Ryan’s majoring in Business Sales and Marketing and minoring in Accounting and Healthcare Sales

Why did you decide to study in the USA?

The USA has much better opportunities to study whilst playing sports, and there are lots of opportunities for employment after graduation.

Why did you choose your university/college?

The facilities [at St. Ambrose University (SAU) in Davenport, Iowa] are great for both academics and athletics. Small class sizes create a much closer campus community, and the campus feels safe. The education from SAU is excellent with professors who know you by name and want to help you succeed.

Have you taken any classes outside your major that you’ve enjoyed?

A few classes, mainly my art general education classes. Introduction to Film History was enjoyable since I would usually not be interested in this sort of content. I also had to take a drawing class which was good fun, and unexpectedly challenging.

What were some struggles you faced and how did you handle it?

Homesickness is something that most international students will struggle with at some point in their college life. I struggled with homesickness after I got badly injured playing soccer and wasn’t able to do my normal activities.

What is your favorite place on campus?

My favorite places on campus are the Wellness and Recreation Department and St. Vincent’s Athletic Complex. Being a student-athlete I spend a lot of time at both locations, and they are great facilities for all students.

What do you want to do after graduation?

I would like to pursue my master’s degree whilst being a graduate assistant for a soccer program. St. Ambrose has great choices for master’s degrees, so I may be staying in Davenport for another year or two.

What are some of your summer plans?

SAU does a great job of giving students who stay on campus over summer things to do. I work on campus over summer in international student services and help with the SAU youth soccer summer camps.

Does your university/college organize any fun events you’ve attended or are looking forward to?

St. Ambrose has lots of fun events that are mainly setup by the students. There are events for all different subjects, with theatre shows in Galvin Fine Arts Centre and a Dance Marathon to raise money for charities. 

Have you traveled around the U.S.? What were some of your favorite places, or where would you like to go?

I have traveled to 15 states so far, with my favorite places being Hawaii, Nevada, California, and New York. Although the U.S. is such a big place, I am more interested  in exploring the world instead of the U.S.

What is one of your favorite memories from your time as a student?

All the time that I’ve spent with my soccer team. Some of my favorite memories are meeting new people and forming friendships with them.

Describe your experience in three words.

Independent, Fun, Inspiring.

What would you tell students who are considering studying in the USA?

Do it. Studying in the USA is a great, once-in-a-lifetime experience that can help shape you into the person that you want to be. Although it may be scary, International Student Services are there to help, and once you settle in you'll have no issues making friends and enjoying your time.

Ryan Evans from England is a senior, majoring in Business Sales and Marketing and minoring in Accounting and Healthcare Sales, at St. Ambrose University.