Europe
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One Month Back: Transitioning back to UK life after a year abroad
by Jasmine Angus, University of Bergen, Norway In many blog posts, we often read about the transition to a placement country, cultural differences, newfound independence, language barriers, and unforgettable adventures. However, one aspect that is never discussed is the experience of moving back to the UK after what could possibly be one of the most extraordinary years of your life. This transition can be both comforting and homely, yet also asphyxiating and sad. It brings conflicting emotions, as you navigate between newfound independence and your parents asking if you’ll be okay to sort yourself out for dinner. “Yes mum, I’ve been feeding myself for the past 10 months, I think…
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Reflections on Amsterdam
By Hannah Carter-Moore, University of Amsterdam, Netherlands Two days ago I moved back to the UK. There’s a lot to process so please do get comfy and indulge in the sentimentality with me for a sec. It honestly feels like last week since I made the move to Amsterdam in the first place. To put it in just a few words, it’s been a transformative year. The process of moving to a new country, nurturing new friendships and finding my feet as an outsider-turned-local seemed intimidating at first but has turned out to be one of the best things I’ve ever done for myself. There’s something about being dropped into…
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Academics in Amsterdam: My Experience of Studying at UvA
By Hannah Carter-Moore, University of Amsterdam, Netherlands Now that I’ve finished my year in Amsterdam it feels like a good time to recap what uni has been like at UvA compared to UoM. If you’re considering studying in Amsterdam for your exchange, these might be some things you’d like to consider. Pros, cons, and everything in between!
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Farvel (farewell) Bergen!
by Jasmine Angus, University of Bergen, Norway Farewell Bergen All the cliches come to mind when trying to answer the question “What did you get from this year? My experience living abroad in Bergen, Norway was incredibly rewarding and life-changing. Undertaking this year abroad has granted me the unique privilege of immersing myself in a new culture and gaining a deeper understanding of the world. Living in Bergen, I have been constantly reminded of the beauty and simplicity of nature, something I will miss incredibly when back in Manchester. The opportunity to explore Norway’s rich history, unique traditions, and pristine natural wonders has broadened my horizons and instilled in me…
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A guide to Norway day plans 🎒🇳🇴
by Jasmine Angus, University of Bergen, Norway Here is a guide of day activities you can do in Norway!
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Reclaiming the city (Amsterdam and beyond)
by Nia Clarke, Universiteit van Amsterdam, The Netherlands Last night I went to a talk with a friend in Pakhuis de Zwijer on reclaiming the city. This made me reflect that design is political. Amsterdam has some fantastic urban design, but much to improve.
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Academic Differences I Noticed in Budapest📝👨🏼🏫
By Isabelle Lydon, Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest On my year abroad, I attended Eötvös Lorànd University (ELTE) in Budapest. ELTE is considered one of the best universities in Hungary and is in the top 2% of universities worldwide. It consists of 9 faculties and has over 20,317 courses. They have 528 Erasmus partner universities and luckily UOM was one of them. I study Law at UOM, so I was a part of the Faculty of Law at ELTE which has to have been one of the most stunning university buildings I’ve ever seen.
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What I wish I knew before my year abroad
by Jasmine Angus, University of Bergen, Norway Looking back after the most fantastic year I thought I would write a cheat sheet of things I wish I knew before my year abroad. Some of it will be generic and others will be specific to Bergen, but I hope it helps anyway!
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South of Spain
By Aleksandra Budd, Madrid, Spain Valencia If you’re dreaming of sun, sand, food, and architecture, then Valencia is your place. From beach bars playing Reggaeton to pools and a vibrant party scene, they’re full of summer fun and relaxation. The popular Malvarrosa Beach and El Saler Beach offers a beautiful and serene backdrops. Known for its iconic dish, paella, Valencia boasts the authentic flavours of this rice-based delicacy, made with fresh seafood or tender meats, and infused with aromatic saffron. Head over to the The city of Arts and Sciences and get a feel for one of Spains 12 treasures. Almería Almería is a city that embraces its close proximity…
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Lovely things lately in Amsterdam (summer’s a-coming)
By Hannah Carter-Moore, University of Amsterdam, Netherlands While your year abroad certainly brings both its ups and downs, time in Amsterdam lately has been filled with those moments of god I love my life. The weeks connecting April to May are a pretty unparalleled time for UvA students as, bar Christmas, it’s the only time you get an official break. Writing this post was so nice for me as it’s put some of my highlights in one place, and will maybe also offer some things to look forward to if Amsterdam is your study abroad destination.
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The Festival of San Isidro
by Aleksandra Budd, Madrid, Spain The Festival of San Isidro is a week-long celebration in Madrid honouring the city’s patron saint, San Isidro Labrador. The festival occurs between the 6th -15th (the 15th being the official feast day) and includes numerous and varied events and activities such as: concerts, music, procession and parades.
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Amsterdam, land of tulips
By Hannah Carter-Moore, Universiteit van Amsterdam, Netherlands Nothing makes you feel more like an Amsterdammer than cycling around with a bunch of tulips in your basket <3
