Category: North America

Rahma Hassan spent her semester abroad at UC Santa Barbara as part of her History degree.

Picture this: a university nestled between the lush Santa Ynez Mountains and the pristine Pacific coastline. That’s the captivating allure of UC Santa Barbara! 

My name is Rahma, and I am pursuing a degree in History and Political Economy. During my second semester, I decided to study abroad at UCSB! 

As I set out on the journey to find the perfect study abroad destination, UCSB beckoned me with its extraordinary charm. Among the prestigious University of California campuses, UCSB stood out due to its renowned academic rigour. UCSB promised a well-rounded and intellectually stimulating experience from delving into Middle Eastern politics to food history. Additionally, the prospect of striking the right balance between academic excellence and a fulfilling social life lured me towards UCSB. 

I also admired UCSB’s cultural diversity and inclusivity. As someone who values cultural exchange and cherishes the opportunity to build meaningful connections with people from various backgrounds, I knew that UCSB would provide the platform to create cherished international friendships. These friendships have broadened my worldview, instilling in me a deep sense of empathy, and understanding for people with different beliefs and values. I felt that this cultural tapestry at UCSB would not only complement my academic pursuits but also enhance my personal growth as a global citizen. 

When I learned about the Global Mobility Experience Bursary (GMEB), I knew it was an opportunity I couldn’t miss. The bursary presented an invaluable chance to delve deeper into the culture and heritage of Santa Barbara. Through various cultural events and activities, I immersed myself in the local way of life, embracing traditions and customs that enriched my study abroad experience. 

As I reflect on my study abroad journey at UCSB and the incredible experiences brought forth by the Global Mobility Experience Bursary (GMEB). UC Santa Barbara has given me not just an education, but also an unforgettable chapter in my life, where I’ve embraced the beauty of nature, nurtured global connections, and expanded my horizons beyond imagination. To those thinking about studying abroad, I highly encourage you to do so! Studying abroad has allowed me truly to uncover the beauty of the world and the richness of the human experience.  

One of the first remarkable experiences that the GMEB facilitated was my visit to the renowned Santa Barbara Botanic Garden. Nestled amidst the breath-taking landscapes of California, this botanical haven captured my heart from the moment I set foot on its enchanting pathways. The garden’s curated collection of plants from diverse ecosystems showcased the region’s rich biodiversity. As I immersed myself in the serenity of the garden, I couldn’t help but marvel at the intricate beauty of each plant. 

Another unforgettable journey made possible by the GMEB was my visit to the quaint Danish-inspired town of Solvang. Stepping into this charming village felt like embarking on a journey back in time, where the seamless blend of traditional Danish architecture and the Californian landscape created a unique and captivating atmosphere.

Strolling through the streets, I indulged in the local cafes and went inside local antique shops which offered a glimpse into the town’s rich history. Additionally, the unexpected adventure at Ostrich Land added a touch of excitement to my journey, as I got up close and personal with these fascinating birds.  

In conclusion, the Global Mobility Experience Bursary was a pivotal force that enriched my study abroad adventure in countless ways. From the wonders of the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden and the charm of Solvang to the intellectual pursuits in the Bay Area, the GMEB opened doors to unforgettable experiences and valuable life lessons. The support provided by the GMEB not only enabled me to explore new destinations but also encouraged personal growth and cultural immersion, leaving me with an experience that will forever shape my outlook on the world. 

In our next GMEB Student Success Story, we hear from King’s student Danielle Lirio who studied in Montreal as part of her Law degree.

I’m currently an undergraduate law student, and I spent my third year studying abroad, at McGill university in Montreal, Canada.  

I had chosen to study in Canada with regard to my degree. Canada also uses a common law system, which would align itself with the English common law system thereby making Canada an interesting comparative study in law. Quebec, in addition to the common law, uses the civil law which is something entirely foreign to me, so this exposure of other legal systems would broaden my legal perspective. Furthermore, I was interested in the particular subjects the university offered. Canada’s Indigenous population in especially prevalent in their society, and coming from the UK, this is something completely foreign to me as a student. Having only seen the complex dialogue surrounding Indigenous cultures and the law, particularly in Environmental law, to experience it and learning about it from people of Indigenous backgrounds is definitely an meaningful opportunity during my study abroad.

I applied to the GMEB because, in addition to the costs related to being an international student, I wanted to take advantage of the location and travel to nearby cities. I have an interest in the international arena and so I want to travel a lot in order to broaden my perspective of the world. Travelling is an opportunity to expose myself to other cultures and meet all types of people which I think is imperative when wanting to enter the international arena in terms of career prospects.  

As such, I have so far been on a trip to New York, USA having taken advantage of the relatively close proximity. It is an amazing city with so many sights to see, ranging from art to food as well as history! With the bursary, I was very lucky to see a broadway show! I had studied Arthur Miller while I was in school before, and so seeing an Arthur Miller play was remarkable! (Definitely recommend seeing A Death of a Salesman on broadway!) 

During the warmer months, I also wanted to experience more of the natural beauty and culture here in Canada. With the bursary, I took a trip to Mont Tremblant. With the beautiful scenery and the waterfalls on the mountain, I walked around the city trying Canadian delicacies. I was most excited for trying maple syrup! 

Beyond my personal interest in travelling, I used the bursary to mitigate the cold weather. I had to invest in thermal clothing, as I had never experienced such low temperatures before! While the snow is extremely fun (and very photogenic), it is imperative to cover up! Snow boots are a must have!