Hi! I’m Jess, a 24-year-old Neuroscience BSc student at Queen Mary currently studying at the University of California, Santa Barbara. This experience has been incredible and given me some of the best moments of my life, but it’s also had its tough moments that have helped me to grow beyond what I would have thought … Continue reading I really hate to admit this – my mum was right when she said I’d fall in love here. Albeit it wasn’t in the romantic way she meant…
“I have learned about cultures and ways of living that I had never conceived of before.”
Hi! My name is Grace Lynch and this semester I have been studying abroad at Queen Mary University of London! I originally grew up in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, but chose to pursue my degree in Biochemistry at Northeastern University in Boston, Massachusetts - where I’ve lived for the last two years. Navigating London and my new … Continue reading “I have learned about cultures and ways of living that I had never conceived of before.”
Meet the City of the Future!
Clara is currently in her third year of the LLB Global Law programme at Queen Mary University of London, on a year abroad at the National University of Singapore. Read Clara's blog post to find out more about one of the world's most cutting edge cities & what makes studying here so special! The Lion … Continue reading Meet the City of the Future!
Everything you need to know about Melilla!
Faheema is a Queen Mary student of Hispanic Studies and Comparative Literature and a Turing Scheme grant recipient who is currently undertaking a British Council Language Assistantship in Melilla, an autonomous city of Spain in North Africa. When I heard that I was being placed in Melilla, it was safe to say I was terrified, … Continue reading Everything you need to know about Melilla!
“Why the Philippines?”, I get asked a lot…
Maggie studies Global Health at Queen Mary and is currently studying abroad, with the support of a Turing Scheme grant, at Ateneo de Manila University in the Philippines. Learn more about Maggie's adventures so far! When I tell people I’m studying abroad in the Philippines, living in Manila for almost a year, people are surprised … Continue reading “Why the Philippines?”, I get asked a lot…
My semester abroad in Geneva, Switzerland!
Pilar studies within Queen Mary's School of Languages, Linguistics and Film and studied abroad at the University of Geneva in Switzerland, as a Turing Scheme grant recipient. Choosing to study in Geneva was, for me, a huge shot in the dark… I had never been before, knew little about its culture and customs and just … Continue reading My semester abroad in Geneva, Switzerland!
Tips and Tricks for an Australian Exchange; The Diary of a 21-Year-Old Muslim Girl and her Experiences in Melbourne
Khadijah is a Queen Mary English student and Turing Scheme grant recipient, currently studying abroad at the University of Melbourne in Australia. Moving abroad comes with its own set of adventures and challenges that one can never be fully prepared for; that’s what makes it so exciting! The experiences I have had during my year … Continue reading Tips and Tricks for an Australian Exchange; The Diary of a 21-Year-Old Muslim Girl and her Experiences in Melbourne
Where to get your ‘Techno Music’ experience in Paris
Viktoria is a third year English and European Law LLB student at Queen Mary University of London, currently completing her year abroad at Université Panthéon-Sorbonne Paris 1 in France. Techno Music is a music genre which is known for electronic beats and songs without lyrics most of the time. Despite the fact that a broad … Continue reading Where to get your ‘Techno Music’ experience in Paris
“Kobe may not be Tokyo, but it definitely has its own attributes of note.”
Hi, my name is Shania and I am an LLB Global Law student from Queen Mary University of London, currently studying my final undergraduate year in Kobe University in Japan, and here to tell you everything you may need to know about living in a reality completely different from the one back in London. Kobe … Continue reading “Kobe may not be Tokyo, but it definitely has its own attributes of note.”
Mely B (What a Place to Be!)
Amelia Chisholm studies within Queen Mary's School of English and Drama. As a Turing Scheme grant recipient, Amelia is currently studying abroad at the University of Melbourne in Australia. Amongst many, my main reasons for choosing to study at the University of Melbourne were the city’s reputation for being Australia’s cultural capital, the university’s beautiful … Continue reading Mely B (What a Place to Be!)
The Wonders of Australia
Jason Loh is a final year Economics, Finance and Management student and Turing Scheme grant recipient from the School of Economics and Finance, studying abroad at the University of Sydney for a year. Want to know how studying abroad in Sydney has changed my life and how it can change yours? Read down below for … Continue reading The Wonders of Australia
An interview with Summer School 2022 student, Josh Paez
As we launch our applications for the Queen Mary Summer School 2023, we take a look back at Josh's experiences and perceptions from their time studying abroad with us during our Summer School 2022... Hi! My name is Josh Paez and I’m currently a theater major with a minor in Chicanx and Latinx studies at … Continue reading An interview with Summer School 2022 student, Josh Paez
An opportunity to experience a different type of British life and culture…
Naomi is currently studying abroad for a semester at Queen Mary University of London, from Gonzaga University in the US and recently spent a weekend with a British host family to learn more about local life. A few weeks ago, I had the opportunity to travel to Essex, England to spend the weekend with a … Continue reading An opportunity to experience a different type of British life and culture…
Top tips for nailing your application process!
By Lauriane Fons, final year Marketing & Management student at Queen Mary, who studied abroad at Bocconi University in Milan, Italy and who is one of our wonderful Global Opportunities Ambassadors! Don’t get me wrong, studying abroad can be pretty challenging on many levels (speaking from experience) and the application is the very first step … Continue reading Top tips for nailing your application process!
“I think it’s understandable for me to feel so out of place in a setting that is so different from my own.”
Hey everyone! My name is Liz, and as some of you may know I am the Queen Mary University of London Global Opportunities intern for the fall 2022 semester. My home university in the United States is Pennsylvania State University (WE ARE) where I am pursuing a degree in Global Studies. This semester I have … Continue reading “I think it’s understandable for me to feel so out of place in a setting that is so different from my own.”
Go Abroad application tips!
Hello! My name is Joeille, and I am a third-year Politics and International Relations student, currently on exchange at Yonsei University in Seoul, South Korea. A year ago, I was in the same position as you, sorting through my options for my year abroad and, admittedly, stressing over my application. I know first-hand that it … Continue reading Go Abroad application tips!
Need to start your application to study abroad, but unsure where to start? Emma’s got you sorted…
It’s likely I won’t be the first to tell you that studying abroad takes a lot of preparation and research, and as the application deadline gets closer it can begin to feel a little daunting. But I promise the work you put in now will be so worth it! I’ve been through the process myself, … Continue reading Need to start your application to study abroad, but unsure where to start? Emma’s got you sorted…
My IISMA experience & preparing to depart for Queen Mary in retrospect
I arrived in London on September 18th, yet IISMA’s final announcement of successful scholarship awardees was on May 12th. Four months is not a short amount of time, so how have I been perceiving this long wait from receiving the good news to landing in London? To better understand how we got here, please allow … Continue reading My IISMA experience & preparing to depart for Queen Mary in retrospect
“At Queen Mary, I hope to gain a different perspective on education”
Hello there! My name is Nayla, I’m a third year law student in the University of Indonesia, and I am currently living with the jaw-dropping anticipation of spending an entire semester in London with Queen Mary! London has always been one of my favorite cities in the world, with its strong arts culture, scenic parks, … Continue reading “At Queen Mary, I hope to gain a different perspective on education”
Seoul: a city of 18,000 cafes…
Queen Mary Comparative Literature, Film Studies & Linguistics student and Turing Scheme grant recipient, Elliott Ijewere, reviews a year abroad, studying at Yonsei University in South Korea, exploring everything from Ttokppokki to Udo island. So, you’ve decided to go on a year abroad. You’ve taken the time to consider all your options, where you want … Continue reading Seoul: a city of 18,000 cafes…
“I hope I can find an open & supportive community during my time at Queen Mary…”
Halo! My name is Aditya, I am a student majoring in Law – with an emphasis on Business Law – in the Faculty of Law at Universitas Gadjah Mada in Yogyakarta, Indonesia, and I am currently an exchange student at Queen Mary University of London. The opportunity for me to study in Queen Mary is … Continue reading “I hope I can find an open & supportive community during my time at Queen Mary…”
Preparing for my journey to Queen Mary
Hello everyone! My name is Alinka, and I am a final year Industrial Engineering student at Diponegoro University, Semarang, Indonesia. I will spend a semester in London this autumn, and I cannot wait for it! Ever since junior high school, I have always wanted to study abroad. I remember watching Harry Potter and wondering how … Continue reading Preparing for my journey to Queen Mary
The Practical Side to Nights in Valencia
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
Advice for future Queen Mary students studying abroad at UC Berkeley, or in California more generally…
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…
“I found myself meeting students from every corner of the world…”
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…”
A Year Studying Abroad at the University of California Irvine
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
A midnight yell each night in finals week to alleviate the stress…
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…
You might want a big city, but don’t be surprised if a small town ends up being the one for you…
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…
My American, Mexican, Muslim Year in Austin, Texas (Yeeeeehaw!)
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!)
SXSW: What Austin is all about
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
Top Tips for studying abroad at UC Berkeley – what we wish we had known!
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!
Finding Community in Austin, Texas
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
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…
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…
Getting to know the Valencian community through fiestas and day trips.
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.
Navigating Hong Kong During the Pandemic
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
My medical elective in Paris
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
The best coffee and roasting houses in Austin
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
“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, 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!”
Engaging in multiple cultures when studying abroad in the US…
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…
Making friends when abroad…a daunting task?
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?
Life in Tkaronto/Toronto so far…
...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…
Must-do things in Berlin! By Queen Mary Film Studies & German student, and Turing Grant recipient, Amy Cropper.
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.
“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.”
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.”
Living in Switzerland and adapting to unfamiliar surroundings by Queen Mary English student and Turing Grant recipient, Clément Edwards
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 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
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
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.
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.
Katie’s top tips for the best game day at UT Austin. Hook ’em Horns!
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!
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!
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!
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…
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…