Get to know the Global Opportunities Team and what has inspired us to travel the world and help students to do the same! We also find out why the GO Team love Queen Mary and their top picks to visit in East London.

This week we sat down with Global Opportunities Administrative Officer, Rachel Davies, to find out about what made her move to London from the USA, her favourite place in the world and her opinion on food in the UK vs food in America…

What’s your role at QMUL?

Global Opportunities Administrative Officer

Food in the States or food in the UK?

Both! Breakfast and ice cream from the US, curry always from the UK. The food has continued to improve and is much more diverse since I studied abroad in London and many things I previously couldn’t get here are now much more readily available.

Erasmus+, IEP or summer schools- which would you do and why?

IEP because we have exchanges with some of the best universities in the world and I can go the furthest away. Also, there’s a chance there would be another student from QMUL going which would make the transition less daunting.

What do you think prevents students from travelling whilst studying, and how would you suggest they overcome this?

Being afraid of the unfamiliar/unknown and money. Speak to students who have travelled abroad during their studies, come to the Global Opportunities Go Abroad Fair and chat to Global Opportunities staff. Get a part-time job to ensure you have plenty of money for your time abroad.

You’re packing your suitcase: when did you start packing and what’s the first and last thing you throw in your case?

If I’m getting on a plane, about two to four days in advance. Firstly I throw in clothes. I always pack too many clothes when I go away. I like to have options for all eventualities! Lastly, my toiletries bag.

Did you study abroad?

Yes! I studied abroad in London the spring semester of my junior year from my university in New York. I loved it so much, I returned to London on a short-term work visa after graduation from university. I returned again to do a Master’s degree nine years ago and have been here ever since.

What was one of your best moments when studying/moving abroad?

Travelling to different countries outside of North America for the first time when I studied abroad.

Favourite place you’ve ever travelled to?

Fiji

If you could live somewhere else in the world where would it be?

On the coast of the north island of New Zealand 

CHECK IN WITH US EVERY THURSDAY FOR THE NEXT INTERVIEW FROM THE GLOBAL OPPORTUNITIES TEAM! WANT TO CONTACT A MEMBER OF THE TEAM? FIND US ONLINE HERE.  WANT TO GO ABROAD WITH QMUL OR COME TO US FOR YOUR STUDY ABROAD EXPERIENCE? FIND OUT MORE ONLINE.