Global Mobility Experience Bursary: Student Success Stories

Some study abroad destinations may be closer to home, but that doesn’t mean the experience can’t be new and exciting.  Now let’s hear from Kiara, who studied in Paris.

Hi! My name is Kiara, I study European Studies: French Pathway at King’s which has offered me the chance to study for a year at Sciences Po Paris. For those of us on the European Studies courses, we don’t choose our study abroad locations, but I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to study at not only one of the best political sciences universities in the world, but also in such an incredible city! Paris is just wonderful- when you are there for an extended period, you can see why it is the top tourist destination in the world. Everybody wants to get a taste of Parisian life! And living there means I get to experience the city in a more profound way than those just visiting would.

Classic Parisian life

I applied for the GMEB primarily because I believe commitment to inclusivity among the study abroad cohort is important. This bursary is a substantial amount of money that really aids your experience and gives you the opportunity to get more out of your study abroad. In the same way that everybody does, I really wanted to get the most out of my time away and having extra financial aid definitely helps with that. It adds a sense of security that means you can enjoy your time abroad to the fullest and see places and do things you otherwise may not have been able to do! Overall, the GMEB is a great initiative!  

With the help of the GMEB, I was able to enjoy all the aspects of Paris that I wanted to! I have enjoyed incredible food, seen amazing sights and been to expositions that provided great learning opportunities for me as someone who studies culture and history. One of the most valuable experiences I had was when I went to the Institut du monde Arabe in the 5th arrondissement of Paris. This museum is not free entry, and I therefore had to pay to view their expositions, but it felt particularly special to me to visit this museum being half Arab/north African and always wanting to learn more about my culture and background! In the museum, which I highly recommend to anyone visiting Paris and which I will surely be visiting again, there was amazing middle eastern art, and coins on display showing the various currencies that have been used in the middle east and north Africa for thousands of years. There was a section that focussed on the Maghreb region in north Africa which I found pertinent due to my Moroccan and Algerian heritage.

Inside the Institut du monde Arabe

This part of the museum meant a lot to me as I’ve never been able to go to north Africa and it made me feel like I was there. In the souvenir shop I bought a book by Kamel Daoud who is an Algerian writer. This is just one of the ways the GMEB enriched my experience in Paris, and I am very grateful to have had such a lovely experience! 

Traditional dress

Meet your Peer Advisor: Viola!

We have four brand spanking new Peer Advisors to help both incoming and outgoing Study Abroad students this academic year! If you’ve got a question for them, pop along to their office hours.

Viola will be in K0.57 on Wednesday mornings from 10:30 – 12:30.

Hello! My name is Viola, I’m one of the new Global Mobility Peer Advisors for this academic year. I’m a fourth-year student studying Management and Spanish at King’s College.

During my studies, I had the incredible opportunity to spend the third year in Madrid. I completed the first semester at Universidad Carlos III and the second semester interning at Bloom Consulting. My time in Madrid was absolutely amazing, and I would absolutely recommend studying abroad during your university years.

Paella – a must eat!

Studying abroad is a fantastic opportunity to broaden your horizons, experience new cultures, and gain a global perspective. It not only enhances your academic and language skills but also fosters personal growth and independence. Plus, you’ll have the chance to meet incredible people from all around the world, forging international friendships that last a lifetime

From my personal experience, I understand that studying abroad can come with some challenges. Adapting to a new culture, being far from home, and facing language barriers can be tough. However, the key is to stay open-minded, embrace these challenges as opportunities to grow, and connect with fellow students and locals. You are not alone in this incredible journey, as many students are going through the exact same experiences. Don’t hesitate to reach out if you ever need a chat or advice.
If you’re an incoming student at King’s College, here’s some advice to kickstart your university journey. Firstly, don’t miss out on the opportunity to join our numerous societies; it’s a fantastic way to meet people who share your interests, broaden your horizons, and even enhance your CV. Beyond that, don’t forget to explore the vibrant city of London and make the most of the incredible cultural experiences it offers.

Some of my favourite places to explore in London

Speaking of London, when it’s sunny one of my favorite activities is picnicking in Hyde Park or St. James’s Park, where you can enjoy nature in the heart of the city and spend quality time with friends

Additionally, I highly recommend wandering through Notting Hill, especially exploring the vibrant Portobello Road Market. It’s a treasure trove of unique antiques and vintage finds. Lastly, remember to strike a balance between your coursework and self-care – this is key to a successful university life. Enjoy your time at King’s and make the most of every moment in this incredible city!

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