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!”
Queen’s student Alena Romanovskaya gives her top tips for students studying abroad.
Arrive Early (If You Can) and Build a Routine
If possible, get there a week or two before classes. It helps to sort out things like registration, housing, and setting up your student card without feeling rushed. But it’s okay if you arrive later. You can still build a routine once you’ve settled in.
Stay in Touch with Home
Being abroad is a chance to enjoy independence, but staying connected with people back home really helps. I liked when friends and family visited me, but even video calls or a message made a big difference, especially on quiet days. Having a few photos from home cheered me up when I felt homesick.
Keep Digital Copies of Important Documents
Scan or photocopy your passport, insurance, and university papers before you leave. The university printers came in handy for this. Having backups saved me stress when something came up unexpectedly.
Explore Local Transport and Free Days
Take some time to learn how public transport works. I studied in Hasselt and really liked how simple it was to get around. There are good discounts if you’re under 26, so it’s worth checking in advance. The bus app shows live locations, and the train app is great for platform info, carriage types, and delays. If you’re in Belgium, remember Heritage Day happens every year on the first Sunday after Easter. Also, many museums are free on the first Sunday of each month.
Be Open to Spontaneous Adventures
Keep an eye on emails and group chats. Some of my favourite experiences came up this way. I found out about volunteering with Re-Book at UHasselt selling second-hand textbooks. This lead to my very first go-karting team building. One of my best memories was visiting the maritime museum in Antwerp. I hadn’t planned it, but it turned out to be a really interesting detour.
Hear from Queen’s student, Liana Mac Intyre about her study abroad opportunity in Utrecht. Take it away Liana…
‘Spending a summer studying in Utrecht was one of the best decisions I made during my time at Queen’s. If you’re thinking about a short-term study abroad programme, I can’t recommend it enough.’
“You get to experience life in a new city, meet people from all over the world, and develop a deeper understanding on your chosen course topic. Looking back, my time in Utrecht gave me a deeper appreciation of Europe and the EU, not just as a political project, but as a space shaped by shared history, culture, and ideas.”
“I took part in the European Politics and Economy summer school at Utrecht University. Given my interest in politics and history and my desire to pursue a career in diplomacy, I wanted to better understand how the EU functions, especially from the perspective of a country that has deep historical ties to it. The course was an intense but rewarding mix of lectures, debates, and excursions. We covered everything from the institutional structure of the EU to its economic policies, and we had the chance to apply our knowledge in discussions on real-world issues like Brexit, trade agreements, and the future of the European Union.”
“One of the highlights was visiting The Hague, where we discussed the role of institutions like the International Court of Justice. Furthermore, we had the chance to visit the Mauritshuis Museum where we saw the famous Girl with a Pearl Earring painting!”
Beyond the academic side of things, Utrecht itself was an incredible place to live for a few weeks. The city has a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere, and cycling everywhere quickly became second nature.
“Afternoons were spent by the canals, and evenings often ended in one of the city’s many bars, chatting with other students from across Europe. The international mix of people on the course made for some fascinating conversations- everyone brought their own perspective, and it was refreshing to step outside of the UK and see things through a different lens. Due to its close proximity, my new friends and I were able to take a trip to Amsterdam at the weekend which was a great bonus to this amazing trip!”
“If you’re on the fence about doing a summer school, my advice is: go for it!“
“It’s a brilliant way to broaden your academic and personal horizons, all while having a great time in a new city. Utrecht, with its mix of history, culture, and student-friendly vibe, is the perfect place to do it.”
The European Student Exchange Information Session took place on 2nd February 2023
Erasmus is the European Higher Education programme which enables students, already enrolled at a university in Europe, to take time out from their own institution and spend one or two semesters at a partner university
Here are the top 3 takeaways from the session:
1. Experience a new culture, city, language
2. Over 200+ study exchange destinations across Europe
Kirsty King, a blogger from our MEDIA programme, sat down with fellow Erasmus Study alumna Rose Winter to exchange travel stories and memories.
Kirsty in Belgium
This time last year I had just packed my bags and jetted off to Belgium for an Erasmus Study Placement. Now looking back, I can safely say I’m a different person to the one that set off twelve months ago.
I sat down with fellow Erasmus Alumna (Slovenia), Rose Winter, to chat about our experiences and think about the skills that we developed on our foreign adventures. The good news: we agreed that these skills will help us to stand out to any employer.If you are considering Erasmus, don’t miss the upcoming information session. Register here.
Let’s talk: Organisation
Before you’ve even set off on your adventure, you will be developing your organisation skills, whether that’s by looking for accommodation, planning travel arrangements or doing other paperwork. While this may seem overwhelming at first, your ability to organise will stand you in great stead further down the line, believe me.
Rose says: “On my placement I had to study more modules each semester than I would normally study at Queen’s, and some of these were Master’s courses. This meant I had to have good time-management skills to get all my work done.”
Like Rose, I also had to study more modules than I was used to, which meant I had to organise my time well too! While this may sound difficult, you’ll soon get used to the different size of workload, and what’s more, I’m definitely better at multi-tasking now.
Kirsty (centre) with friends in Belgium
Let’s talk: Resilience
Going abroad doesn’t come without its challenges, and things might not always go to plan. That’s where resilience comes into play.
When I landed in Belgium, one of the first things I had to do was register at the city hall. I didn’t get off to the best start when I turned up at the wrong city hall, but don’t worry, with the help of the Tourist Information Office I soon found the right one. Another new experience was having to open a Belgian bank account, which did take a while to set up but was worth it in the end!
Rose tells me: “When registering my accommodation in Slovenia, the police didn’t think my property existed. It was only when I told them the names of my housemates that they realised where I was staying was a real place!”
What Rose and I have both found is that when we ran into difficulties abroad, we showed resilience and were able to solve the problems we were faced with.
Let’s talk: Independence
Travelling away from home means you have to work things out for yourself. This may seem like a tall order, but you’ll soon discover you’re able to figure out a lot more than you thought.
Rose says: “Going to university in a different country means you have to deal with new situations on your own such as getting used to a different teaching and assessment style – this gives you a lot of independence.”
I definitely agree. Since going abroad, I feel like I now have the confidence to ‘get on with things’ on my own, without having to ask for help every time I try something new!
Rose (right) with friends in Slovenia
Let’s talk: Communication
When you go abroad, you’ll meet A LOT of new people – flatmates, classmates and more. There’ll always be ways to meet others – you just have to find the right way for you!
Rose explains: “There was a social group at my university that organised day trips and events such as beer pong and quizzes – it was a great way to meet other students.”
My host university in Belgium told us about the Erasmus Student Network, a group which organised loads of trips and events for Erasmus students throughout the year. These fun get-togethers were where I made some great pals!
Rose and I both agree that going away by yourself really pushes you out of your comfort zone and forces you to get to know new people. And you never know – these people might become your best friends!
Let’s talk: Confidence
Heading to a new country by yourself for the first time sounds daunting, right? But imagine how you’ll feel when you take this jump – capable of anything, that’s what!
Rose says: “Going away by yourself and being faced with a completely new system gives you the confidence to adapt to new environments more easily.”
Since going abroad, I’ve definitely found it much easier to say ‘yes’ to new opportunities, when in the past I would have been hesitant. Giving new opportunities a go will boost our employability – and we have Erasmus to thank for that!
Queen’s graduate Emma Shaw was awarded the George Moore Scholarship in 2020 to study an MA in Educational Policy and Planning at the University of Texas in Austin, Texas. Here, she talks about overcoming health problems and insecurity to follow her dream.
“I completed my undergraduate in International Politics and Conflict Studies at Queen’s and graduated ‘virtually’ in July 2020 with a 2:1, and was also awarded the Best Improved Performance Award between levels 2 and 3,” says Emma, whose path to success was not easy.
Imposter Syndrome
“I returned to education as a mature student and a single mum with two children.”
Among her biggest challenges was just getting through the first year – a time when both she and her daughter experienced health problems. “First year was definitely one of the most challenging, both myself and my daughter had health issues, but I persevered and made use of the services offered at the University.”
Despite her ability, Emma admits she was plagued with self-doubt. “I had this feeling that I didn’t belong and that maybe I wasn’t good enough, I continuously doubted myself.”
Finding my confidence
By second year, Emma had made a conscious decision to engage more with campus life.
“In my second year at Queen’s I made the decision to run for HAPP School Representative and became more active on campus. I would go on to also be the AHSS Faculty Rep and Part-time Mature Student Officer,” she says.
If you are struggling with life at university, Emma has this advice
“University can be a lonely place and it’s easy to get caught up in the pressure of it all. Some of the best advice that I could give to other students would be to find your tribe, whether it’s a small group of study buddies keeping you on track or becoming active in a club or society or even both, it’s important that you engage with your peers both for moral and mental support.”
Scholarship success
Before being awarded the prestigious George Moore Scholarship, Emma began to pursue her passion for inclusive education. “In my final year, I conducted independent research seeking to understand the viewpoints of young people ages 11-16 on higher and further education. My focus was on schools based in my community of East Belfast and what the barriers were that young people faced when thinking about their next steps in education.”
Currently completing her MA at the University of Texas, Emma’s home community is at the forefront of her mind. “When I return to Belfast, my aim is to found a non-profit community based organisation that will tackle some of the barriers faced by the community in terms of educational underachievement.”
We’re confident Emma will succeed in whatever she chooses to do next.
To find out more about the George Moore Scholarship, don’t miss our information session
