Study Abroad: My Queen’s Experience
Thinking of spending a semester or year studying abroad in Belfast? Hear from our current Study Abroad students Allison and Jude on their experience at Queen’s!
Are you thinking about studying abroad for a semester or year while at university? Every year, over 200 students decide to come to Belfast for an academic year or semester to study abroad with us and experience a world-class education in a thriving city.
We asked current Study Abroad students, Allison and Jude, to share their experience of studying abroad at Queen’s and living in Belfast and here’s what they had to say!
Why did you choose to study abroad at Queen’s University Belfast?
Allison: “I needed to be in a place where I spoke the same language as everyone else. Queen's especially was known for its peace and conflict studies focus, and being in Belfast aligned with those academic studies I wanted to pursue.”
Jude: “I heard so many great things from friends who had studied here in the past, and I have always wanted to go to anywhere on the island of Ireland, so I thought it would be a great fit!”
What were your first impressions of Belfast?
Allison: “I loved how small and navigable the city was! I also appreciated how kind everyone was to me, and how easy it was to get everything I needed. I knew that Belfast was fun and had so much to explore and do but also could be quiet, and I appreciated that balance.”
Jude: “It is a beautiful city, full of life and new experiences, but there was also instantly an undertone of a past that was not to be forgotten. Truly interesting.”
What do you do when you’re not in class or studying?
Allison: “I'm either going out on the town, traveling to nearby countries, sitting in my favourite cafes and the Botanic Gardens, or decompressing in my room.”
Jude: “I love walking around the city and hanging out with my friends. I enjoy cooking food and playing games or going to pubs and bars and finding hidden gems!”
What do you enjoy most about your course?
Allison: “I love how supportive my lecturers have been to catch me up and making sure I don't feel behind the other students in any way.”
Jude: “I like the topics that I'm learning, and how they give us time to both synthesise the information, as well as look into our own interests in similar topics. We have a lot of free time, which can be overwhelming in ways, but it has taught me great ways to budget my time.”
What advice would you give to someone interested in studying abroad at Queen’s University Belfast from your home institution?
Allison: “It is a great opportunity to get out of our university bubble and meet new people, so embrace it. Also stay in Belfast on the weekends, there is plenty to do and get to know about the city!”
Jude: “To be able to travel abroad, especially in a city that shares many aspects with places in the US, is something that will profoundly change your life. You will meet so many people and notice so many small differences among the cultures present, and it will truly give you a deeper appreciation for the lives we live in our "bubble".”
“With the substantial amount of free time that you will be given, you must explore. Explore nature, explore the city centre, explore the relationships with people around you, and explore cuisine and culture. Breathe in the cool, crisp, Irish air. Breathe out a new perspective on your beautiful life.”
Thinking about studying abroad?
Our Study Abroad offering at Queen's is truly multi-disciplinary. Students can choose to study almost any subject Queen’s offers across all three faculties that span a wide variety of disciplines that impact on the lives and world around us.
Find out more
Zoe BrankinStaff Writer | Queen's GlobalHi, I'm Zoe, and I'm proud to be part of the Queen's Global team. Outside of work, I love reading (I even run a local book club), spending time with my dogs, and never missing an opportunity for a coffee or brunch outing. |
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