Queen Mary History student and Turing Grant recipient, Dafina Brahimi, is coming to the end of their year abroad in Hong Kong and outlines some reflections from their time in their 'second home'... Growing up in London, it was very easy to make Hong Kong feel like a second home. The vibrant and busy city … Continue reading Navigating Hong Kong During the Pandemic
Sivani Inparaj, a final year medical student at Queen Mary University of London, and Turing Scheme grant recipient, gives us an overview of their hospital placement in France. For my medical elective I chose to go to France and Paris seemed like the perfect city to select. My elective has been insightful for my future … Continue reading My medical elective in Paris
Join Queen Mary Geography student and Turing Scheme grant recipient, Isabelle Austin in discovering some of the best coffee spots in Austin, Texas. Surprisingly, one of the best and most notable aspects about my time studying abroad at UT Austin, has been its ability to satisfy my insatiable coffee habit, with its range of niche, … Continue reading The best coffee and roasting houses in Austin
Queen Mary History student and Turing Scheme grant recipient, Isobel Betty, provides you with some tips to consider if you plan to study abroad in Canada... I certainly felt an element of disbelief when I arrived in Toronto. After deferring my year abroad in 2020 (I am very grateful to the Queen Mary Global Opportunities … Continue reading “I soon came to realise the ‘winter’ coat that I brought with me from the UK was very inadequate to withstand a -20°C wind chill!”
Queen Mary History student and Turing Scheme grant recipient Harry Stafford is currently studying abroad at the University of California, San Diego. Harry looks at how the Turing Scheme has supported engagement with, and understanding of cultures beyond what one might initially imagine from studying abroad in the US... Throughout my time in San Diego, … Continue reading Engaging in multiple cultures when studying abroad in the US…
Katie is currently studying abroad at the University of Texas at Austin and would like to provide y'all with some tips on how to go about making friends on campus at UT Austin! Moving to another country is of course going to feel scary, especially when you’re moving to a country in a different time … Continue reading Making friends when abroad…a daunting task?
...according to Queen Mary Geography student and Turing Scheme grant recipient, Kristina Jacobs who is currently studying abroad at the University of Toronto in Canada. Hello from Tkaronto/Toronto! Did you know that the name ‘Toronto’ comes from the Mohawk word ‘Tkaronto’ which loosely translates to the place where there are trees in the water? I … Continue reading Life in Tkaronto/Toronto so far…
I got the opportunity to spend a year in Berlin studying at the Freie Universitӓt Berlin. Berlin is an amazing city with tons of stuff to do – here are some of my favourite places that I’ve found that you have to check out if you too find yourself in Berlin! 1. Curry 61, Oranienburger … Continue reading Must-do things in Berlin! By Queen Mary Film Studies & German student, and Turing Grant recipient, Amy Cropper.
Queen Mary Politics & International Relations student, and Turing Grant recipient, Alastair Boland takes a look at the career aspects that an exchange can provide... Hello everyone! My name is Alastair Boland, and I am a third-year student at Queen Mary University of London currently doing a year abroad at George Washington University. I study … Continue reading “Being able to study beyond the strict boundary of my degree in to something such as a language has helped me to expand my knowledge of both politics and international relations.”
When I travelled to Zurich last September the idea of going on year abroad seemed pretty daunting. The first week was dominated by administration work and the adaption process into a different culture and city was initially a bit rocky. Nothing too bad: just little things you always have to bear in mind, like cars … Continue reading Living in Switzerland and adapting to unfamiliar surroundings by Queen Mary English student and Turing Grant recipient, Clément Edwards
South Korea is well known for its beautiful landscapes, rich culture, and incredible food, but with the COVID-19 pandemic enforcing strict restrictions on what one could do in the country, my first term abroad was limited to what I could find to do by myself. Yonsei University's campus was shut, theatres were closed, and social … Continue reading South Korea during Covid – a foreign student’s experience of the capital amidst a pandemic. By Queen Mary English & Drama student and Turing Grant recipient, Rose Mudie
My curious and inquisitive nature enables me to keep thriving and forces me out of my comfort zone, which is one of the many reasons I decided to embark upon a semester abroad at the University of Bocconi, Milano. Admittedly this experience was daunting at first, especially since this was my third and most heavily … Continue reading Queen Mary Economics student and Turing Grant recipient Harkirat Singh studied abroad at Bocconi University in Milan, Italy. Harkirat takes a look back on the challenges students can face when looking to study abroad but how and why these challenges should not stop you.
Politics & International Relations student Katie Schwarting is currently studying abroad at the University of Texas at Austin and it's safe to say she's settling in to the local culture well... When I was debating destinations to go to, I was primarily looking at US schools, with a heavy focus on East Coast schools because … Continue reading Katie’s top tips for the best game day at UT Austin. Hook ’em Horns!
My favourite places in St Petersburg for… Groceries:This may not be the most exciting part of a year abroad, but it is important! My favourite grocery shop turned out to be Azbuka Vkusa, not for everyday shopping (Eurospar and Pyaterochka win for that), but for finding things that cannot be found in regular Russian supermarkets. … Continue reading Kathryn Hurley is a Queen Mary Modern Languages and Cultures student, studying Russian. As a Turing Scheme grant recipient, Kathryn studied abroad at St Petersburg State University last semester. Take a look at some of her favourite spots!
Was Milan what I expected? Not a chance. Is that a good or bad thing? 100% a good thing. My entire life I’ve grown up in Dagenham, East London. I’m so used to the city I don’t even question the structure and layout of other cities. When I first arrived in Milan, I really expected … Continue reading Queen Mary Economics student and Turing Scheme grant recipient Luqmaan Said spent last semester studying abroad in Milan, at Università Commerciale Luigi Bocconi. Take a look at some of the things Luqmaan got up to…
I have to admit, I did not truly believe I would ever make it to America. It was only once thewheels hit the tarmac at Dulles International Airport and as we entered through the customshall, covered in the star-spangled banner, that it truly sank in. I was finally here. In the deep dark midst of … Continue reading “Life continues, just with a vaccine, test, and mask.” History student Eleanor shows us a glimpse of life studying abroad at George Washington University in Washington D.C.
Queen Mary Law student and Turing Scheme grant recipient Tejal Shah reflects on life as a study abroad exchange student at the University of Hong Kong during these strange and ever-changing times mid-pandemic... It has been 2 months since I finished a 21-day strict quarantine in Hong Kong. And let’s just say, I have done … Continue reading Studying Abroad in Hong Kong: Post-Quarantine
Housing London is as huge as it can get and so it is easy to feel lost, confused and overwhelmed with the various options available. However, before you start looking for a flat share/rented accommodation, ask yourself: “What do I want? How do I want to live during my semester abroad?” • Do I want … Continue reading Lost in London or Maximising London? Essential, Easy to Implement and Tailored Tips from former Londoner, temporary Viennese Queen Mary Law Student, Andra Tofan
Jenny is currently studying abroad with us from the University of Augsburg in Germany and reflects on her journey to get to us! As I filled in my application for my semester abroad in Autumn 2020, my home country Germany was about to go into lockdown again. To be honest, the chances that I would … Continue reading “The chances that I would actually make it to London seemed slimmer than winning the lottery (and I don’t even play the lottery)”…
Cassandra is a French & Hispanic Studies student and studied abroad at the Universidad de Salamanca, Spain & Université de Paris Sorbonne III, France. You may recall Cassandra's last post about the incredible food scene in Paris and this is Cassandra's list of musts for a visit to Salamanca in Spain! Choosing Salamanca for my … Continue reading Salamanca: The Ultimate To-Do List!
Yoana is an English and European Law student who studied abroad at KU Leuven in Belgium mid-pandemic. Read all about Yoana's experiences studying abroad during a time of social-distancing and mask mandates... We all remember the last weeks of March 2020. The Coronavirus panic was beginning to ensue everywhere, places of work closed down and … Continue reading An unconventional exchange…
Associate student Aaron is studying abroad with us from the University of Puget Sound in the US and looks at why you should make it a priority to see a football match in London, especially if it happens to be a derby... Football. At times exhilarating, at times maddening, always entertaining. (And yes, I’ve quickly … Continue reading The Beautiful Game…or is it a ‘match’?
Megan is studying German at Queen Mary and reflects on her time studying abroad at the University of Mannheim in Germany during a global pandemic and several Lockdown restrictions... Whenever I thought about going on my year abroad, one thing always came to mind: travel. I love to travel whenever I have the opportunity (my … Continue reading Megan’s top study abroad tip? Stay where you are…!
Sarah studied Comparative Literature at Queen Mary and studied abroad at Yale-NUS College in Singapore. She's taken some time to reflect on the academic differences and challenges she experienced from her study abroad period and advises you on some top tips that she wishes she had known before departing on a study programme overseas. If … Continue reading Adjusting academically to studying abroad
Erasmus Student Network (ESN) is a non-profit organisation run by students for students, promoting study abroad among 42 participating countries. Have a read below for Caitlin's review of how our students will continue to benefit from all the ESN has to offer post-Brexit... When the UK voted to leave the European Union in 2016, it … Continue reading A review of how UK universities will continue to participate in and benefit from ESN in a post-Brexit climate. By ESN QMUL President, Caitlin Evans.
Why did you choose to finish your final semester at Queen Mary in Athens instead of London? After having to cut short my year abroad in Utrecht (one of the best experiences of my life) in March 2020 because of the pandemic, I moved back home to Athens, Greece, where I spent the following five … Continue reading ‘My Experience Studying Remotely & How the Erasmus Student Network (ESN) Fit into It’ by Queen Mary Law student, Yara Hourani.
Welcome to the second blog post in our 'Spotlight on the ESN!' series. Meet Emily, final year History student and the current Erasmus Student Network (ESN) Vice-President and Welfare Representative at Queen Mary. She decided to get involved with ESN after her year abroad at VU Amsterdam, in which ESN played a huge part. Read … Continue reading “Remember to take all the opportunities that come your way on your exchange… This is what an international exchange is all about!”
Miriam studied abroad at Queen Mary University of London from Scripps College in the US for a full academic year, from September 2016 to June 2017. Currently working in France as a Language Assistant, Miriam is planning a return to the UK later on this year in order to pursue postgraduate studies in international education.Have … Continue reading Keeping the study abroad adventure going
Marcel from the University of Zürich in Switzerland reviews what a difference a year can make, from the point of applying to study abroad, to finally getting here... Over a year ago, after visiting a few events and talking with some people, I got excited about doing an exchange semester. I talked about it with … Continue reading A tricky Eurostar journey, quarantine and a newfound love for Marmite…
As a Modern Languages student at Queen Mary, Cassandra spent the autumn semester studying abroad at Sorbonne Université in Paris, and is currently waiting in anticipation to embark on her spring semester placement at Universidad de Salamanca in Spain. Cassandra invites you to join her on a Parisian culinary adventure, from the comfort of your … Continue reading Food Hunting in Paris: How to turn your Year Abroad experience into an unforgettable culinary experience (amidst a pandemic)
Welcome to the first blog post in our new series: 'Spotlight on the ESN!' Our first contribution is from President of the Erasmus Student Network (ESN) at Queen Mary, Caitlin Evans, who would like to introduce you to the ESN and how you can get involved! What is ESN? When you arrive at your study … Continue reading ESN QMUL 101 – All You Need to Know
Hanne Sofie joined the Queen Mary University of London Study Abroad programme in January 2021, in the middle of the Covid-19 pandemic, when London had entered its third Lockdown. Discover more about her experiences of these strange times below, and how you can always gain something from every experience, no matter how far from ideal … Continue reading Studying abroad mid-global pandemic. Life in Lockdown London.
Matilda, a Queen Mary History student, studied abroad at Northeastern University in Boston and reflects upon that famous American school spirit, English language barriers & the Beanpot... When I left London for a year abroad in Boston, I had no idea what to expect. I thought moving from Leeds to London was a culture shock, … Continue reading The Brit in Beantown
Anton studied abroad with us last semester, from September to December 2020. As a student at the University of Copenhagen, Anton was looking forward to his study abroad semester in London, as part of the Erasmus+ Exchange programme. As the global pandemic continued and Europe was experiencing its so-called 'second wave', and with restrictions in … Continue reading Studying at Queen Mary from Colombia during Covid-19
Feranmi is in her fourth & final year of studying Comparative Literature at Queen Mary after studying abroad at Seoul National University in South Korea. You may remember her brilliant Instagram Takeover a few months ago, and she's here now to provide an overview of her incredible adventure! It’s a terrifying experience; leaving behind everything … Continue reading Where I Need To Be
Vittoria is a final year student in the School of Business and Management, and studied abroad at the University of Melbourne in Australia. Looking to study abroad in Melbourne in the future, or maybe just fancy a trip over? Take a look below for Vittoria's bullet point guide to the city! Studying for a year … Continue reading How to Melbourne like a Pro
Haym Singh Panesar studied abroad at the University of California, Berkeley. Haym is in his 5th and final year of an MSci in Physics with a Year Abroad. Haym reflects on his time in the US, of teaching London slang, and of how studying abroad can be a refresh for the mind... Studying abroad was … Continue reading “An experience like this is not possible under most circumstances; it’s more than studying or a holiday.”
Elsa Li studied abroad at the University of Hong Kong as part of her Geography degree. Since her return to Queen Mary (Elsa is now completing her final year of studies with us), she reflects on some of the things she wishes she had known before studying abroad in the hope of helping you as … Continue reading 8 things I wish I knew before studying abroad/things I learnt along the way…
Hello everyone! I’m Ceyda, I study Biological Sciences and completed a year abroad at Nanyang Technological University, Singapore (NTU). I must say, it has been one of the best highlights of my life so far and am very grateful to have had this opportunity through Queen Mary University of London (QMUL). It was an incredible … Continue reading Life at ‘Lion City’, Singapore!
Esiri is in her final year of studying Computer Science and Multimedia at Queen Mary University of London after studying abroad at Seoul National University. Read Esiri's post to explore some of her insights and experiences of studying abroad as a Black woman in South Korea. "Is that your real hair?” I'm asked in Korean, … Continue reading From Familiar to Foreign…
As an English & Creative Writing student at Queen Mary, Caitlin had the wonderful opportunity to study abroad at one of our Ivy League partners, the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia. Caitlin reflects on her study abroad journey and the biggest difference it made to her life. I’ve never been one to easily make friends. … Continue reading “An unlikely pair against all odds”. Studying abroad and how it resulted in a friendship for life…
Emmanuel is a Film Studies student at Queen Mary who studied abroad at UCLA (University of California, Los Angeles) as part of his degree programme last academic year. He is one of our Global Opportunities Ambassadors & shares some of his experiences with us below. UCLA is a great university. It’s located in the amazing … Continue reading Life in the Golden State: from the Undie Run, School Pride and the LA food scene, to patriotism and racism in the US…
Queen Mary Comparative Literature student, Ruby Punt, studied abroad at Seoul National University during her third year of studying. And what a year it was! Take a look below for Ruby's top 5 things to do in South Korea... During my third year I completed an exchange programme in South Korea at Seoul National University. … Continue reading Top 5 Things To Do in South Korea!
Departing from Melbourne in January for my first time travelling overseas, I was very excited to start my semester at Queen Mary University of London. Despite the challenging circumstances my exchange took place in, studying at Queen Mary has been an amazing experience! My typical weekday would start with chatting to my flatmates, and then … Continue reading A Day in the Life of a student studying abroad at Queen Mary. Laura Gillespie, Monash University.
For the Spring Semester of 2020, I made the decision to study abroad. I had never been to Europe and my dream was to spend a semester in London, leading me to study with Queen Mary. Although struck with nerves from the anticipation of my time abroad, there was something in my heart that assured … Continue reading Class, Coffee, and Cheers: Studying Abroad in London according to Jordan Lichtenheld from the University of Colorado, Boulder
Will Estony is currently studying abroad with us through IFSA from Trinity College of Connecticut. When I (Jess of the Global Opportunities team) first met Will, after letting him know the pride I have for being from the best city in the North (disclaimer: this is personal bias and not exactly what we'd call a … Continue reading A weekend away from the Big Smoke…getting to know other parts of the UK.
I have been here for one month now. Still feel down about the wet days and expensive public transport sometimes, but I have started to see the loveliness of this city. London has done a really good job at providing space for people to spend their leisure time and learn about its history and culture. … Continue reading One Month in. One month of memories. By Xiaodan Ning.
My name is Ingrid, I'm French and I'm studying at Queen Mary for my spring semester as a part of the Erasmus+ Programme and as part of my postgraduate studies at ENSAI. I think the scariest thing about studying abroad is leaving our current lives, especially our little everyday habits. We are used to living … Continue reading Starting a new life abroad…Ingrid Ouedraogo, ENSAI, France.
Traveling around Europe can sometimes be difficult as a vegetarian or vegan. Germany is known for its heavy meat dishes like schnitzel and bratwurst. Spain has Jamón Ibérico and chorizo. France, of course, has escargots. Knowing all this before coming to London, I believed it would be just as difficult to find options that suited … Continue reading Easy-(Pea)sy: Vegetarian and Vegan Eating in London. Carolyn Bradley, University of Southern California.
It's not easy for a new Associate student to live a good life in London... London is an amazing city with the most convenient living environment, yet has a relatively high cost of living. So how can we balance the two, and enjoy the life of studying abroad in London within a reasonable budget? I'm … Continue reading London Study Abroad Survival Guide – The Supermarket, according to Zihan Fan from Shanghai University of Finance & Economics.
Queen Mary Global Bloggers 