Identical Degrees for Identical Twins

They share the same DNA, the same features, the same love for Snowdonia, and this week, identical twin sisters from Wigan will graduate from Bangor University with identical Degrees.

Abigail and Hannah Dillon, 22, graduate with a BA Geography with International Experience degree after four years of hard work which includes a year at a Canadian university.

After visiting Bangor for an Open Day, both sisters fell in love with the University’s location next to the Menai Strait and Snowdonia National Park – a perfect location to study Geography.

Having studied some modules together, Abigail explained: “Studying with Hannah was great. We were able to support each other, and I think despite studying the same subject we have both discovered our own interests and goals.”

For their fourth year of study, they embarked on an adventure of a lifetime to complete a year of International Experience in Canada. However, this time, they opted for different universities, over 4,000Km apart!

Hannah studied at Western University in Ontario, she said: “Studying abroad increased my self-confidence while also helping me gain a greater understanding of the world through different modules specific to Canada such as Indigenous Studies. Moreover, living in Canada gave me the opportunity and a perfect base to visit other cities including Québec City, Montreal, Ottawa and Toronto with the friends I had made during my exchange programme. I was also a member of UWO Dance Force and joined an Intermural Dodgeball team. This experience was the perfect ending to my time at Bangor University and I loved every minute of it!

“I am so happy to be graduating with First Class Honours! After four years of hard work I am glad it paid off. In the future, I’d love to work within the public sector with a focus on housing or transport.”

Abigail chose to study at the University of New Brunswick, she said: “Studying abroad gave me real insight into the unique cultural and environmental challenges that Canada faces and helped me gain a more international perspective. As an avid nature lover, the combination of breath-taking scenery and wildlife such as moose and caribou were a highlight of my trip. While aboard I took the opportunity to travel extensively and visited lots of amazing places across Canada and even did a road trip down the east coast of the USA. Studying abroad has been best experience of my life and I’ve made friends and memories that will last me a lifetime.

“Graduating after 4 years feels like one of my proudest moments, as all the late nights studying have finally paid off. I am excited to pass this important milestone and have the opportunity to start my career with the necessary skills and experiences that will help me in life.

“My hope for the future is to be able to work aboard, my International Year made me fall in love with Canada and I would love to be able to go back.”

Publication date: 15 July 2019