EXCHANGE STUDIES REPORT

Transcription

1 EXCHANGE STUDIES REPORT University: Queen s University Belfast Exchange programme: Erasmus Exchange term/s: Spring 2013 Student: Frida Svensson f.svensson92@gmail.com

2 Before departure The idea of studying abroad and experiencing a different culture has always appealed to me, and when the opportunity was given I nervously applied for a number of different universities within Europe. One of the major purposes for studying abroad was also to improve my knowledge of English. I was happy to be selected for Queen s University in Belfast, Northern Ireland, and after a rather confusing period of finding and preparing the required documents, searching for relevant modules and so on, I finally got there. Before departure, I received useful information from QUB and I also contacted a former exchange student from BTH. I truly recommend prospective students to get into contact with people who have experienced what you are about to experience; they will give you honest answers which might help you to relax a bit. Arrival and registration I arrived at Dublin Airport a few days before the start of the orientation programme. Flying to Dublin and then a bus to Belfast is the cheapest method of travel. Coaches from Dublin to Belfast only cost 8 and will take you about 2 hours. From what I have heard, the university also arranged pick-ups from the airports around Belfast. However, I did not take advantage of this service. With regards to enrolling and registration, I cannot say I have any complaints. Everything went smoothly and everyone was extremely friendly and welcoming. During the orientation programme, we were for instance given a tour of the library, met up with our Erasmus coordinator and attended several social activities, such as Ceili dancing (a traditional Irish dance) and sightseeing around the city. Finances According to the British Council, Belfast has the lowest cost of living in the UK. Seeing this, I never had any problems with finances during the exchange. I received my Erasmus grant about a month and a half after arriving in the city. The grant covered almost all costs of accommodation throughout the semester. Valid health insurance was provided by BTH. Furthermore, I also received financial aid from CSN. Accommodation Me and my fellow friend Anna decided to not arrange accommodation until arriving in Belfast, since we both wanted to stay in private housing. However, we found that the quality of housing was fairly low compared to Sweden, and therefore we decided to apply for university accommodation through the QUB. I ended up at Guthrie House, which included single-sex apartments. Despite the fact that my room was tiny and had an awful bed, I was pleasantly surprised with the furnishing, kitchen and especially the location. Cleaning of communal areas was, fortunately, carried out on a weekly basis. For prospective students, I would recommend College Gardens and Mount Charles. Do not choose Elms Village if you want to live close to the university. The university accommodation was actually way better than I expected, and it was a great way to make friends from all over the world.

3 Studies in general I enrolled in three modules. Two of them were project-based and the other one was based on individual work, such as essay writing. I found that most professors were very helpful and cooperative towards exchange students. For instance, Erasmus students were allowed to be assessed by essays instead of written exams in order to obtain credits, which was a huge relief. Sadly, I felt that there was a lack of motivation in the class and I found most of the students to be somewhat immature. They did not make an effort to include any Erasmus students in their class. This was a big disappointment to me, though I was extremely excited to be there. I suppose I was expecting the same educational quality as back home, but that was not the case in my class. The Lanyon building the main building of QUB. Courses during the exchange EVP2009: Planning and Sustainable Development Theoretical course which aimed to demonstrate the concept of Sustainable development and to develop a critical understanding of the sustainability discourse. EVP2007: Site Layout and Design 2 Students were expected to undertake a planning and design project for a site within Belfast s city centre. This course included fieldwork, project work (both in groups and individually) and workshops. EVP2012: Theory and Practice of Spatial Planning Policy This course included a 12 week group project, linked to a planning issue in a local borough (Newtownards) in the Belfast area, and an essay.

4 Language and Culture At first, I had a hard time understanding the Northern Irish accent. But as time went on, I got used to it and expressions such as aye, what about ye and poke has now entered my vocabulary. Northern Irish people are in general really friendly and helpful towards foreigners. However, the conflict between Nationalists and Loyalists still divides the city. I arrived a few weeks after a vote which limited the number of days that the Union Flag flies from Belfast City Hall. The number of days in which it flies was limited to 18 days a year, instead of every day of the year. Unionists responded with the flag protests which involved people carrying the Union Flag and banners, blocking roads and protesters attacking police with bricks, fireworks and so on. Street protests were held every Saturday in the city centre during the winter; however they were much less frequent during the spring. Belfast is still a vibrant city, and an excellent location for study. A large city with everything within walking distance; filled with pubs, restaurants, cinemas and markets with an important history and beautiful surroundings Leisure and social activities Trips, social events and other leisure activities were arranged frequently by the QUB Student organisations and so forth. Most Erasmus students were eager to travel throughout the United Kingdom and Ireland during the exchange; some of these locations included Londonderry, The Giants Causeway, Galway and Dublin. Summary Overall, my Erasmus exchange was amazing. I gained academic skills as well as a more global outlook and perspective, developed my personal capabilities, explored a different culture and had so much fun. Sure, it was hard sometimes adjusting to a new environment, meeting unknown people and tackling issues. But in the end, it all helped me to become more confident and self-independent. This is an experience that I will never forget, nor regret. Thank you all!

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