Queen Mary University of London BSc Management student Sameer Miah interned in Malaysia as part of the Global Leadership Summer Programme, gaining vital business experience whilst also expanding his global horizons. When I first landed in Kuala Lumpur for my four-week stay, I knew I was in for an exciting mix of work, culture, and … Continue reading A Month in Kuala Lumpur: My Global Leadership Summer Programme Adventure
From Trajineras to Tacos: My Four-Week GO Summer! Adventure in Mexico
Xhara, a Queen Mary University of London BSc Mathematical Sciences student, spent an unforgettable four weeks in Mexico travelling across the country with Tec de Monterrey through our GO Summer! programme. How do you sum up four weeks in Mexico that spanned four cities, countless day trips, new friendships from five continents, and more tacos … Continue reading From Trajineras to Tacos: My Four-Week GO Summer! Adventure in Mexico
Food, Friends, and Finding Myself in Malaysia
Queen Mary University of London BA Politics and International Relations student Tasnim took part in our Global Leadership Summer Programme, interning in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. She shares her impressions of the working culture, food, and realising she's more capable than she thought. Before this trip, I had never travelled abroad on my own so when I received the offer letter for a work experience opportunity in Malysia, I was filled … Continue reading Food, Friends, and Finding Myself in Malaysia
A Singaporean Summer: A Lesson in Building Confidence and Friendships
Michael Heneghan-Brennan, a Queen Mary University of London MEng Aerospace Engineering student, travelled to Singapore with the help of GO Summer! and Turing Scheme funding, resulting in an unforgettable experience. My experience studying at Nanyang Technological University of Singapore made for the summer of a lifetime, consisting of lots of fun and exciting opportunities! I feel I have developed hugely as an individual, building confidence … Continue reading A Singaporean Summer: A Lesson in Building Confidence and Friendships
From London to Atlanta: My Summer Abroad at Spelman College
Queen Mary University of London student Shannon Ogieva was one of two students selected for our Spelman College exchange programme in Summer 2025 - she shares her transformative experience both in and outside of the classroom. When I flew to Atlanta, I didn’t know exactly what to expect. I knew I was going to Spelman College, a … Continue reading From London to Atlanta: My Summer Abroad at Spelman College
More Than a Trip: My Life-Changing Summer in Mexico
Amira Habane, a Queen Mary University of London Medicine student, took advantage of our GO Summer! programmes to indulge a life-long interest in Latin America by studying at Tec de Monterrey in Mexico - and it didn't disappoint! How One Email Took Me to Mexico and Changed My Summer (and Maybe My Life) When I … Continue reading More Than a Trip: My Life-Changing Summer in Mexico
Living Slowly in Utrecht: Art, Canals and the Practice of Attention
Niranda Morris, a Queen Mary University of London MA Heritage Management student, reflects on her Summer in Utrecht, Netherlands and how she learnt to live life in slow lane. In Utrecht, the canals aren’t just pretty backdrops, they are part of everyday life, someone’s front porch, a workplace, a spot to meet friends. I’d seen … Continue reading Living Slowly in Utrecht: Art, Canals and the Practice of Attention
From paperwork, budgeting and academic challenges to adventures and lifelong memories
Queen Mary University of London Languages student, Klevisa, discusses all things study abroad: the joys and the challenges. After arriving in Madrid, it's safe to say I was pretty excited to spend my semester there. The city welcomed me with warm sunshine and bustling crowds from day to the late evening in Puerta del sol … Continue reading From paperwork, budgeting and academic challenges to adventures and lifelong memories
From London to Singapore: Lessons, Life, and Laksa
Queen Mary University of London Business and Management student, Bousse, has just completed a year abroad at Nanyang Technological University (NTU) in Singapore and reflects on a year full of growth. Top Tips for future students provided at the end! When I first found out I’d be spending a year abroad in Singapore, I felt … Continue reading From London to Singapore: Lessons, Life, and Laksa
From visiting every Smithsonian Museum to becoming a supporter of the Washington Capitals ice hockey team, Foggy Bottom became a home-from-home
Queen Mary University of London History student, Charlotte, used Turing Scheme funding to make the most out of a year abroad at George Washington University in Washington D.C. When I was accepted to study abroad at George Washington University, I didn’t fully realise that I would be there during an election year. It was only … Continue reading From visiting every Smithsonian Museum to becoming a supporter of the Washington Capitals ice hockey team, Foggy Bottom became a home-from-home
The moment it hit me I was actually in London, I fell in love with London
IISMA 2024 Awardee, Kayla, takes a look back at her time in this wonderful city we call home! Memories are fickle, it’s quite hard to recall everything with clarity, and yet, my memories at Queen Mary University of London will definitely stay with me throughout my life, even if eventually, they become full of holes. … Continue reading The moment it hit me I was actually in London, I fell in love with London
Romanticising London and Its Crazy Weather
By IISMA Awardee 2024, Kaneishia From the moment I first set foot in this city on holiday nearly ten years ago, I fell in love and dreamed of one day calling London home. The sights and atmosphere were a world apart from what I knew in Jakarta, Indonesia. So, when the opportunity to study abroad … Continue reading Romanticising London and Its Crazy Weather
London was my third choice…
Read how Jeremiah's third choice destination turned into a place that felt like home... Hi, I’m Jeremiah! I was granted an amazing opportunity by my government to spend a semester abroad at Queen Mary University of London (QMUL) last September. Frankly, when my IISMA scholarship was announced, I didn’t know how to feel when the … Continue reading London was my third choice…
An Adventurer’s Paradise: Tris at UBC
If you love all things outdoor, choose UBC. I, like so many others on exchange cited this as my main reason for travelling and Canada certainly did not disappoint. With close access to surf in the summer, skiing in the winter and hiking all year round, it is an adventurer's paradise. But there is also … Continue reading An Adventurer’s Paradise: Tris at UBC
Food truck for the win
Benjamin studies Computer Science at Queen Mary University of London and is currently studying abroad at Drexel University in the US with support from the Turing Scheme. When I first arrived at Drexel, I was adamant that I would cook for myself. I went out of my way to purchase pots and pans, spatulas, bowls, … Continue reading Food truck for the win
Seoul, South Korea: Today’s Dream City
Queen Mary University of London student, Khatera, attended Seoul National University this summer for a GO Summer! exchange programme. Khatera studied Hallyu and Korean Media culture. When I first received the email about opportunities to travel abroad, I didn’t really pay attention. I thought it was just the same typical countries in Europe and America. … Continue reading Seoul, South Korea: Today’s Dream City
Summer in Singapore
Queen Mary University of London Medicine student Lina reflects on a Singaporean Summer thanks to one of our funded GO Summer! programmes. More information about Summer 2025 options will be available to you soon. Watch this space! Hi! My name is Lina and this summer, I had the privilege of attending NTU Singapore to study … Continue reading Summer in Singapore
Empowered Journeys: My Transformative Exchange Experience at Spelman College
Mia studies English at Queen Mary University of London and this summer took part in our Spelman College (USA) Summer Exchange in collaboration with Spelman College and London (UK) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated. Below, Mia reflects on her experiences participating in this funded short-term ‘immersion’ mobility opportunity for female-identifying students who self-identify as part … Continue reading Empowered Journeys: My Transformative Exchange Experience at Spelman College
Joy in the Unexpected – A Study Abroad Adventure in the United States
Lilly is a Politics and International Relations Student at Queen Mary University of London who studied for a year at Columbia University in the city of New York. My time at Columbia is best understood by the constant themes that defined my exchange there: taking chances and trying something new, finding unexpected delight in so … Continue reading Joy in the Unexpected – A Study Abroad Adventure in the United States
Live, Laugh, London
Widani Mawar Zhahira studied abroad at Queen Mary University of London during the autumn semester of the 2023/24 academic year, as a scholarship awardee of the prestigious Indonesian International Student Mobility Awards (IISMA). London was not my first choice as a semester abroad destination. It’s a place I have always wanted to visit and it’s on … Continue reading Live, Laugh, London
Tips for studying abroad in the Big Apple…
Hi! My name is Lilly, and I am a Politics and International Relations student at Queen Mary University of London. Moving to live in a new city for study abroad can be exciting, if a bit daunting. I had never lived in another country before departing for New York to study at Columbia University for … Continue reading Tips for studying abroad in the Big Apple…
Why choose Queen Mary?
Jacobo studies finance at Tecnológico de Monterrey in Mexico and studied abroad at Queen Mary University of London during the spring 2024 semester. Thanks to a love of Man City, joining multiple university societies and reading local newspapers, Jacobo integrated well into local London life. Learn more about his experiences below... When deciding where to … Continue reading Why choose Queen Mary?
The Trans Experience in México
Written by Queen Mary University of London MA International Relations student, Mx. Adam Khan (they/xe) As a trans, non-binary, and agender person, I have always sought to integrate my identities with both my activism and my academics. The opportunity to have a placement in Mexico enabled me to gain a deeper insight into a different, … Continue reading The Trans Experience in México
A newfound love for Franzbrötchen
Queen Mary University of London History student Naomi was destined to study abroad in Berlin. Learn all about a year abroad in Germany's capital, studying at Humboldt University of Berlin. When I was about 14, my mum bought me a t-shirt from Tesco to use as a new pyjama top. Emblazoned on the front were … Continue reading A newfound love for Franzbrötchen
What to Expect as an Exchange Student in Malaysia
Alex studies in the School of Politics and International Relations at Queen Mary University of London and has recently returned from studying abroad at the University of Malaya in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Hello, I’m Alex! I spent 10 months studying abroad at the University of Malaya in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. I study International Relations and … Continue reading What to Expect as an Exchange Student in Malaysia
The Beauty of Fear
Queen Mary University of London History student, Milica, reviews a year spent studying abroad at Hunter College in NYC. I title the blog in such a way as from my perspective, the most important thing I learnt was the way in which to harness and understand the emotion of fear. To control and harness the … Continue reading The Beauty of Fear
My Battle with Imposter Syndrome (spoiler alert: I overcame it)
My Year Abroad at Columbia University 2023/24: Written by Queen Mary University of London English student, Chawana. Breathe in. Breathe out…at least that’s what I was trying to do as I read my offer, but in reality, I was silently freaking out, and frantically calling my mum crying in my dorm room as I read … Continue reading My Battle with Imposter Syndrome (spoiler alert: I overcame it)
London: Where I Rediscovered a Version of Myself and Loved it Again
Fira studied abroad at Queen Mary University of London in autumn 2023, as a recipient of the prestigious Indonesian International Student Mobility Awards (IISMA) scholarship. When I was a kid, I used to be obsessed with this iconic comic book series that portrayed the biographies of the world's most influential figures: Helen Keller, Leonardo da Vinci, Isaac … Continue reading London: Where I Rediscovered a Version of Myself and Loved it Again
Ruby’s A-Z of Aotearoa (New Zealand)
Queen Mary University of London Politics student, Ruby, studied abroad for a year at the University of Auckland. Check out their A-Z of the place... Aoraki- also known as Mt Cook, which reflects beautifully in Lake Pukaki. Bluebottle- watch out for these jellyfish swimming on the east coast! Caretaker- one of my favourite cocktail bars … Continue reading Ruby’s A-Z of Aotearoa (New Zealand)
What to consider when studying abroad with health conditions.
I’m Tatiana, a Queen Mary University of London History student, just about to finish studying abroad at Koç University in Istanbul for the last year. Going abroad was in my plans from the minute I started researching uni courses. But having health issues also made it much more complicated, and meant I had to plan … Continue reading What to consider when studying abroad with health conditions.
A Home in Unexpected Places
Hello! My name is Divany Olivia, a 3rd year student majoring in Industrial Design from Bandung Institute of Technology and in the fall semester of 2023 I had the opportunity to study at Queen Mary University of London through the Indonesian International Student Mobility Awards (IISMA) program. When I first arrived in London, to Queen … Continue reading A Home in Unexpected Places
Recounting Memories from My Study Abroad semester at QMUL
Hi! My name is Fasya, and last semester, I had the incredible opportunity to study at Queen Mary University of London. I am an English Studies student from Universitas Indonesia. I was fortunate to be part of the Indonesian International Student Mobility Awards (IISMA), a scholarship program by the Indonesian Ministry of Education. My time … Continue reading Recounting Memories from My Study Abroad semester at QMUL
How to prepare for your year abroad
Hi, my name is Noor and I am a Biomedical Sciences student at Queen Mary University of London, currently undertaking a year abroad at Cornell University in Ithaca, New York! In this blog post, I am going to tell you how to prepare for your year abroad, from choosing where to go to how to … Continue reading How to prepare for your year abroad
Navigating Adulthood at 21: My Semester Abroad at Queen Mary University of London
What it means to be twenty-one, according to Freya, an IISMA scholarship awardee, who studied abroad at Queen Mary University of London September-December 2023. Before the pilot announced that we would be landing shortly at Heathrow Airport and I saw British soil with my own two eyes, I didn’t know what it meant to be … Continue reading Navigating Adulthood at 21: My Semester Abroad at Queen Mary University of London
From Dream to Reality: Navigating the Peaks and Valleys of Studying Abroad in London
As one of our eight Indonesian International Student Mobility Awards (IISMA) scholarship awardees, Mathena reflects on her time studying abroad at Queen Mary University of London from September to December 2023. Studying abroad sounds wonderful as a concept, but in experience, it’s a completely different kind of magic. London has always occupied the top of … Continue reading From Dream to Reality: Navigating the Peaks and Valleys of Studying Abroad in London
London, and My 4 Stages of Culture Shock
Aprilia was one of our eight Indonesian International Student Mobility Awards (IISMA) scholarship awardees from September-December 2023. Read below to learn about her four stages of London culture shock. Hello! My name is Aprilia, I am a final year student majoring in English Language and Literature – with an emphasis on Cultural Studies – at … Continue reading London, and My 4 Stages of Culture Shock
Oh, to study literature in London
Ficky studied abroad with us as one of our eight Indonesian International Student Mobility Awards (IISMA) scholarship awardees. Read about their studies with us below! Writing about memorable things and moments during my three months in London is not the easiest because there are so many things I could write! I can’t even begin to … Continue reading Oh, to study literature in London
Something beyond the familiar streets of Tower Hamlets…
History and Comparative Literature student, and Turing Scheme grant recipient, Hadi, shares how a year studying abroad at Nanyang Technological University in Singapore opened them up to many adventures. I sit here now, my weary body nestled in the comforting embrace of memories. Memories that stretch across distant lands, woven together by the thread of … Continue reading Something beyond the familiar streets of Tower Hamlets…
Hiking my way through Colombia.
Queen Mary University of London SLLF student, Alycha, studied abroad at the Universidad de los Andes in Colombia and was a Turing Scheme grant recipient. Learn more in their article below! My main reason for choosing to study in Colombia was my excitement regarding the country's diversity. Like many others, I considered my year abroad … Continue reading Hiking my way through Colombia.
Attending Spelman College, the top ranked HBCU in the United States.
Queen Mary University of London final year Law student, Buki, recently completed our inaugural summer ‘immersion’ mobility programme. Discover more about Buki's amazing experiences below. This August, I had the privilege of being the first Queen Mary student to participate in a short-term exchange programme at Spelman College in Atlanta, Georgia. Spelman College is a … Continue reading Attending Spelman College, the top ranked HBCU in the United States.
Enriching Journeys: My Exchange Experience from University of Macau to Queen Mary University of London
Hiiiiii! My name is Daisy, and I'm thrilled to share my incredible exchange journey with you. I call Macau my home and am pursuing a major in Accounting at the University of Macau. The stars aligned, and I was fortunate enough to embark on an unforgettable exchange program at Queen Mary University of London (QM). … Continue reading Enriching Journeys: My Exchange Experience from University of Macau to Queen Mary University of London
From throwing tortillas onto the soccer pitch to Yosemite for Thanksgiving…
I’m Naveen, a Queen Mary English student, who has just finished studying at UC Santa Barbara for the past year. Although it has not been without its challenges, I can state that it has been the best year of my life. The feeling I got when I first received my University of California acceptance email … Continue reading From throwing tortillas onto the soccer pitch to Yosemite for Thanksgiving…
From the classroom to the coastline: a journey through Almería’s Summer School
A month in Almería...according to Queen Mary University of London Politics and International Relations student, Diana, and Business and Management student Stephanie. According to Diana: As a 20-year-old international relations student, embarking on a journey to Almería for a summer school at the University of Almería was an adventure that promised not only academic enrichment … Continue reading From the classroom to the coastline: a journey through Almería’s Summer School
Embracing a transformative journey: A warm welcome to our new Study Abroad students!
By Queen Mary University of London Modern Languages student, Gia, who studied abroad at Pompeu Fabra University in Barcelona, during summer 2023. My journey to Queen Mary: My name is Gia, and I am currently a second-year student studying Modern Languages at Queen Mary University of London. I also stood in your shoes as I … Continue reading Embracing a transformative journey: A warm welcome to our new Study Abroad students!
Embracing Diversity: My Unforgettable Study Abroad Experience in Santa Barbara
Queen Mary University of London Theoretical Physics student, and Turing Scheme grant recipient, Khadar, shares their experiences of studying abroad at the University of California Santa Barbara, as a person of colour. Today, I want to take you on a journey through my study abroad experience in the beautiful city of Santa Barbara. As a … Continue reading Embracing Diversity: My Unforgettable Study Abroad Experience in Santa Barbara
Barcelona Summer School Experience: Embracing Education & Exploring the Catalonian Gem
Why I choose Barcelona Hi, I’m Gia! Currently a second-year student studying Modern Languages at Queen Mary University of London, and have had the opportunity to be funded by the GO Summer! programme Bursary to take part in a summer school, and I decided to choose Universitat Pompeu Fabra Barcelona to pursue my academic journey … Continue reading Barcelona Summer School Experience: Embracing Education & Exploring the Catalonian Gem
Travelling Europe during your year abroad
Hey guys! I’m Riya, I’m 21 and I studied law as part of my Queen Mary degree programme at Université Paris 1. I love travelling and my year abroad was an opportunity to get to know Europe better. Over this past year, I have been fortunate enough to travel to Germany, Italy, Spain, the Netherlands, … Continue reading Travelling Europe during your year abroad
1 week at the University of Almería…
According to Malaika Malik and William Green who both took part in our GO Summer! programme in July. Malaika: During a one-week course at the University of Almería, I had the opportunity to immerse myself in the world of entrepreneurship and discover the captivating charm of Almería. Thanks to the GO Summer! Bursary from Queen … Continue reading 1 week at the University of Almería…
5 Unexpected Realities of Studying in the UK: Lessons Learned as an American STEM Student
By Saad Mobarak: Saad is a 4th-year mechanical engineering student at Northeastern University, passionate about education and aspires to reform educational systems in less fortunate communities.Find him on LinkedIn here. As a study abroad student from Boston, Massachusetts, I embarked on a remarkable journey to study in London for a semester. While there are so … Continue reading 5 Unexpected Realities of Studying in the UK: Lessons Learned as an American STEM Student
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