Mary Byron graduated in December 2021 with a bachelor’s in Cognitive Science with a Neuroscience concentration and was awarded Highest Distinction from the cognitive science distinguished majors program. Growing up in Reston, Virginia, Byron chose the Global First program and spent the first semester in London, United Kingdom and credits it as key to her UVA experience.
How did you decide to go for Global First?
Byron: Growing up in Northern VA, I always wanted to travel; I wanted to get far away from the home I’d always known and UVA London First was the perfect opportunity.
How was your experience?
Byron: I originally applied and was accepted to Shanghai First but the program was cancelled shortly thereafter. Instead, I was offered a spot in the London program. It was one of the best decisions I could have made. My experience was spectacular, and it was a very unique opportunity for an 18-year-old.
In addition to taking coursework, we went on multiple weekend trips with other students in the Global First program— Dublin and Amsterdam were amazing.
Would you recommend Global first? Why?
Byron: I would absolutely recommend the Global First program. I made amazing memories that will last a lifetime. I took advantage of London’s proximity to other European countries and traveled almost every single weekend, getting to experience a plethora of different cultures. Now, looking back at age 22, some of the experiences I made in that program at age 18 were incredibly formative in shaping who I am today and what I value.
What is your advice to students looking for global first opportunities at UVA?
Byron: Make sure you are prepared to be in a different time zone from your family, for me that was a bit of an adjustment because I was used to talking to my parents every morning. Also I highly recommend taking advantage of any and all weekend travel opportunities. I also brought a DSLR camera and took many photos which I love to look through nowadays.
What is the next step after UVA?
Byron: I am taking a year to gain work experience before applying to graduate schools in 2023.
