Are you thinking about studying abroad for a semester or year while at university? Every year, over 200 students decide to come to Belfast for an academic year or semester to study abroad with us and experience a world-class education in a thriving city.   

We asked several Study Abroad students to share their experience of studying abroad at Queen’s and living in Belfast and here’s what they had to say!

What did you study during your time at Queen's?

• Allison - Issues in Contemporary Irish Society; Criminology Across Borders; Understanding Northern Ireland: History, Politics and Anthropology
• Jude - Exploring Northern Ireland; Intro to Creative Writing; Music Psychology
• Caroline - Northern Ireland: Past, Present and Future; The Irish Revolution, 1917-1921; Politics and Society in 19th Century Ireland
  
• Chloe - Foundations of Economics and Perspectives in Politics
  

Why did you choose to study abroad at Queen’s University Belfast?

Allison: “I needed to be in a place where I spoke the same language as everyone else. Queen's especially was known for its peace and conflict studies focus, and being in Belfast aligned with those academic studies I wanted to pursue.” 

Jude: “I heard so many great things from friends who had studied here in the past, and I have always wanted to go to anywhere on the island of Ireland, so I thought it would be a great fit!” 

Caroline: "I chose Queen's as I was really interested in taking the Irish history modules as a history major from an Irish immigrant family in the states, and I had always been interested in going to Belfast as I had been to almost everywhere else in Ireland to see family or tour around but had never made it up before."

Chloe: "I chose to study at Queen's because of the gorgeous architecture and because I wanted the opportunity to study in Northern Ireland."

What were your first impressions of Belfast?

Allison: “I loved how small and navigable the city was! I also appreciated how kind everyone was to me, and how easy it was to get everything I needed. I knew that Belfast was fun and had so much to explore and do but also could be quiet, and I appreciated that balance.” 

Jude: “It is a beautiful city, full of life and new experiences, but there was also instantly an undertone of a past that was not to be forgotten. Truly interesting.” 

Caroline: "It was a smaller city than I’m used to (originally from New York) but I loved it, so much to do around the city whether alone or with friends and a good arts and social scene."

Chloe: "Everyone from Queen's was super nice, helpful, and genuinely interested in what I was studying. Belfast is also such a beautiful city to explore!"

What do you do when you’re not in class or studying?

Allison: “I'm either going out on the town, traveling to nearby countries, sitting in my favourite cafes and the Botanic Gardens, or decompressing in my room.”  

Jude: “I love walking around the city and hanging out with my friends.  I enjoy cooking food and playing games or going to pubs and bars and finding hidden gems!” 

Caroline: "When not in class or studying, I usually was either doing some housekeeping both in and out of the dorm, going out with friends to the pubs for pool and music, or exploring around the city such as to the Titanic Museum, the peace walls, or out to Cave Hill for a hike. I also went travelling many weekends and reading weeks to other cities in and out of Ireland."

Chloe: "When we didn't have scheduled classes, I had the opportunity to take part in different trips around Northern Ireland with my friends. Studying in Northern Ireland also gave me the opportunity to travel to other countries across Europe."

What do you enjoy most about your course?

Allison: “I love how supportive my lecturers have been to catch me up and making sure I don't feel behind the other students in any way.” 

Jude: “I like the topics that I'm learning, and how they give us time to both synthesise the information, as well as look into our own interests in similar topics.  We have a lot of free time, which can be overwhelming in ways, but it has taught me great ways to budget my time.” 

Caroline: "I really enjoyed how in-depth they were and the emphasis on primary sources in the history modules."

Chloe: "One of my favourite things about taking a political science course while I was here was that the course actually discussed current events. The course load was another thing I enjoyed during my time here."

What advice would you give to someone interested in studying abroad at Queen’s University Belfast from your home institution?

Allison: “It is a great opportunity to get out of our university bubble and meet new people, so embrace it. Also stay in Belfast on the weekends, there is plenty to do and get to know about the city!” 

Jude: “To be able to travel abroad, especially in a city that shares many aspects with places in the US, is something that will profoundly change your life. You will meet so many people and notice so many small differences among the cultures present, and it will truly give you a deeper appreciation for the lives we live in our "bubble".” 

“With the substantial amount of free time that you will be given, you must explore. Explore nature, explore the city centre, explore the relationships with people around you, and explore cuisine and culture. Breathe in the cool, crisp, Irish air. Breathe out a new perspective on your beautiful life.” 

Caroline: "The advice I would give is to make sure your time management is on lock as it is a very different class structure with more independence and fewer grades to fall back on, but to truly get the most out of it and make sure you have time to explore and meet new people!"

Chloe: "Don't be afraid to talk to the people from Belfast in your course, the city is known for the friendly and welcoming locals and you will make new friends for life!"

Thinking about studying abroad?  

Our Study Abroad offering at Queen's is truly multi-disciplinary. Students can choose to study almost any subject Queen’s offers across all three faculties that span a wide variety of disciplines that impact on the lives and world around us.  

Find out more

Exchange and Study Abroad

Study Abroad Module Search Tool

Things to do in Belfast 

Explore Northern Ireland 

Zoe Brankin Staff Writer | Queen's Global Hi, I'm Zoe, and I'm proud to be part of the Queen's Global team.     Over the past six years, I've held roles that let me create content for a variety of audiences, from start-ups to larger organisations. At Queen's, I'm always exploring new and creative ways to bring fresh content ideas to our main website.   Outside of work, I love reading (I even run a local book club), spending time with my dogs, and never missing an opportunity for a coffee or brunch outing.