I'd recommend to anyone to do a year abroad as it gives you so many opportunities to travel without having to take time out of your studies
![Laura Tracey sat on a rock in front of some mountains and a river](http://cdn.sheffield.ac.uk/sites/default/files/styles/profile_square_1x/public/2020-08/laura-tracey.jpg?itok=zrEX659p&h=da4c6bce)
On my year abroad, I went to the University of Wollongong, Australia. As part of my stay I was able to take the incredible opportunity to spend my Christmas holidays travelling Australia and New Zealand for almost three months, which was the highlight of the year.
I was also lucky enough to travel solo around some of south east Asia on my way home after my year abroad had ended. I'd recommend to anyone to do a year abroad, as it gives you so many opportunities to travel without having to take time out of your studies.
I am now a Global Ambassador for the University, helping to promote and raise awareness of the Study Abroad and Erasmus schemes.
Laura Tracey
Mathematics with a Year Abroad MMath
One of my favourite things about Wollongong is that the city is sandwiched between the sea and the mountains. I was able to spend plenty of my spare time at the beach, this was an especially nice way to relax after a stressful day at uni.
During my first semester in Australia I was allowed the chance to study an Australia Studies module. This really helped me learn more about the culture and history of the country and was good to take alongside my mathematics subjects. The other modules I studied at Wollongong matched up nicely with ones I would have taken back in Sheffield, putting me in a good place for when I returned for my final masters year.
Since returning to Sheffield, I am now a Global Ambassador for the University, helping to promote and raise awareness of the Study Abroad and Erasmus schemes. This job role is very rewarding as I'm able to give other students information and advice I wish I'd known before leaving for my year abroad, as well as see other students get excited as they prepare.