Last year, I attended one of the most important celebrations of the year in Belfast. It was the MELA Festival, which recognises the value and multicultural wealth that Northern Ireland has. Throughout the week there are celebrations honouring the cultural traditions of many of the ethnic groups and nationalities that live on the Island. It was an incredible week, with many activities, events, and parties.

It made me appreciate how fortunate I am to be able to live in Belfast and how enriching it has been to have this multicultural experience from living in Northern Ireland. That is why today, I wanted to write about why we should all have multicultural experiences at some point in our lives, and how being an international student at Queen's is a good way to achieve this.

Local immersion

Studying in Belfast has been one of the best decisions of my life - not only for the academic and growth opportunities it has brought but also for the experience of getting to know Irish and British culture within the same territory. Immersing yourself in local environments and talking to people is wonderful; you learn to appreciate local spaces from different perspectives, what they mean and represent for their inhabitants and how they manage to build their identity from them. Belfast is a city that has experienced significant historical processes, such as the conflict known as "The Troubles", and its overcoming towards a more inclusive and peaceful society is an example of resilience that enriches any student's experience.

With my Irish and Scottish friends

At the same time, the country belonging to the UK preserves many of the British traditions and festivities, so you can enjoy the cultural richness of being part of the UK. Living in Belfast also offers the opportunity to learn and improve English, a language that is a fundamental tool in the academic and professional field.

Meet other international students

This city offers a unique opportunity for international students to immerse themselves in an environment where diverse cultures converge, enriching their personal, academic and professional development. Since living in Belfast, I have had the opportunity to interact with people from different backgrounds, which has allowed me to see the world from multiple perspectives.

This cultural exchange promotes empathy and understanding, skills that I find essential in an increasingly globalised world. In short, thanks to the cultural richness that Queen's students have, I have been able to broaden my horizons.

Before coming to Queen's, here's what you should know about Belfast/NI!

Living in a multicultural environment like Belfast teaches students to adapt and learn to communicate effectively in diverse contexts. These skills are highly valued in the global labour market, where the ability to work in multicultural teams and manage cultural differences has become an essential competence. Belfast, with its mix of local and international residents, is an ideal place to develop these skills.

Being an ambassador of my own culture

One of the best things about living in a multicultural city like Belfast is that there is a general culture of respect, where all cultures are equally valued. I am Colombian and Caribbean at the same time, and since I have lived in Belfast I have felt like an ambassador of my roots, arousing the curiosity of my friends from other countries about where I come from, and feeling confident that I will never be discriminated against for being from where I am from.

With my international friends

At the same time, the multicultural experience in Belfast has also helped me in my personal growth. By being exposed to different ways of thinking, traditions and customs, I have had the opportunity to question my own beliefs and values, which has contributed to a deeper personal development.

The multicultural experience that Belfast has given me has prepared me to feel like a citizen of the world; as the ability to understand and navigate different cultures is crucial to success in any career. The experience of studying and living in a multicultural city like Belfast has enriched my academic career and has fostered me with a global mindset, ready to face the challenges of the modern world.

Find out more

Living Abroad in Belfast: A Unique Experience

Discovering Belfast as an International Student

Information for students from Colombia

Things I Wish I Had Known Before Coming to Belfast as a South American Student

Isabella Barros De La Rosa Violence, Terrorism and Security Postgraduate Student | Colombia Hello, my name is Isabella Barros, I am 24 years old and I am from a beautiful city on the Caribbean coast of Colombia called Barranquilla. I am very into running and outdoor activities. That's why Belfast is so amazing to live in, because of the landscapes, and the spaces for this kind of hobby. Besides running and studying, you can find me in any bookstore, wandering around the city, or enjoying a pleasant coffee in a cute cafe!