A Transatlantic Connection: UK Students Experience American College Life at YCP

An exciting new chapter has begun for York College of Pennsylvania (YCP) as it welcomes a vibrant group of 16 teenage students and two chaperones from York College & University Centre in York, England. Arriving on campus at 1:00 AM on Saturday, June 20, for an action-packed 11-day visit, the British students are immersing themselves in the full American college experience, and for some, it may already be changing their future plans.

For students like Martha Jones and Amelie Ward, the trip has been an eye-opening adventure. In the UK, "college" functions similarly to high school in the United States, while "university" represents higher education. Exploring YCP’s campus has allowed them to see similarities and differences between the two systems.

"We’ve been seeing how it all translates, the majors and minors, because it’s all different from what we are used to," explained Amelie Ward, who plans to study English. "I’ll finish our college next year, and we’ll be looking at University... I hope to just get an overview of what it’s like to go to college here. One of the big reasons I came is I’m looking at what to do with my next step." Amelie noted that she is looking forward to upcoming trips to Philadelphia and Washington, D.C.

For Martha Jones, the visit has completely shifted her academic outlook. "I didn’t come here planning to go to school in America, but now that I’m here, it’s made me want to look into it," Martha shared. "I haven’t even spoken to my parents about it, but I am definitely going to take it as an option. There is just so much opportunity."

An avid football (or soccer) player, Martha was particularly impressed by YCP's athletic facilities. "I’d be interested in playing somewhere like this. It’s Division III, so while it’s smaller than Division I or II, it means that you can focus more on studies while playing the sport that you want... You can still be involved without it being a major disruption." Despite a late arrival, Martha added, "Everyone’s been really nice and has really helped."

The visit is part of a growing transatlantic partnership established in June 2024, sparked when the UK institution's Dr. Ken Merry reached out to York College President Dr. Thomas Burns. YCP dates back to 1787, and York College UK is approaching its 200th anniversary. Recognizing the immense potential of connecting two institutions with deep historical ties, the partnership allows students to explore democracy, governance, and the shared heritage of the "York" name.

Kayleigh Jude, a chaperone on the trip and a course leader in Criminology and tutor in Psychology in the UK, noted that the experience has felt delightfully surreal for the students.

“It’s been great. We’ve all been saying it feels like we are in a bit of a simulation. We’ve all seen America and the American college life on telly. So it doesn’t feel real. I know it sounds silly, but even looking at the traffic lights and being like ‘Oh! I’ve seen them on telly so much!’”

Kayleigh observed that the trip is helping students bridge the gap between their current schooling and their upcoming "uni" life. She emphasized the clear value visible on campus: “Being here, we can see how tuition is being used. It seems like there is great focus on the student experience compared to what they are used to.”

Beyond the classroom, the group has been enjoying classic American pastimes. They have toured sports facilities, visited the Center for Community Engagement and Marketview Arts, and even attended a York Revolution baseball game, where some students participated in the famous Fruit Race. And, of course, there is the shopping. “Definitely the shopping!” Kayleigh laughed when asked what the students were most excited about.

Ultimately, she hopes the trip opens new doors for the teenagers. “Mainly just traveling... but I think as well, just seeing what else is out there and seeing if studying in America is a possibility for them. Or seeing what kind of job opportunities and paths are out there.”

As the 11 days wind down, the bond between the two institutions will only continue to strengthen. The bridge built across the Atlantic is a two-way street; this coming fall, the partnership will take another major step forward as YCP sends Professional Writing major Maddie French ‘27 to the UK for a marketing internship.

With future travel to Gettysburg National Military Park, Gettysburg College, Philadelphia, and Washington, D.C. still on the itinerary before they head home, the UK students are making memories to last a lifetime. For students like Amelie and Martha, the trip has successfully turned a distant concept of "America" into a very real, very bright horizon of future possibilities.