From January to May 2022, I underwent an exchange at the University of Edinburgh through Queen’s University’s bilateral exchange program. I feel extremely grateful to have had the opportunity to participate in such an amazing experience.
As a life sciences student who has primarily taken courses in the sciences, I opted to take humanities and social science-based electives during my exchange. In doing so, I challenged myself by experiencing new styles of teaching and taking courses in unfamiliar fields. The University of Edinburgh had various kinds of academic support including faculty members that served as personal tutors and essay workshops. These resources were especially useful at the beginning of the semester when I was adjusting to the different methods of grading and assessments. One thing that I greatly appreciated were the smaller class sizes of many of my courses because they allowed me to engage with my professors, tutors and peers and gain confidence in sharing my ideas.
My exchange allowed me to grow in ways that would have never occurred without this opportunity. I was able to immerse myself in a new culture and environment and push myself to approach new situations with empathy, awareness, and an open mind. In my spare time, I was able to explore the beautiful city of Edinburgh and immerse myself in its rich history and scenery. I also got the chance to travel to various countries in Europe and make unforgettable memories with my friends.
Participating in exchange has been one of the most meaningful experiences of my life so far. It is something that I would encourage all students to consider pursuing! As exchange is an individual experience, the process of it all can be daunting and intimidating. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to myself, the other peer advisors and the rest of the IPO staff!
