Hey everyone! My names Alex and I am part of the Global Ambassador team this year. I am a master’s student at Newcastle Uni studying Marine Ecosystems and Governance MRes, and I’m passionate about the environment and conservation. I also studied Biology BSc as an undergraduate at Newcastle, so despite not being from Newcastle, I would certainly call it a second home. I’ve been lucky enough to go on few trips around the world through my Biology degree, to places such as South Africa and Crete, but my main experience of studying abroad has come from volunteer placements and internships over my summer breaks.

Before my first year of Uni, I took a month-long volunteer placement in Madagascar which was my first proper experience of independently living somewhere abroad. This was a great opportunity to immerse myself in a completely new culture, while learning and researching the local coral reefs.

I also studied on a six-week marine conservation internship in Puerto Morelos, Mexico, two years later. This was one of the best experiences of my life and an incredible chance to meet new people with similar values to me, as well as to work with the local community on something I was passionate about. One of my favourite parts of this internship was throwing myself in the deep end with my Spanish language skills through travelling during my weekends and even just trying to converse with local people while I was working with them.

Opportunities like these have completely changed the way I look at marine conservation, having seen things first-hand that I would never had the opportunity to see if I had only studied at home. I believe that the best way to get learn something is to go out there and experience it!

Hi my name is Cristina, and I’m on my second year in Pharmacy.  I’m originally from Guatemala but have been living in the UK for almost 10 years now.  My native language is Spanish, but I have been learning a little bit of French and Mandarin in my spare time.

Whilst living in Guatemala I used to work as an archaeologist.  It was a very exciting experience, as I got to live in the jungle and excavate a building in the site of La Corona, which is a Mayan site.  I feel that doing this work helped me connect to nature, learned to appreciate our environment, and never take for granted what we have and how important it is to take care of our world.

Aside from being an archaeologist, I worked as a photographer.  Doing photography as a job but also as a hobby has been very rewarding.  This activity led me to win a scholarship to visit Taiwan for its Centennial Anniversary of Independence in 2011.  I had the opportunity to visit this amazing country, stay with a host family and meet people from all around the world that were also invited for the Centennial Anniversary.

I’ve had the opportunity to travel to other parts of the world, such as the US, Russia, Thailand, Hong Kong, Norway, Iceland, Netherlands, Spain, France, Denmark, Italy, Portugal, Honduras, Costa Rica, and Panama.  Travelling and immersing yourself in the culture, the people and the traditions gives you an opportunity to grow as a person and to see the world with different eyes.

It is for this reason that I think that travelling is one of the best experiences that a person can have.  I hope that being a Global Ambassador for Newcastle University, I can motivate other students to consider travelling as part of their studies.  There are plenty of opportunities available, even virtual opportunities, which will be a good way to expand your horizon and become more connected to the world.

Hello! My name is Hannah and I’m a medical student, currently spending my 5th year in Newcastle studying for my Master’s in Public Health. Before coming to university, I had rarely travelled, and I didn’t know anyone who had studied abroad. So, when choosing a university, I wanted somewhere that would support me to pursue international opportunities. Newcastle University has helped me to achieve this, whilst connecting me to other students with similar interests to me. 

In my second year, I was part of the first med student exchange group to the Newcastle University Malaysia campus. Although it was daunting at first, I loved being part of a student network abroad, and my group took advantage of Malaysia’s location and travel links by spending our weekends exploring the region. Some of my highlights were eating my way through Malaysian night-markets and attending the NUMed Winter Ball with the friends I had made during my exchange, some of whom I’ve since met in the UK! 

Studying health in a Malaysian context also sparked my interest in global health, which led me to spend a summer in Kenya on a voluntary placement. I worked with a group of UK and Kenyan volunteers to organise education days and build community networks. This experience confirmed my career interests and is one of the factors that led to my decision to pursue a master's degree. I’ve also applied this knowledge when volunteering at home, so it is fair to say that my experiences abroad have helped to inform my personal perspective and develop my career goals. Above that, seeking out new environments has pushed me to build greater confidence in myself and my abilities.  

My own experiences have shown me that studying abroad is more accessible than I had initially thought. I’d recommend that all students consider opportunities to gain international experience, as you never know where they may lead! 

Hi everyone! I’m Hywel, and I’m currently in my third year of a degree in Mechanical Engineering. I am from a small village in West Wales so moving up to Newcastle was my first experience of living within a city. When starting university, I was very keen to integrate myself into the engineering world as early as possible therefore, I decided it was in my best interest to complete a placement year. I was able to secure a placement at Cummins, a multinational engine manufacturer company based in Darlington.

Just as I was getting to know the engineering world and finding my feet, I was offered the opportunity to work with the wider company who were based outside of the UK and Europe. I was fortunate to be working with multiple colleagues from East Asia, Scandinavia, and North America.

Unfortunately, due to COVID-19, I was not able to travel to these places and carry out my work reviewing and auditing engines in person. However, I was still able to gain so much experience through working with others virtually. This is something which I am sure we have all become familiar with over the last couple of years and will continue to be common place within industries.

A new engine build project with Cummins South Korea was definitely the highlight of my year in industry. Completing this project meant I was spending up to 10 hours a day on calls with my international colleagues, this allowed me to learn about their lifestyles and culture. It was very interesting to gain this insight. I enjoyed every minute of the calls even if it meant working on South Korean timelines and waking up at 1 o’clock in the morning to start work!

The year in industry really changed my views on where I’d consider applying to in the future.It has proven to me that I would be entirely comfortable with moving abroad and have the opportunity to be immersed in a new culture. It has given me clarity for my future career, and I cannot wait for it to begin!

Hi everyone! My name’s Leah and I’m pursuing a Master’s degree in International Relations, having studied Politics and History as an undergraduate.  

My international experience didn’t actually take place whilst I was at Newcastle University. Instead, it happened when I was quite young! I was only eight when I moved to Paris for three years, but that experience of living in a foreign country still positively impacts my life, even thirteen years on!

I was lucky enough to attend an international school in which I found myself surrounded by people from different cultures and backgrounds – a huge change compared to the small primary school I went to in a little town on the Wirral. Every Monday after school, my friends and I would walk to the Champs de Mars and play ping-pong in the shadow of the Eiffel Tower. Birthday parties would take place in patisseries on the Champs Elysées, where we were taught the art of making French pastries. My family and I spent weekends cycling around the city, exploring everything it had to offer. Looking back, it was a very idyllic and privileged life, and a period I think back on fondly.

Having that experience means that not only am I fluent in French, but I have a strong base of friends dotted all over the world as well (very handy for weekend trips). It also means that I don’t feel intimidated by the idea of moving to a different country in the future. This has definitely informed my career choice – I would like to work for an international organisation such as the UN, the OECD, or the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office. The idea of working abroad excites me rather than terrifies me, and I really owe that to those three years I spent living in Paris.

If you’re considering taking a year abroad during your time at Newcastle University, I highly encourage you to do so! Now is the time to broaden your horizons, go out of your comfort zone and see and experience something that you haven’t before!

Hello! My name’s Sian, I’m a final year Modern Languages student learning German, Spanish and Catalan. I spent the last year travelling as part of my year abroad.

Because of coronavirus, my year abroad was quite varied! Our first semester placements were cancelled, but luckily, I was able to travel independently to Seville in Spain. Living in a different country felt scary at first, but waking up everyday to such a magnificent, historical city was amazing. My Spanish improved a lot because hardly anyone spoke English, and I fell in love with the culture of southern Spain. Plus, there was a huge community of internationals living there, so I quickly felt at home.

For the second semester I travelled to Germany and did a study placement at Oldenburg University. Even though student mobility went ahead, I travelled during the third (or fourth – it’s hard to keep track!) wave of coronavirus, and the aftermath of Brexit made travelling even more complicated. Germany was in lockdown for the first month I was living there, and my study placement was completely online. Despite all of this, moving to Germany was the best decision I made. I thought the semester would be isolating, but I quickly found a group of like-minded international students who I could spend some (covid-safe!) time with. Once the situation improved, I was able to travel around west Germany and visit cities filled with beauty and history. The highlight of the semester was taking a group bike trip to a local ‘beach’ during a heatwave – which in reality was a huge lake surrounded by sand – and having international picnics.

I also had online international experiences during my year abroad. In the winter Semester, I completed an online Catalan Course with Institut Ramon Llull to boost my language skills and cultural knowledge. I also took part in 3 online tandems; I found it was easy to fit into my schedule and I formed friendships from across the world!

My time abroad (and online!) has completely changed my perspective. Travelling alone and during a pandemic helped me to overcome a lot of fears, and the long term friendships I made created both a safety net and a sense of home when abroad. I cannot wait to go back abroad – I am already planning to return to Germany over Christmas!

Earlier this month, one of our Global Ambassadors (virtually) sat down with Hemma Ahluwalia, a Sports Science student from Newcastle University, who is coming to the end of her year abroad at Waterloo University in Canada. We asked her a few questions about her year spent in Ontario: what she’s been up to, how she’s coped with the freezing cold weather, and how Newcastle University’s Turing Funding has helped her throughout her stay. Just from the smile on Hemma’s face, you can tell that despite the snow (which is beginning to melt away!), she’s definitely enjoyed her time abroad.

GA – Tell me about Waterloo University, what made you want to go there?

Hemma – I wanted to leave the UK with all the Covid restrictions! So, when I saw Waterloo University, I thought “What an opportunity!”. I had been to Canada once when I was very young, but it’s the type of place that you hear about a lot, and the area just really intrigued me. Waterloo also has such an amazing reputation across the world within engineering, science and research. It’s a lovely place and although it’s very different to Newcastle it’s also familiar - even if it’s on the other side of the world!

GA – Were there any challenges? How did you overcome these?

Hemma – So, going abroad is amazing, but it’s important that people realise it’s not going to be the same or similar to Newcastle. But different doesn’t mean bad! In terms of the actual studying part, the structure here is really different. So, what’s expected of me is a lot of weekly or bi-weekly quizzes. Of course, you’ve got the weather as well. I don’t even know what’s cold anymore for England! You’ve got to lug around your boots and winter coat and things like that.

GA – How has Newcastle University’s Turing Funding supported you during your year abroad?

Hemma – So, Turing has helped me with my sort of, day-to-day costs. In Canada, food prices have gone up a lot because of Covid, so Turing has helped with that. It’s also allowed me to get involved with lots of extra-curricular activities run by the University, like ice skating! I’ve learnt how to ice skate!

I think with Turing, because it’s helped cover my everyday costs, I’ve been able to save up money to travel, do day-trip with my friends and explore Canada. Yes, you’re here to study and enrol in new courses but a huge thing is that you’re in a different country, you’re in a different culture – explore what’s around you! Turing has allowed me that flexibility, I’ve been able to think, “Ok, I can put some money towards this and enhance my experience here.” Now I can say, I’ve been camping in Canada, I’ve been to an ice hockey game! It’s helped me assimilate into the culture more and it also helps with homesickness. If you’re feeling like, “Ooo, I don’t know this place very well.”, doing lots of activities can help with that.

Even things you don’t realise, you have to buy so many new things like bedding, a laundry bag and new kitchen equipment. Depending on what coats you have, you might have to buy a new one for the different climate.

GA – Would you have enjoyed your year abroad as much without the Turing Funding?

Hemma – I don’t think I would have. The funding has definitely enhanced my experience in all the ways that I’ve said, and made me feel more comfortable and less worried. You know, money and finance is a huge thing and the funding is just there to support you and help you worry less.

GA – A lot of students find the process of getting a Visa quite stressful. How did you find this and do you have any tips for students in the same position?

Hemma – This is going to sound really boring, but look at the dates, because there are deadlines or recommended deadlines. Look at the government websites, make sure you have the right documentation. Little things like your passport: I had to renew my passport because I knew that it was going to expire whilst I was in Canada. If you’re worried about certain things, I contacted the International Help Team at Waterloo University, so look out for those things at your host university.

Visas are never going to be the kind of thing that’s easy, but it’s all about organisation and balancing it with your university work. Don’t leave it to the last minute!

GA – Finally, what would you say to students who are considering taking a year abroad?

Hemma – With studying abroad, I think you can tell from my face that I’ve absolutely loved it. When I went home to visit my family over Christmas, they said that they could really tell a difference in me, that I was a bit more independent, a bit more confident. I’ve learnt so much when it comes to interacting with different people.

I’ve also been able to enrol in so many different courses which has made me aware of different careers and different interests. I’ve been able to take Spanish which I wouldn’t have been able to do at Newcastle.

Studying abroad is a really nice in-between. You’re not just there studying, but equally you’re not there working, you can study and live without having the commitment of a job or anything.

This whole year has given me such a fresh perspective, and made me appreciate cultures so much more.  I think going on a year abroad also gives you that evidence that you’re able to live in a new place. Going abroad for work for example, wouldn’t scare me because I’ve had this experience. I’ve moved in Covid, I’ve studied in Covid! So, travelling can never be as stressful as that again!

Thank you to Hemma for chatting to us about her year abroad!

If you have any questions about Turing Funding, or would like to talk to the Global Opportunities Team about going abroad, contact: global.opportunities@newcastle.ac.uk. You can also talk to our Global Ambassadors here: global.ambassadors@newcastle.ac.uk.

By: Katherine

Posted: 25 February 2021

The last year has caused a lot of disruption and has put many peoples travel arrangements on hold. This was the case for me too. I set off in January for my semester abroad to Stockholm as part of my Architecture Masters degree on Erasmus exchange. I spent two amazing months living in Stockholm, but in March the university closed, and I had to return to the UK. I chose to continue my studies virtually, as I felt passionate about the research we had been undertaking as an architecture studio and I wanted to complete it with the rest of the cohort still in Sweden.

This summer, Newcastle University has a wide range of virtual summer schools on offer to students. These online courses are designed to be specialised in a field of research that the host university is undertaking.

Even though it might not be exactly what you imagined when you prepared to study abroad, there are many advantages to virtual study that I’ve been able to reflect on:

Accessible

Its true that travelling to study abroad isn’t the most accessible experience. It might be that the course you are currently studying on doesn’t include a study abroad placement, cost is a barrier, or VISA’s are difficult to obtain. Virtual study removes some of these barriers and means you get the tuition without the hassle of travel.

Flexible

Yes its unlikely given the current situation, but you may have other plans this summer. A job, family commitments or planned events may mean you don’t have the time to travel and be abroad for the length of the programme. Virtual study means you can work around your day to day schedule whilst still engaging with a current or new subject and broadening your global experience.

Cost-effective

There are lots of grants and scholarships on offer to aid in studies abroad, but that time spent in another country can still be very expensive. The virtual summer school programmes have scholarships available to some students to help reduce costs of tuition, and you won’t need to factor in living costs, VISA’s or travel arrangements into your budget.

Subject specific

A lot of universities offer summer programmes on specific research areas, that maybe your course doesn’t cover but you’d love to learn more about. You can gain new knowledge and skills, and increase you employability without having to travel away from home.

First Steps

Committing to a virtual summer programme is a great way to try studying abroad, and might be the gateway to future study and global opportunities. You can meet people from different cultures, communicate with people who have different native languages and most importantly have lots of fun! Its great preparation to travel abroad in the future!

By: Alanah

Posted: 28 July 2021

There is a plethora of reasons for why you should take the opportunity to go abroad on exchange! The whole experience gives many benefits that you should keep in mind for if you’re choosing to go abroad, or if you need a reminder of why you’re doing it after deciding – let this convince you!

Language

More often than not, the destination of your exchange will have a different main language. It’s a good idea to start learning some phrases before you go! And once you get there, while you may still speak English in the classroom, being out and about is a great opportunity for you to pick up even more words and phrases. Having some mastery of another language under your belt is a really useful skill, a desirable one often sought by employers!

Culture

You get a first-hand experience of a new culture that is different to home. The world has so much diversity in it, so going abroad gives a taste of something different. Being exposed to this makes you more aware of cultural differences. Sometimes culture shock can be difficult to deal with at first, but you gain a greater level of understanding and it all makes for very good life experience. You can then later rely on this experience when meeting new people from different backgrounds.

Independence

Jetting off abroad all by yourself can seem daunting – and it is! It’s a huge thing to move and set up alone somewhere new in a different country. It may be a difficult task, but it’s a true testament to your strength as a person and character for being able to cope with such a high level of independence. The development and growth you make as an individual being solely responsible for yourself is very beneficial to prepare you for what lies after university.

I’ll give you a personal anecdote of my experience – when I first got to Paris, my accommodation plan fell through and I was left stranded with my suitcase on the path wondering what on earth to do next. Naturally, I was distressed, but it was just me around to get myself sorted, and that’s what I did! I truly felt my independence skyrocket as I fixed things and became a young working woman taking Paris by force.

Explore and adventure

An exchange abroad is supposed to be fun and enjoyable; you’re meant to make the most of various opportunities available to you at your destination! Be it exploring the culture or adventuring into the local area, these opportunities are what make your experience abroad unique. This means you can then use these experiences as examples of your understanding and independence to explore further.

Employability

A year abroad is an excellent asset to your CV! Employers like candidates who have done an exchange abroad because of the various skills they learned abroad that can be applied into the workplace. All of the above points feed into this one, as your experiences and varied skillset enhance your employability. 

When an exchange abroad is so beneficial, you’d be mad to pass up any opportunity to get out there!

By: Robbie

Posted: 28 July 2021

Going abroad is one of the most exciting opportunities you get while studying at university yet choosing your destination university or city can seem very daunting. It can seem like you have so many different choices and that it is almost impossible to choose just one! Below are a few things to consider about where you choose to apply to from students that have returned from their year’s abroad in the last few months.

1. Research/curriculum

At the end of the day, you are going abroad to learn! So, it is worth having a look at the modules on offer to you (in your language) and the research opportunities available while you are studying at the university. Try to choose something that you’re interested in and that you can’t do in Newcastle!

1. Location

Other than to study, ask yourself why else you want to go abroad. If it is to travel in that part of the world then good connecting flights and ferries are useful. Alternatively, if it is for nightlife then a bigger city may be for you. If you are looking to be immersed in nature, maybe consider a more rural university.

1. Culture

Are you wanting to push yourself by living somewhere different or stay in your comfort zone? If you want to experience something completely new, maybe consider going somewhere further afield where you can eat new food, visit new places and learn a new language.

1. Cost

Going abroad can vary hugely in cost. Capital cities are often the most expensive in terms of living and some parts of the world are far cheaper or more expensive than living in the UK. Despite living in Seoul, the capital of South Korea, my rent was very cheap, and it was cheaper to eat out every day rather than cook!

1. Future

A year abroad is a great opportunity to learn new things, see new places and make new friends. It is also going to improve your employability, so it is worth considering the status of the university you wish to attend. Newcastle offers exchanges to some of the best universities across the world – you could go anywhere!

Hopefully this has helped you to narrow down your choices. Remember, if you do have any questions, feel free to contact the Global Opportunities Team or one of the Global Ambassadors!