. She is incredibly grateful for this study abroad experience that helped her become a more adventurous and independent person.

“My study abroad experience helped me learn that I am capable of being independent,” she said. “For a while, I felt all alone in a foreign country without the usual support I’m used to receiving here. But I ended up passing my classes, traveling solo, and planning long trips, all alongside everyday responsibilities.”