Queen’s student Muireann Porter gives her top tips for taking part in a study exchange programme.
Do the Research: Learn about the city you’ll be living in through Google, travel blogs or even TikTok. Look into cultural norms, public transport, safety tips, and the cost of living to feel more prepared.
Complete the Paperwork: Avoid last-minute stress by completing all necessary forms on time. Keep both print and digital copies of important documents such as visas and acceptance letters.
Connect with others: Speak with students who have previously spent time in your host country to gain insights. Many universities have social media groups where you can meet fellow exchange students before you even arrive.
Take a Course: if you don’t speak the language of the country you are going to, consider taking a language course. QUB Language Centre offers discounted classes for students. Getting a TEFL certification could be a great idea if you’re interested in teaching English.
Get Excited!: An exchange is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Embrace the adventure, keep an open mind, and look forward to an unforgettable cultural experience.
Queen’s student Luke Duffy, tells us about his top five things that he did not expect during his study exchange to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Take it away Luke:
1. “Southern Hospitality” Is Very Real I thought the phrase “Southern hospitality” was just a cliché. But at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, (UNC), I was struck by how warm and welcoming everyone was. Me and my fellow exchange students were invited to several of our American friends’ homes for Thanksgiving, as they wanted to make sure we enjoyed the holiday properly.
2. How quickly I would get into the “school spirit”
Before I arrived, I thought school spirit was something you saw in the films. But within a week of arriving at UNC, I found myself chanting “Go Heels!” at football games, becoming extremely invested in the UNC-Duke rivalry and wearing Carolina blue. The pride students have in their university is infectious, and being part of that community, even just for a semester, made me feel instantly connected.
3. The Variety of Classes was Incredible
The selection of history modules available at UNC was amazing, and it allowed me to study topics I had never done formally at Queen’s. My favourite class that I took at UNC was on the history of aerial warfare. A retired USAF intelligence officer taught this class. This was very beneficial as he could connect the lecture material to modern trends in aerial warfare. For example, he linked lessons from WWII strategic bombing to today’s use of drones.
4. The variety of food
Before beginning my semester abroad, I paid for a meal plan for the campus dining halls. This allowed me to save time on cooking, as well as giving me the opportunity to try lots of new food. In addition to Southern classics like chicken and waffles, there were international dishes like Thai red curry. Beyond the novelty of all-you-can-eat food, the dining halls were a great social space. Getting together with your mates for dinner became a great ritual.
5. That I’d Grow Professionally Without Realising It
While I wasn’t working during my exchange in the States, so many day-to-day experiences while I was out there fed into my professional development. I developed skills such as delivering a presentation to a mixed audience and planning group projects across time zones. I spoke fairly good Spanish before I left Belfast, but the campus’s significant Spanish-speaking population allowed me to practice even more. Looking back, I gained skills I didn’t even know I was building—language skills, resilience, and initiative, which I’ve already used in job interviews since returning.
Queen’s student Lucy McDonough talks us through the importance of sorting your own ‘admin’ for your year abroad.
Hey, my name is Lucy and I spent one semester in Murcia, Spain and the second in Lisbon, Portugal during my year abroad. Whilst these were invaluable experiences, the looming stress of admin tasks has the potential to overshadow your enjoyment. Staying on top of it all is a key aspect, so here are some tips and tricks so you can jump straight into the fun!
My first piece of advice is to make sure you’re aware of everything you need, depending on your type of placement this can vary. I recommend making a checklist and ticking things off as you go along. That little sense of achievement goes a long way in preventing you from getting overwhelmed.
For my teaching work placement in Murcia in Spain, I needed an NIE number and a Certificado de Empadronamiento, and in Portugal I needed an NIF number. These appointments take time to get as there is currently a backlog. For this reason, I would recommend arriving to each of your placement destinations a week or two early at the least to ensure you have plenty of time to sort these admin tasks out!
Another really useful tip is to join any Erasmus group chats on sites such as Facebook or WhatsApp. These are not just great tools to organise social events, but many students ask and answer questions on admin issues and you get to learn from the other student’s tips and tricks who are in the exact same position as you.
Lastly, ensure you have photocopies of important documents such as your passport, driving licence, Learning Agreement, any DBS or ICPC (teaching placement specific), rental contracts etc. Some municipal offices require these and often keep the copy so it’s best to have a few of each, preventing you from stressing about where you can make copies or print documents whilst you’re still finding your feet.
Last but not least, whilst the first few weeks of settling in will undoubtably be stressful, this is an incredible experience and a chance for you to shine.
Go in with a positive mindset and allow yourself to enjoy it!
Queen’s student Kara Clerkin talks us through her study exchange semester in Rotterdam.
“Settling in to a completely different campus in another country with new people can be daunting – but it doesn’t have to be! I took part in a study exchange semester to Rotterdam in my final year and here are my tips to help you get settled.”
Be Prepared
“Make sure to be as organized as you can as this will make the overall experience a lot less stressful. Try to get your flights and accommodation organized as soon as possible after your place at the host university has been confirmed; most universities will send information about student accommodation but there are also websites you can use such as housinganywhere.com. “
“It’s also worth doing some research to find out any requirements for living in your host country. Do you need a visa? Do you need to become registered?”
“It’s also smart to have an idea about how local public transport works and what the etiquette is regarding travel whether that be by train, tram, bus, bike or on foot.”
Explore
“Shortly after you arrive, take some time to get to know your surroundings. How far is the university from your accommodation? Is the city centre close? Where is the closest supermarket? Taking this time to get to know the area will help you settle in to your location.”
“It’s also great to have a couple of routes to go for a walk and clear your head as being away from home can sometimes feel a bit overwhelming.”
Get Involved!
“Make an effort to get involved in as many welcome activities as you can – often there will be events for international/exchange students to meet and get to know each other. It’s also worth finding out where the popular student spots are to get out and get talking to other local students and make some friends!”
“You can also join Facebook groups or some universities off apps to help you meet other people before heading out to your host country which is always useful if you’re feeling nervous about not knowing anyone before going.”
Queen’s student Jadzia Armstrong takes us through the differences she has noticed whilst studying abroad. Take it away Jadzia…
“I am currently in Toulouse, France on my year abroad. And already there are so many differences to what it’s like back home! So, here is a blog about all the things friends and I have noticed so far, about the university system and life here in general!”
“So, university first…
First, from what I have experienced and from what we have been told the system is more lecture focused. It is less about discussion and more about listening. This is in direct contrast to back at Queens, when especially in politics there is an emphasis on tutorials and discussion.”
“Credit conversion means I have 6 modules each semester compared to 3, but they feel less in depth.”
“There is a canteen! French universities have CROUS which is a canteen where you can get a full meal for €3.50 – including starter, main and dessert. Most people eat here at lunch and the lines are always so long…”
“This leads to me onto one of the biggest differences I have noticed here which is food. Not just the type of food but the emphasis on it.”
“The stereotype of France is the baguette, which is widely eaten but of course food extends beyond the baguette – the pastries and café culture of sitting down and eating outside, having a chat with friends while eating a chocolatine and sipping a coffee is one of the aspects I love most about France.”
“There is more of an emphasis on the importance of food and drinks to connect and take time together, with meals being something that brings people together. As well as sitting by the river while music plays and having a drink. (And as you could expect, the wine is cheaper here!)”
“People take the opportunity to sit outside and have drinks which is also something unheard of in the UK because of the weather!”
“The next difference is that in France there seems to be a focus on being together and doing activities.”
“This is highlighted by the fact that on the first Sunday of every month, museums are free in France. Adding to this is the big market culture. To me, there seems to be more of a focus on cultural activities and spending time together doing them. Especially on Sundays, shops are only open for a couple of hours which adds to this idea.”
“I have taken advantage of the free museums and love the markets and affordability of fresh fruit and vegetables. There are so many markets all throughout the week!”
“Another huge difference is the cycle culture here. People cycle more to get to events, university and work. You often see families cycling together too. It is on a completely different volume to back home and there are cycle paths everywhere.”
“As well as this, outside university every day there are so many mopeds. They are a popular mode of transport, and you can even hire them just like a bike. I have recently gone on a moped for the first time!”
“These are some of the big differences I’ve noticed and here are just some random others:
The French eat later – this can be as late as 9pm for dinner
There are less vegetarian and vegan options in the stores and less multi-cultural options in general
Being late is common
Less spicy food
People wear headphones less here”
“Overall, I’m sure there are so many more which I haven’t mentioned and still to find out. I like so many of these things about France, but for me one of the biggest differences is the diversity of food in the supermarkets and in general and that’s what I miss most about home. But I sure do love the pastries!”
Check out this Q&A with Queen’s student Harriet Blair on her study aboard experiences.
Tell us about yourself.
Hi, my name is Harriet Blair and I’m from Waringstown. I’m currently studying Law with Spanish at Queen’s University Belfast and as part of my degree I had the opportunity to live abroad in my third year of studying.
Where did you go and why?
I spent a full academic year in Salamanca, Spain, studying Law at the University of Salamanca. I chose to study there because the university – founded in 1134 – is the third-oldest in Europe and attracts many students from all over the world, so there would be plenty of people to meet and become friends with. The whole city is also filled with beautiful Romanesque, Gothic, Plateresque and Baroque architecture which I really wanted to explore.
Who was the first person you met?
One of the first people I met in Salamanca turned out to become one of my closest friends. Her name is Tito, and she was also an Erasmus student from Scotland. We were both nervous about spending a year away from home and wanted to make friends, so we quickly became close and helped each other out. Together we met new people, joined different student groups, and supported each other while adjusting to a new city. Since we’re both Christians, we also searched for a church together where we could feel at home during our time in Spain.
How did you meet people?
I found that a great way to meet people was to get involved in student groups and Erasmus events. One group in particular, called EnVivo, really helped me to meet people, many of whom became some of my closest friends. We had many fun nights out, as well as games and movie nights, weekend trips away and other fun activities that I always looked forward to.
I also met wonderful people in the church that I joined, called FreshX. It was full of international people from Germany, France, Portugal, New Zealand, the United States, Colombia, Brazil and many other places. It was a great way to meet people not only from Spain, but also from all over the world. Everyone there was so welcoming and supportive during my year abroad, and they really made me feel at home in Salamanca.
What was the biggest culture shock?
There were certainly a number of culture shocks living in Spain, from the different food to the later times for shops opening and closing, but perhaps the biggest culture shock was seeing that the people in Salamanca have a relaxed, unhurried approach to life – not out of laziness, but because they value enjoyment and balance over constantly working. They aren’t afraid to pause, savour the moment and be patient. It was quite unlike what I’m used to seeing here in Northern Ireland, where we generally are set on instant gratification and ceaseless productivity. It taught me not to stress so much about things I can’t control and just have to wait for, to take a breather every once in a while, and to simply enjoy myself without feeling guilty for not constantly working on something.
What was the most exciting part? Most memorable moment?
There were many highlights while I was in Salamanca, and it’s hard to pick just one; spending time with my friends, travelling on weekend trips, going to the Eras Tour in Madrid, enjoying concerts and events in the Plaza Mayor, seeing the Christmas light exhibition, enjoying the Summer weather at the outdoor pool. There were so many incredible experiences and I loved having the independence to explore and make lasting memories with so many friends!
What knowledge and insight did you gain to help your career?
Although I’m still studying, my year abroad has really broadened my horizons in terms of a future career; my outlook and goals for what I want to do after graduating have shifted since I went abroad and I’m also more open to working further afield because of the brilliant experience I had.
How was the year different than you imagined?
When the year started, I had planned to share a flat with another friend who was also on my course. However, after a week or so of being in Salamanca, she realised that it simply wasn’t for her and decided to return home to join the final year law course. This unexpected change left me living on my own, which at first was very nerve-wracking, but it also pushed me to put myself out there and step out of my comfort zone. I made more friends, got involved in new activities, and became more independent. Once I settled in, I found that I really enjoyed living on my own and gained so much from challenging myself to embrace the situation.
In what ways has the experience built your confidence? My year abroad has taught me to take more opportunities that I might have been hesitant about before. I’ve become more confident in saying ‘yes’ to new experiences, whether it’s trying something outside my comfort zone, meeting new people, or taking on challenges that once seemed intimidating. I’m also more confident dealing with unexpected changes, knowing that I can handle them.
What advice do you have for fellow students who want to experience a similar time abroad?
First of all, I would say to do your research before you go so you can be well prepared and remember that however daunting it might feel the experience is so worth it! Once you arrive at wherever you’re going, make sure to put yourself out there, take every opportunity that comes your way, and fully embrace the experience.
I would also recommend finding a way to document your year; I made a scrapbook filled with photos, small mementos, notes, and got it signed by all of the friends I met in Salamanca, which is something I can keep forever. Most importantly, remember to enjoy yourself and don’t get too hung up thinking about when you’ll return home. The year will go by much faster than it seems at the start, so make sure to take full advantage of the opportunity.
What’s the one thing you’ll never forget about your time abroad?
I know I’ll never forget the great group of friends I made, through different activities and student groups. We all got so close and really try to stay in touch with each other. It provided a great sense of community between people from all over the world, and I would highly recommend the experience to any student!
Queen’s student Emily Woods gives advice on organising accommodation for studying aboard based on their experience of studying in France and Portugal in the same year.
“During my year abroad I was fortunate enough to experience living in both France and Portugal, so I know more than most how moving away can be daunting, and full of paperwork. Despite this, I had the most incredible time abroad as I took every opportunity that was available to me, and said yes to new experiences and adventures.”
“Once you have been assigned your host city and university, I recommend looking for accommodation as soon as possible. Before leaving Belfast, I contacted the international student’s office of my French university by email, and again by telephone call to get information about accommodation. Calling someone in your second (or even third!) language can be intimidating, but in my experience they are kind and patient, and in many cases, they also speak English!”
“In France, there is a national system of university accommodation called CROUS. You can apply for accommodation through their website, and it’s basically like living in Elms. They’re located close to the university, run events, and have a reception, so it’s super safe and convenient.”
“I accidentally left it too late to apply for university housing in Portugal, so I recommend doing this before the academic year starts, even if you’re travelling there for semester two. I was fortunate enough to find accommodation through an ESN WhatsApp community, and found an Erasmus House. These are houses with anywhere between four and (in my experience) seventeen people living there, and they provide short-term room lets for periods of five or six months, all the way up to a year.”
“Another great thing to do is to follow the Erasmus Student Network (ESN) in your new city before you get there! They will have Instagram and Facebook pages, as well as WhatsApp communities, so you can get to know people and keep up to date with events before you even arrive.”
“My best piece of advice is to put yourself out there as much as you can from the moment you arrive. The first few weeks are very overwhelming so don’t let this get you down, in my experience, everyone feels just like you, they just aren’t letting on.
“Remember that there is support through Queen’s available to you – and don’t forget that your friends and family at home are only a phone call away!”
“Hi, my name is Caitlin Kiddie and I’m from Edinburgh. I am studying Anthropology and Spanish at Queen’s University Belfast and as part of my course, I had the opportunity to live abroad in Spain for one year.”
Where did you go and why?
“My Erasmus took place in Alicante in Spain, where I studied at the University of Alicante (UA). This was my top choice as it was important to me to live in a coastal city to experience a different lifestyle; Alicante is also the sunniest city in Europe! I liked the prospect of a smaller city to allow me to engage with the local community and although I had concerns about its touristy reputation, I quickly realised this was not the case. In the local neighbourhoods Spanish was necessary in the supermarkets, cafes, restaurants and public transport.
Alicante is also very popular for Erasmus students, and this really made my experience. In first semester alone, there were 700 students all hoping to make friends and explore Spain.
Making international friends
“This international aspect became the theme of my year abroad. I arrived with a goal to expand my cultural awareness, not only of Spain, but globally. In September, I didn’t know anyone which challenged me to build new relationships.
I shared a typical Spanish apartment with girls from Australia, Mexico, France and Belgium. From there, this circle only expanded thanks to the incredible Erasmus Network (ESN) who organised activities and trips almost every day. It was on these trips to Spanish festivals, waterfall excursions and tapas tours where my flatmates and I met wonderful people from Germany, Canada, Italy and funnily enough, Scotland. These friendships were by far the best thing I gained from my year abroad.”
The most exciting part
“The most exciting part about studying abroad was the opportunity to travel. The study experience offers lots of free time to explore, so after spending a few months exploring Alicante and its neighbouring coasts my friends and I decided to make the most of this freedom. I travelled to different places in Spain including a trips to Bilbao, Mallorca, Barcelona and a road trip around Andalucía.”
“While I also explored different countries such as Portugal, Germany and Morocco. These travels stand out as some of the highlights of the year and allowed me to learn so much about other cultures and my own independence.”
Spanish culture and daily life
“Spanish culture is very different to the UK. Life is much more relaxed and slow-paced. In Alicante, this meant social gatherings on the beach, heading to the local market to buy fresh fruit and pastries, going to the gym with views of the marina, spending lots of time in creperías and watching every sunset and sunrise possible.
The day does not end after school or work at 5pm and in the evening the streets are still filled with kids playing and people enjoying tapas and drinks. Spain also has lots of cultural festivals such as Carnaval, las Fallas in Valencia and the Semana Santa processions over the Easter period. It was amazing to take part and observe these experiences of Spanish tradition.”
Mindset
“A crucial part of this experience was developing what I have termed the ‘Erasmus Mindset’. This encompasses the skills you learn along the way including confidence, communication and independence but also the ability to be spontaneous and make the most of every opportunity. This mindset extends beyond Erasmus and is something I am aware of now that I am back in Belfast.”
“The personal growth from my year abroad continues to push me to say yes to things I wouldn’t have considered before and enjoy every moment. These are skills important in academic and professional spheres but also on a personal level in the way you view life and those around you.”
Queen’s University Belfast student, Ben Magee, talks us through the process he went through to find accommodation in Stockholm for his study exchange.
“Planning for an exchange semester is exciting, but one of the biggest challenges is securing accommodation. When I made the decision to join the MPlan programme and that I’d be moving to Stockholm, I was actually in Chicago, which made the process even more difficult. Looking back, I wish I had started searching earlier – accommodation is a necessity when moving away, and it’s something that should be planned for months in advance. Even six months before departure, my now roommates and I were struggling to find places, and university accommodation was extremely limited, so Don’t Rely On It As Your First Choice!“
“I was lucky enough to be moving out with two fellow classmates, which made the search slightly easier as we could split costs and widen our options. Since getting a spot in student housing wasn’t guaranteed, we had to explore other alternatives. We started by checking Airbnb for short-term stays and joined as many Facebook housing groups as possible, messaging landlords and students enquiring about their accommodation plans.”
“One of the best decisions I made was reaching out to someone who had previously lived in Stockholm. They gave us great advice and even helped us connect with potential landlords. If your university can put you in contact with a former student, I’d highly recommend taking advantage of that.”
“Eventually, I secured a shared apartment through a private landlord. While it wasn’t in the city center, it was well-connected by public transport, and living with other students made settling in much easier.”
“My biggest recommendation? Start early, be persistent, and explore every option. Don’t rely solely on university accommodation – message as many people as possible, use multiple platforms, and connect with students who have been through the process before.”
“Exchange is an incredible experience, and finding a place to live is one of the most important steps to making it a smooth and enjoyable one.”
Queen’s student Andrew Atkinson talks to us through his top five tips for students going on a study exchange.
Look after yourself It is paramount that you brace yourself for the emotions you will feel once you’ve left your friends & family behind. It’s one thing to think about it, it’s another to experience. The world is smaller than you think, you’re one text away from those you love and they are not going to forget about you while you’re away.
Be open, experience as much as you can! There ought to be events that are hosted, sports teams you can join, and local events in your town! This is your opportunity to try new things, do not let it pass you by, your study abroad experience will pass in the blink of an eye.
You deserve to be here! It’s possible to get impostor syndrome as an exchange student, but understand your host institution invited you! Continue your established studying habits whilst engrossing yourself in the culture.
Travel! You’ll want to travel solo or with friends you’ve made, my personal highlight was travelling from North Carolina up to Niagara Falls and seeing the sights along the way.
You’ll miss it dearly. I miss my exchange friends, I miss the food. I met my girlfriend studying abroad and she came to Queen’s! We’re currently figuring out how we could all reunite in Europe once this semester is over.
