Colombia wasn't BA Languages student Alpha Shaw's first choice for his Year Abroad, but the diversity of the country drew him in. His blog reflects on the country, community and the challenge of living in a different language during his exchange year at Universidad de Los Andes. Prior to relocating to Bogotá, Colombia, I experienced considerable nervousness … Continue reading My Bogotá Journal: Culture, Change, and Self-Discovery
Queen Mary University of London student Shannon Ogieva was one of two students selected for our Spelman College exchange programme in Summer 2025 - she shares her transformative experience both in and outside of the classroom. When I flew to Atlanta, I didn’t know exactly what to expect. I knew I was going to Spelman College, a … Continue reading From London to Atlanta: My Summer Abroad at Spelman College
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
After travelling to Brazil in 2016 I was hopeful that I’d be able to travel to another Latin American country while studying here in the US - I am chuffed to now be able to scratch off Mexico on my map when I return home! We hadn’t realised until after booking our flights that we … Continue reading A weekend in Mexico City! Katie Bevan
I've recently started my year studying abroad in New York City (as a part of a four-year politics degree @ Queen Mary University of London) and wanted to vlog my time in the big apple!
I always knew that waving goodbye to my parents for nine months at the airport would be hard and as much as I prepared myself for that moment, a spell of tears felt inevitable. I guess those of us that have had an emotional airport encounter are very lucky to be in a position where … Continue reading A bus journey I’ll never forget – Katie Bevan
This is not only an important year for me; being my Year Abroad working for the British Council as an English Language Assistant in Andalusia, Spain: but it is also the year I make everything right. For a long time, I have considered myself a disappointment, a failure, and I have chosen to share my … Continue reading Adapt and Overcome – Tiffany Maria Christopher-Ward
The island, to many, is split into three parts: uptown, midtown, and downtown. This isn’t a geographical separation, there aren’t strict borders and the only sign of change between each place is the decreasing numbers on the subway down to South Ferry. However, there is a separation in the atmosphere, one which becomes heightened during … Continue reading The Holidays in Manhattan – Shola Lee
Queen Mary Global Bloggers 