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…
Category: abroadSELECT
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…
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,…
Settling into Life in Northern Ireland and My First Week of Travel in Europe
Settling into Northern Ireland has been very enjoyable! Being here for a month now, I have gotten into a rhythm for my three modules (courses) and am developing a social life with the new friends I have made thus far. Exploring Belfast and the pub culture here has been enjoyable, as well as a good…
Slán, Ireland!
Hi everyone, it’s Rachael with my last check-in from Queen’s University Belfast, where I’ve been studying abroad this semester. I can’t believe the semester has already come to an end and that I fly back to Philly this week! It’s been a jam-packed semester, and I think it’ll take a while for me to fully…
An October in Europe
Hi everyone, I’m Rachael, and I’m checking in again from my study abroad experience at Queen’s University Belfast (QUB). I’m taking a minute to reflect on October and all I’ve experienced this month. School-wise, I definitely feel like I’ve found my rhythm. Getting used to a new place will always take a little while, but…
Life in Dublin
This week marks about a month and a half into my study abroad semester in Ireland! I have really loved getting to know Dublin and Ireland in general. This past weekend, I visited Cork—another city in Ireland known for its food and its proximity to Blarney Castle and Gardens. I spent about two days exploring…
First Few Weeks at Trinity College Dublin!
This is my third week of classes at Trinity College Dublin! While in Ireland, I am taking 3 classes and working in a part-time hybrid internship at the Royal Society of Antiquaries of Ireland (RSAI). The three classes I am taking are Introduction to Fixed Income Securities and Alternative Investments, International Finance, and Business in…
Hello from Dublin!
Hi everyone! My name is Maddie McCann-Colvard, and I am currently studying at Trinity College Dublin this semester. Back at Pitt, I am majoring in Finance, minoring in Studio Arts, and earning certificates in Leadership & Ethics and Nonprofit Management. I chose this combination of academic interests to reflect my long-term career goal of working…
The End of my Year Abroad
This semester, I had no final exams, just essays, which allowed me to travel during Reading Week and Exam Week. I spent a week with my grandparents in Eastern Europe, the first time I had been back since COVID. I planned long layovers in Amsterdam and Vienna and got to check out local food markets,…