By Queen Mary Languages student and Turing Scheme grant recipient, Nazra Yazmin Ali, who studied abroad at the University of Valencia in Spain. Valencia is a fun and bright city for students, making it a great option for those wishing to study abroad! Having studied in Valencia myself for a year, I can say with … Continue reading The Practical Side to Nights in Valencia
By Queen Mary Geography student, and Turing Scheme grant recipient Joel Bantick. When I made my trip to UC Berkeley last August there was a rush of emotions; excitement for the new academic year ahead, sadness for being far away from home and the pressure to make new friends. While this was overwhelming at times … Continue reading Advice for future Queen Mary students studying abroad at UC Berkeley, or in California more generally…
Queen Mary Politics with a Year Abroad student, and Turing Scheme grant recipient Yash Dadhwal, reflects on a year abroad spent hiking, beaching and studying, all within the hustle & bustle of Hong Kong. My life after being accepted for an exchange programme suddenly became very fast-paced and frantic. Amongst feelings of anxiousness and excitement … Continue reading “I found myself meeting students from every corner of the world…”
Queen Mary English with a Year Abroad student, and Turing Scheme grant recipient, Tom Brierly reviews a year of studying abroad at UC Irvine... Never did I think I would get the opportunity to come to the United States of America, let alone California. One of the main reasons I chose to study at UC … Continue reading A Year Studying Abroad at the University of California Irvine
Queen Mary Economics with a Year Abroad student, and Turing Scheme grant recipient, Jasmine Kaur offers some insight and handy tips for those looking to study abroad at UCLA. Academics Before I began the exchange, I thought academically that UCLA would be very similar to Queen Mary in terms of their system. Queen Mary has … Continue reading A midnight yell each night in finals week to alleviate the stress…
Queen Mary Languages student and Turing Scheme grant recipient, Nadine Gomes Paixão reflects on how taking a break from the larger cities is great and can feel easier to connect with others. Being in a small cityBefore my semester abroad, I decided that I wanted to be in a big city, somewhere that reminded me … Continue reading You might want a big city, but don’t be surprised if a small town ends up being the one for you…
By Queen Mary English student and Turing Scheme grant recipient, Mariyah Sawati Am I the same Brit I was when I boarded my flight from London Heathrow, unsure and afraid, waving goodbye to my family, tears streaming down my face, solemnly carrying my Stitch plush in my arms? Not one bit! Let me elaborate…. This … Continue reading My American, Mexican, Muslim Year in Austin, Texas (Yeeeeehaw!)
Queen Mary Law with a Year Abroad student, Aleksandra Goluchowska, spent a year abroad at the University of Texas at Austin. Aleksandra reviews how the Turing Scheme's grant helped them to truly embrace all that Austin has to offer. Austin, Texas lives and breathes live music. Even upon landing, you’re greeted by painted guitar sculptures … Continue reading SXSW: What Austin is all about
Queen Mary Politics student and Turing Scheme grant recipient, Vicky Bedford, thought it would be useful to ask fellow study abroad students about what they wish they had known before studying abroad at the University of California, Berkeley. These were the most popular answers... Work Obviously studying is a big part of the study abroad … Continue reading Top Tips for studying abroad at UC Berkeley – what we wish we had known!
By Queen Mary University of London Film Studies student and Turing Scheme grant recipient, Georgia Kumari Bradburn. I arrived in Austin, Texas in the middle of the night. My luggage was stuck in Houston, so I calledan Uber with only a small backpack and the clothes on my back. My driver asked me “do youmind … Continue reading Finding Community in Austin, Texas
Work Obviously studying is a big part of the study abroad program and I thought Berkeley was so intimidating when I first started. Don’t get me wrong, it’s a really academic school and people here work really hard but there’s no reason to stress yourself out. The work here isn’t necessarily harder than at QM … Continue reading Queen Mary Politics & International Relations student and Turing Scheme grant recipient, Vicky Bedford, asks students what they wish they had known before studying abroad at UC Berkeley…
Katrina Fuller is a third year Modern Languages student (studying French and Spanish), and this year she has been working as an English Language Assistant in Castellón, in the Valencian Community, Spain. Enjoy reading about some of the Turing Scheme grant recipient's favourite fiestas and places she has visited during her time in Spain thanks … Continue reading Getting to know the Valencian community through fiestas and day trips.
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…
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