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…

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…

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

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

“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.

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.

A Year in Istanbul at Koç University. Reflections from Harvey Jones, History & Politics student at Queen Mary.

Like most people before their year abroad I was nervous. For me, the main worries concerned whether I’d make any friends and whether I’d be able to have fun in a place that was so different to home. My primary concern was whether I could find friends among people I thought would be so different … Continue reading A Year in Istanbul at Koç University. Reflections from Harvey Jones, History & Politics student at Queen Mary.

Shanghai; away from the classroom – Holly Pickerell

Whilst my time in Shanghai inevitably revolves around my schooling, a year abroad wouldn’t be complete without some extra-curricular activities. The great privilege of a year abroad is complete immersion in a different city, country and way of life. Whilst I can be taught in the classroom about the ins and outs of the Chinese … Continue reading Shanghai; away from the classroom – Holly Pickerell

Part 1 – an interview with Rachel Godfrey Talking Diversity, Culture and Life at Queen Mary

Rachel Godfrey was awarded the QMUL International Correspondent Scholarship in collaboration with IFSA Study Abroad. Whilst at Queen Mary, Rachel blogged all about diversity and inclusion in study abroad. We sat down with her before she headed back to Wesleyan University, CT, to talk about her experience. Rachel tells us what it's like to be … Continue reading Part 1 – an interview with Rachel Godfrey Talking Diversity, Culture and Life at Queen Mary