Hello! My name is Cora Anderson and I am studying abroad in Paris, France this semester. I am a Sophomore at Pitt studying Political Science and Public Policy with a certificate in Public and Professional Writing. Here in Paris I am taking courses through the program IES where the majority of my classes are concentrated…
Learning Curve
A major reason why I chose Queens was to experience education in a different country. Upon enrolling in classes, I knew it would be difficult. However, I was a little surprised as to how different it would be over here, and the learning curve was real. The biggest difference is the grading system. In the…
Where is Belfast?
“Where, even, is Belfast?” That phrase was the most common I heard when I announced where I was studying abroad. Everyone expected me to study in a major city such as London or Paris, so they were confused as to why I chose Belfast, Northern Ireland. However, after nearly four months here, I can confidently…
Beyond My Comfort Zone: Leaving the Country for the First Time
Hello there! My name is Lauren Lopez, a Chancellor Scholar at the University of Pittsburgh studying Law, Criminal Justice, and Society, with a minor in Africana Studies and a certificate in Public and Professional Writing. In the second semester of my junior year, I chose to study abroad at Queen’s University Belfast in Northern Ireland….
Developing a Sense of Community Abroad in Northern Ireland
While more than halfway through my study abroad experience at Queen’s University in Belfast, I have begun to reflect on the academic and social communities I have gained here. Academically, I have been able to connect with my professors in a meaningful way in the Psychology department as well as my Archaeology professor. For psychology,…
The “Wow” Moment – Scandinavian Trust Society
Europe is known for many things in the American collective consciousness: universal health care, lack of air conditioning, healthy food, among others. Even within the common laws and practices of the continent there are still major regional differences (just like within the US). The one I’ll be discussing today is the concept of the “Trust…
Studying and London
During my time in London, I’ve gotten to see numerous landmarks and experience the history of the city through its museums and parks. While sightseeing has been a very significant experience during my time here, I also have learned a lot about the culture here from studying at Richmond American University London. I am taking…
Communication Differences
During my time in Italy, I have noticed several communication and cultural differences, especially in what is considered polite behavior. One thing that stood out to me is the importance of greetings. In Italy, it is expected that you greet a store owner when you enter a shop, usually with a “buongiorno” or “buonasera.” While…
Buenos Aires and “third places”
Hello again! This is Sam (Sociology, Spanish, Portuguese, Latin American Studies student) writing from Buenos Aires, Argentina, where I am spending the semester. Something that has continually struck me in the month and a half that I’ve spent in this city is the shared space. Buenos Aires is full of it: for example, the sprawling…
Back to Where It All Started
Growing up, my dad always preached the importance of family. He’s always been very interested in tracing our ancestry and tracking down old documentation to better understand where we come from. In fact, both of my given names are from my family history. My first name, Ryan, means “Little King” in Gaelic. My middle name,…