Esme Hammerle
Esme Hammerle is a postgraduate student, studying Archaeological Science at the University’s School of Archaeology, Classics and Egyptology.
Originally from Hawaii, Esme tells us how she feels about her time at Liverpool and what she has gained from the experience.
Did the reputation of the University in your field of study influence your decision to come to the University of Liverpool?
Yes, the reputation of the School of Archaeology, Classics, and Egyptology greatly influenced my decision to attend the University of Liverpool. The department has the faculty, facilities and material necessary for my research plus it is rated within the top 5 in the UK. .
How does Liverpool compare to Hawaii?
Liverpool is very different to Hawaii in a great many ways. However, Liverpool is very multicultural and thanks to the large international community already established here I can get some of the food that I miss whenever I leave home.
What are the main cultural differences you have found between the UK and the US?
I cannot speak for the cultural differences between the UK and the general US as Hawaii is very different culturally to most of the mainland. There are however some fundamental differences such as the language itself and the accents, which I found pretty difficult to understand when I first got here!
What do you think the level of awareness and perception of Liverpool in the US is?
I think that many in the US are only aware of Liverpool as the home of the Beatles. When I decided to come to Liverpool I went to the local bookstore and the only England tour book I could find had one page about Liverpool and it discussed the Beatles.
What do you think you have gained from your time at the University?
Academically I have gained a Masters degree and am currently working on a PhD. I have gained great friends that I hope to keep in contact throughout life, and connections with the staff that I hope to maintain. Culturally I have expanded, I have been able to travel all over the UK and Europe relatively cheaply and have seen a great many things that I could never have dreamed of. The University has been a gateway to this side of the world for me.
What are your plans for the future and would you like to keep in touch with the University?
I have two more years in Liverpool and have been considering the future quite a lot of late. I would like to stay in England a little longer to see if I could find a job working for a museum or university. If this were unsuccessful I would return to the US and look for a job there. I would most definitely keep in touch with the University, especially my supervisors and fellow students.
What advice would you give to a US student who is thinking about coming to Liverpool?
The advice I would give US students who are considering Liverpool is to do it! Liverpool is a great place to be, there is much to do and see right on your doorstep and the University is top notch.