JC Romero, a Sociology student at Loyola, received the award for "Exchange Student with the Most Impact" at this year’s "Legends of Keele" awards. JC has spent the Spring 2012 semester studying abroad at Keele University in Staffordshire, U.K.

The Legends of Keele awards are held annually to recognize Keele students' outstanding achievements, service and involvement in the university. During his semester abroad, JC has been an active participant in the Keele Student Union, has joined a number of societies and clubs, and has even thrown a party to share New Orleans culture with the students of the university.

JC says that his best decision during his time was getting involved on campus. "It goes to show that you're whole-heartedly interested in making friends with locals," he says.

JC encourages future Loyola students to "get out, explore, and make the most" out of studying abroad. "My studying abroad experience has been quite incredible," he says, "I have met so many different types of people from so many walks of life, from all over the world, who I hope to keep in touch with. I've networked quite a lot, and it's just been all around an amazing experience. It's definitely a decision that was a great one."

Keele University is one of Loyola's exchange partners abroad. Students studying at Keele can take courses in all subject areas, including Sociology, and all courses are instructed in English. All classes are pre-approved for transfer back to Loyola. All Loyola scholarships and grants, state aid, and federal aid apply.

For more information about studying abroad at Keele or any other location,
please visit http://studyabroad.loyno.edu.