A history whiz who swapped the Granite City for the US during her studies returned to the north-east yesterday to collect her masters.
Samantha MacFarlane spent a year in South Carolina, and also enjoyed surfing trips to Spain and Portugal.
The 21-year-old, who yesterday graduated with a masters in history, recommended other students to follow in her footsteps.
Miss MacFarlane, of Inverness, said: “I did a year abroad in South Carolina in my third year which was amazing.
“It was difficult being that far from home though, I did have to come back at Christmas, but it was an incredible year to experience something so different to what I am used to.
“I would really encourage people to take those opportunities, it really made me step out of my comfort zone and it’s made me who I am today.
“Putting myself in situations that are unfamiliar has really made me grow as a person at university, I was quite quiet and timid in school and now I feel like I have gained a lot of confidence.”
During her time at Aberdeen University, Miss MacFarlane also began surfing – seizing on the opportunity to go on breaks in warmer climes.
She said: “We have to be dressed head to toe in a wet suit, gloves and boots because its so cold, but we have been out in snow, sleet and sun.
“We also have an abroad trip every year which I have loved, I’ve been on it twice and have gone to Portugal and Spain.
“I’ve found surfing a really good stress reliever through university, it just takes your mind off things for a little while, I can catch a couple of waves and feel so much better.
“I would definitely encourage any undergraduates to take it on, I had never surfed before university either.”
