Staff Interview with Rachel Ley

Describe a typical day at work.

During my working day, I work on a range of tasks. I answer emails and telephone calls from students wishing to find out more about studying abroad and the opportunities open to them. I also complete administration for the team. This includes research into comparative Universities and study abroad programmes, managing the Study Abroad Ambassador and Buddy programmes and providing support for the team where necessary. I work across both inbound and outbound teams, meaning a very varied day.

Why do you do what you do?

I do this role in order to make a difference to students and help students to consider studying abroad. Studying abroad is a fantastic opportunity to learn more about yourself, get out of your comfort zone and make yourself stand out from the crowd. It is also the perfect opportunity to experience a completely different culture and make new friends. I gained so much from studying abroad and I encourage all students to make the most of this amazing opportunity being offered to them and study abroad themselves. 

What are some current projects you are working on?

One project I am currently working on is our outbound Buddy Programme. This involves matching up students who are due to study abroad with students who have previously studied abroad in the same Universities and countries. Having a Buddy is a great way to get more involved in your study abroad experience, sharing hints and tips with each other and is a fantastic way to make new friends. I currently run this Programme for our inbound exchange students, matching these students to University of Liverpool students who have studied abroad in their home University, and am very excited to roll this out with our outbound students!

What advice would you tell your pre-travel self?

I would tell my pre-travel self to document everything when travelling! I am a very creative person and so I would tell myself to write everything down, keep all tickets and flyers of the things you do when travelling, and be sure to take as many photos as possible in order to document and scrapbook your times and be able to look back on the memories. 

What makes your organization special?

The opportunities for training and personal development as a staff member are very comprehensive, making it the perfect place to grow personally whilst working here. Moreover, it’s the colleagues who work here in the University. Everyone is very friendly and welcoming and work very well together. Everyone works very hard to provide a great support service and University for its students.

What makes The University of Liverpool easy to market to potential participants?

The University of Liverpool is a great place to study. It has fantastic resources and facilities, such as its two libraries, dedicated Guild of Students and welcoming lecture and seminar spaces. The University’s puts on a fantastic range of events and trips for students, including to Fresher’s Fair, giving students information on all the different societies here at Liverpool and how to get involved, and also the trips organised by not only course coordinators, but also the Guild of Students and the Accommodation team. The campus itself is beautiful with many green areas and spaces to relax for both students and staff alike. It also offers a city location, being a ten-minute walk from the city centre and great transport links. 

What do you hope participants take away from your programs?

I hope inbound exchange students enjoy their timer here Liverpool. Liverpool is a fantastic city and a great University, full of extremely friendly and caring people. There is always something going on, whether that be within the campus, or the city. I hope students make the most of their time here in Liverpool, making life-long friends, enjoying the city and the University and take up all of the opportunities on offer!

Why is it important for people to travel abroad and experience new cultures?

I think it is important for people to travel abroad in order to experience new cultures and build their adaptation. Being able to be resilient and able to adapt to changing situations and appreciate different cultures is something paramount to being able to cope with daily life. Situations are ever changing, especially within a University setting, and so building this cultural adaptation and being able to appreciate cultural differences is therefore something very important to develop. 

What advice do you have for individuals thinking about going abroad?

Studying Abroad is the most amazing experience and you should definitely take up the opportunity whilst you can! You are thrown into a completely different environment and learn so much about yourself. You get to immerse yourself in a completely new culture and environment and experience life as a local during your time studying abroad. You will make life-long friends who you will be able to share this experience with. If you are thinking about studying abroad, you should do it!

What does meaningful travel mean to you?

Meaningful travel to me is to really take the time to get to know the place you are staying in. Trying to get involved in as many local cultural activities and experiences as you can. It is more than a holiday; it is about trying to understand and experience the local culture whilst you are abroad.