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 Mary, this experience became a transformative journey of personal and academic growth.

The University of Almería, situated along the picturesque coastline, provided an inspiring backdrop for my studies. Attending daily classes on the campus of the University of Almería, I delved into the fascinating realm of entrepreneurship.

The course began with an informative introduction day, where we learned about the university, the city, and the diverse range of courses available. As a keepsake, we received university merchandise, including a sunhat and a mug adorned with the university’s name and logo.

No exploration of Almería would be complete without savouring its culinary treasures. I delighted in experiencing the iconic Spanish dish—paella—a flavourful creation that embodies the region’s rich cultural heritage.

My accommodation was conveniently located just a short bus ride away from the university, allowing easy access to both academic and recreational activities. The nearby beach became a haven for relaxation, where I spent leisurely afternoons swimming and soaking up the sun.

A significant part of the course involved a collaborative project, where I worked alongside fellow students to create and present an innovative new business idea we were tasked to come up with. This experience fostered teamwork, communication, and a deeper appreciation for the power of collective effort.

As part of our learning experience, we visited Clisol Agro, a prominent greenhouse facility in Almería. Walking through the greenhouses, observing the cultivation of various produce, provided valuable insights into the vital role of these structures in supporting the local economy.

The financial support provided by these initiatives made it possible for me to participate in the course at the University of Almería and explore the vibrant city of Almería. This funding played a pivotal role in covering the costs associated with travel, accommodation, and programme fees, alleviating financial burdens and allowing me to fully immerse myself in the academic and cultural opportunities available. Without the GO Summer! Bursary, this enriching experience would not have been possible, and I am immensely grateful for the financial support I received.

Reflecting on my time abroad, I am appreciative for the opportunity to have been a part of this incredible journey. Almería, with its blend of academic exploration, cultural immersion, and natural beauty, has left an indelible mark on my university experience, shaping me into a more adaptable and globally aware individual.

William:

Almería
In this blog, I will outline my unforgettable week-long experience in Almería, studying ‘Entrepreneurship: From Business Idea Identification to Business Opportunity Exploitation’. The course was just one week, but provided enough time to study and enjoy the cultural, sporting and leisure activities which the beautiful city had to offer. The tuition fee was €600, which was covered by the QMUL GO Summer! bursary I received, which also covered my flight to Almería.

Landing in Almería from Heathrow, I was hit by the high temperature, which often reached 33°C, with humidity around 90%! However, whilst getting a taxi to my accommodation it became clear that Almería’s long coastline would provide plenty of opportunities to cool down in the sea and to indulge in the plethora of air-conditioned tapas bars dotted along the beach.

Academic Life in Almería
Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday were dedicated to the immersive and engaging sessions at the University of Almería. Led by seasoned business professors and entrepreneurs, the course focused on various aspects of business entrepreneurship, from spotting opportunities to exploiting them. I learnt many commercial concepts which will complement my own studies back in London.

The classes also provided the opportunity to develop several essential career skills – presenting to an audience of around 50 young entrepreneurs, and networking with welcoming, hardworking students from Germany, France, Mexico, Hungary and more.

The University also organised an academic visit to Clisol Agro – a local business start-up which grows thousands of high-quality tomatoes to supply both Spain and wider Europe. It was incredible to see first-hand how the business implemented cost-saving and revenue maximisation measures, recycling water and controlling pests, for example. My group also had the opportunity to taste tomatoes grown at the plantation, which were delicious!

Cultural Life
On Friday evening, I had the pleasure of visiting the Alcazaba – a large fortress built in 955 AD. It was incredible to be able to walk around the scene of many historical battles, and its aesthetic building provided filming locations for Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, as well as Wonder Woman 1984.

I also enjoyed catching the open-sided train in Almería, which took us around many of the historical and cultural sites, including the Alcazaba, the Cathedral, Cable Ingles (a railway pier), and many others. Another way of travelling around the city is by renting a bicycle. By virtue of the GO Summer! bursary funding I received, I was able to rent a high-quality bike for €12 for 24 hours from a rental shop located a 2-minute walk from the accommodation, which provided a locked room in which to store the bike overnight. You can get anywhere 10X faster and avoid the heat! The bike lanes in Almería were also excellent and covered a large majority of the city. Just remember to ride on the right side of the road! There were also many local markets to enjoy, tapas bars, and Spanish supermarkets.

Overall, thanks to the QMUL GO Summer! bursary, my week in Almería was enriching, educational, relaxing and extremely enjoyable. I have met incredible people from around the world, boosted my CV, experienced local culture and greatly improved my suntan. My only regret is that I couldn’t stay for longer!