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Global Opportunities Go Global ambassadors Study abroad

The Inside Scoop: Culture Differences Between UK and France

Jadzia Armstrong

Queen’s student Jadzia Armstrong takes us through the differences she has noticed whilst studying abroad. Take it away Jadzia…

Jadzia Armstrong

“I am currently in Toulouse, France on my year abroad. And already there are so many differences to what it’s like back home! So, here is a blog about all the things friends and I have noticed so far, about the university system and life here in general!”

“So, university first… 

First, from what I have experienced and from what we have been told the system is more lecture focused. It is less about discussion and more about listening. This is in direct contrast to back at Queens, when especially in politics there is an emphasis on tutorials and discussion.”

“Credit conversion means I have 6 modules each semester compared to 3, but they feel less in depth.”

“There is a canteen! French universities have CROUS which is a canteen where you can get a full meal for €3.50 – including starter, main and dessert. Most people eat here at lunch and the lines are always so long…”

“This leads to me onto one of the biggest differences I have noticed here which is food. Not just the type of food but the emphasis on it.”

“The stereotype of France is the baguette, which is widely eaten but of course food extends beyond the baguette – the pastries and café culture of sitting down and eating outside, having a chat with friends while eating a chocolatine and sipping a coffee is one of the aspects I love most about France.”

“There is more of an emphasis on the importance of food and drinks to connect and take time together, with meals being something that brings people together. As well as sitting by the river while music plays and having a drink. (And as you could expect, the wine is cheaper here!)”

“People take the opportunity to sit outside and have drinks which is also something unheard of in the UK because of the weather!”

“The next difference is that in France there seems to be a focus on being together and doing activities.”

“This is highlighted by the fact that on the first Sunday of every month, museums are free in France. Adding to this is the big market culture. To me, there seems to be more of a focus on cultural activities and spending time together doing them. Especially on Sundays, shops are only open for a couple of hours which adds to this idea.”

“I have taken advantage of the free museums and love the markets and affordability of fresh fruit and vegetables. There are so many markets all throughout the week!”

“Another huge difference is the cycle culture here. People cycle more to get to events, university and work. You often see families cycling together too. It is on a completely different volume to back home and there are cycle paths everywhere.”

“As well as this, outside university every day there are so many mopeds. They are a popular mode of transport, and you can even hire them just like a bike. I have recently gone on a moped for the first time!”

“These are some of the big differences I’ve noticed and here are just some random others: 

  • The French eat later – this can be as late as 9pm for dinner 
  • There are less vegetarian and vegan options in the stores and less multi-cultural options in general  
  • Being late is common 
  • Less spicy food  
  • People wear headphones less here”

“Overall, I’m sure there are so many more which I haven’t mentioned and still to find out. I like so many of these things about France, but for me one of the biggest differences is the diversity of food in the supermarkets and in general and that’s what I miss most about home. But I sure do love the pastries!”

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Global Opportunities Go Global ambassadors Study abroad

My Go Global Adventure: Salamanca Spain

Harriett Blair

Check out this Q&A with Queen’s student Harriet Blair on her study aboard experiences.

Harriett Blair

Tell us about yourself.

Hi, my name is Harriet Blair and I’m from Waringstown. I’m currently studying Law with Spanish at Queen’s University Belfast and as part of my degree I had the opportunity to live abroad in my third year of studying. 

Where did you go and why?

I spent a full academic year in Salamanca, Spain, studying Law at the University of Salamanca. I chose to study there because the university – founded in 1134 – is the third-oldest in Europe and attracts many students from all over the world, so there would be plenty of people to meet and become friends with. The whole city is also filled with beautiful Romanesque, Gothic, Plateresque and Baroque architecture which I really wanted to explore.

Who was the first person you met? 

One of the first people I met in Salamanca turned out to become one of my closest friends. Her name is Tito, and she was also an Erasmus student from Scotland. We were both nervous about spending a year away from home and wanted to make friends, so we quickly became close and helped each other out. Together we met new people, joined different student groups, and supported each other while adjusting to a new city. Since we’re both Christians, we also searched for a church together where we could feel at home during our time in Spain. 

How did you meet people? 

I found that a great way to meet people was to get involved in student groups and Erasmus events. One group in particular, called EnVivo, really helped me to meet people, many of whom became some of my closest friends. We had many fun nights out, as well as games and movie nights, weekend trips away and other fun activities that I always looked forward to. 

I also met wonderful people in the church that I joined, called FreshX. It was full of international people from Germany, France, Portugal, New Zealand, the United States, Colombia, Brazil and many other places. It was a great way to meet people not only from Spain, but also from all over the world. Everyone there was so welcoming and supportive during my year abroad, and they really made me feel at home in Salamanca.  

What was the biggest culture shock?

There were certainly a number of culture shocks living in Spain, from the different food to the later times for shops opening and closing, but perhaps the biggest culture shock was seeing that the people in Salamanca have a relaxed, unhurried approach to life – not out of laziness, but because they value enjoyment and balance over constantly working. They aren’t afraid to pause, savour the moment and be patient. It was quite unlike what I’m used to seeing here in Northern Ireland, where we generally are set on instant gratification and ceaseless productivity. It taught me not to stress so much about things I can’t control and just have to wait for, to take a breather every once in a while, and to simply enjoy myself without feeling guilty for not constantly working on something. 

What was the most exciting part? Most memorable moment? 

There were many highlights while I was in Salamanca, and it’s hard to pick just one; spending time with my friends, travelling on weekend trips, going to the Eras Tour in Madrid, enjoying concerts and events in the Plaza Mayor, seeing the Christmas light exhibition, enjoying the Summer weather at the outdoor pool. There were so many incredible experiences and I loved having the independence to explore and make lasting memories with so many friends! 

What knowledge and insight did you gain to help your career? 

Although I’m still studying, my year abroad has really broadened my horizons in terms of a future career; my outlook and goals for what I want to do after graduating have shifted since I went abroad and I’m also more open to working further afield because of the brilliant experience I had. 

How was the year different than you imagined? 

When the year started, I had planned to share a flat with another friend who was also on my course. However, after a week or so of being in Salamanca, she realised that it simply wasn’t for her and decided to return home to join the final year law course. This unexpected change left me living on my own, which at first was very nerve-wracking, but it also pushed me to put myself out there and step out of my comfort zone. I made more friends, got involved in new activities, and became more independent. Once I settled in, I found that I really enjoyed living on my own and gained so much from challenging myself to embrace the situation.

In what ways has the experience built your confidence? 
My year abroad has taught me to take more opportunities that I might have been hesitant about before. I’ve become more confident in saying ‘yes’ to new experiences, whether it’s trying something outside my comfort zone, meeting new people, or taking on challenges that once seemed intimidating. I’m also more confident dealing with unexpected changes, knowing that I can handle them. 

What advice do you have for fellow students who want to experience a similar time abroad? 

First of all, I would say to do your research before you go so you can be well prepared and remember that however daunting it might feel the experience is so worth it! Once you arrive at wherever you’re going, make sure to put yourself out there, take every opportunity that comes your way, and fully embrace the experience.

I would also recommend finding a way to document your year; I made a scrapbook filled with photos, small mementos, notes, and got it signed by all of the friends I met in Salamanca, which is something I can keep forever. Most importantly, remember to enjoy yourself and don’t get too hung up thinking about when you’ll return home. The year will go by much faster than it seems at the start, so make sure to take full advantage of the opportunity. 

What’s the one thing you’ll never forget about your time abroad? 

I know I’ll never forget the great group of friends I made, through different activities and student groups. We all got so close and really try to stay in touch with each other. It provided a great sense of community between people from all over the world, and I would highly recommend the experience to any student! 

Five Skills I Learnt on My Exchange

  • 1. Develop Personal Resilience and Independence 
  • 2. Build an International Network 
  • 3. Mastering Real-Life Spanish 
  • 4. Appreciating New Cultures 
  • 5. Learning to Say “Yes” 
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Global Opportunities Go Global ambassadors Study abroad

How to Prepare for Living in Two Countries in the Same Year 

Emily Woods

Queen’s student Emily Woods gives advice on organising accommodation for studying aboard based on their experience of studying in France and Portugal in the same year.

Emily Woods

“During my year abroad I was fortunate enough to experience living in both France and Portugal, so I know more than most how moving away can be daunting, and full of paperwork. Despite this, I had the most incredible time abroad as I took every opportunity that was available to me, and said yes to new experiences and adventures.”

“Once you have been assigned your host city and university, I recommend looking for accommodation as soon as possible. Before leaving Belfast, I contacted the international student’s office of my French university by email, and again by telephone call to get information about accommodation. Calling someone in your second (or even third!) language can be intimidating, but in my experience they are kind and patient, and in many cases, they also speak English!”

“In France, there is a national system of university accommodation called CROUS. You can apply for accommodation through their website, and it’s basically like living in Elms. They’re located close to the university, run events, and have a reception, so it’s super safe and convenient.”

“I accidentally left it too late to apply for university housing in Portugal, so I recommend doing this before the academic year starts, even if you’re travelling there for semester two. I was fortunate enough to find accommodation through an ESN WhatsApp community, and found an Erasmus House. These are houses with anywhere between four and (in my experience) seventeen people living there, and they provide short-term room lets for periods of five or six months, all the way up to a year.”

“Another great thing to do is to follow the Erasmus Student Network (ESN) in your new city before you get there! They will have Instagram and Facebook pages, as well as WhatsApp communities, so you can get to know people and keep up to date with events before you even arrive.”

“My best piece of advice is to put yourself out there as much as you can from the moment you arrive. The first few weeks are very overwhelming so don’t let this get you down, in my experience, everyone feels just like you, they just aren’t letting on.

“Remember that there is support through Queen’s available to you – and don’t forget that your friends and family at home are only a phone call away!”

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Global Opportunities Go Global ambassadors Study abroad

Q&A with Queen’s student Caitlin Kiddie on her Study Abroad Experience

Caitlin Kiddie
Caitlin Kiddie

Tell us about yourself.

“Hi, my name is Caitlin Kiddie and I’m from Edinburgh. I am studying Anthropology and Spanish at Queen’s University Belfast and as part of my course, I had the opportunity to live abroad in Spain for one year.”  

Where did you go and why?

“My Erasmus took place in Alicante in Spain, where I studied at the University of Alicante (UA). This was my top choice as it was important to me to live in a coastal city to experience a different lifestyle; Alicante is also the sunniest city in Europe! I liked the prospect of a smaller city to allow me to engage with the local community and although I had concerns about its touristy reputation, I quickly realised this was not the case. In the local neighbourhoods Spanish was necessary in the supermarkets, cafes, restaurants and public transport.

Alicante is also very popular for Erasmus students, and this really made my experience. In first semester alone, there were 700 students all hoping to make friends and explore Spain.  

Making international friends 

“This international aspect became the theme of my year abroad. I arrived with a goal to expand my cultural awareness, not only of Spain, but globally. In September, I didn’t know anyone which challenged me to build new relationships.

I shared a typical Spanish apartment with girls from Australia, Mexico, France and Belgium. From there, this circle only expanded thanks to the incredible Erasmus Network (ESN) who organised activities and trips almost every day. It was on these trips to Spanish festivals, waterfall excursions and tapas tours where my flatmates and I met wonderful people from Germany, Canada, Italy and funnily enough, Scotland. These friendships were by far the best thing I gained from my year abroad.”

The most exciting part 

“The most exciting part about studying abroad was the opportunity to travel. The study experience offers lots of free time to explore, so after spending a few months exploring Alicante and its neighbouring coasts my friends and I decided to make the most of this freedom. I travelled to different places in Spain including a trips to Bilbao, Mallorca, Barcelona and a road trip around Andalucía.”

“While I also explored different countries such as Portugal, Germany and Morocco. These travels stand out as some of the highlights of the year and allowed me to learn so much about other cultures and my own independence.” 

Spanish culture and daily life 

“Spanish culture is very different to the UK. Life is much more relaxed and slow-paced. In Alicante, this meant social gatherings on the beach, heading to the local market to buy fresh fruit and pastries, going to the gym with views of the marina, spending lots of time in creperías and watching every sunset and sunrise possible.

The day does not end after school or work at 5pm and in the evening the streets are still filled with kids playing and people enjoying tapas and drinks. Spain also has lots of cultural festivals such as Carnaval, las Fallas in Valencia and the Semana Santa processions over the Easter period. It was amazing to take part and observe these experiences of Spanish tradition.”

Mindset 

“A crucial part of this experience was developing what I have termed the ‘Erasmus Mindset’. This encompasses the skills you learn along the way including confidence, communication and independence but also the ability to be spontaneous and make the most of every opportunity. This mindset extends beyond Erasmus and is something I am aware of now that I am back in Belfast.”

“The personal growth from my year abroad continues to push me to say yes to things I wouldn’t have considered before and enjoy every moment. These are skills important in academic and professional spheres but also on a personal level in the way you view life and those around you.”

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Career planning Global Opportunities Go Global ambassadors Study abroad

How I Arranged My Accommodation for My Exchange in Sweden

Queen’s University Belfast student, Ben Magee, talks us through the process he went through to find accommodation in Stockholm for his study exchange.

“Planning for an exchange semester is exciting, but one of the biggest challenges is securing accommodation. When I made the decision to join the MPlan programme and that I’d be moving to Stockholm, I was actually in Chicago, which made the process even more difficult. Looking back, I wish I had started searching earlier – accommodation is a necessity when moving away, and it’s something that should be planned for months in advance. Even six months before departure, my now roommates and I were struggling to find places, and university accommodation was extremely limited, so Don’t Rely On It As Your First Choice!“

“I was lucky enough to be moving out with two fellow classmates, which made the search slightly easier as we could split costs and widen our options. Since getting a spot in student housing wasn’t guaranteed, we had to explore other alternatives. We started by checking Airbnb for short-term stays and joined as many Facebook housing groups as possible, messaging landlords and students enquiring about their accommodation plans.”

“One of the best decisions I made was reaching out to someone who had previously lived in Stockholm. They gave us great advice and even helped us connect with potential landlords. If your university can put you in contact with a former student, I’d highly recommend taking advantage of that.”

“Eventually, I secured a shared apartment through a private landlord. While it wasn’t in the city center, it was well-connected by public transport, and living with other students made settling in much easier.”

“My biggest recommendation? Start early, be persistent, and explore every option. Don’t rely solely on university accommodation – message as many people as possible, use multiple platforms, and connect with students who have been through the process before.”

“Exchange is an incredible experience, and finding a place to live is one of the most important steps to making it a smooth and enjoyable one.”

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Global Opportunities Go Global ambassadors Study abroad

Five Things I Learnt from My Exchange

Andrew Atkinson

Queen’s student Andrew Atkinson talks to us through his top five tips for students going on a study exchange.

Andrew Atkinson
  1. Look after yourself It is paramount that you brace yourself for the emotions you will feel once you’ve left your friends & family behind. It’s one thing to think about it, it’s another to experience. The world is smaller than you think, you’re one text away from those you love and they are not going to forget about you while you’re away. 
  1. Be open, experience as much as you can! There ought to be events that are hosted, sports teams you can join, and local events in your town! This is your opportunity to try new things, do not let it pass you by, your study abroad experience will pass in the blink of an eye. 
  1. You deserve to be here! It’s possible to get impostor syndrome as an exchange student, but understand your host institution invited you! Continue your established studying habits whilst engrossing yourself in the culture. 
  1. Travel! You’ll want to travel solo or with friends you’ve made, my personal highlight was travelling from North Carolina up to Niagara Falls and seeing the sights along the way.  
  1. You’ll miss it dearly. I miss my exchange friends, I miss the food. I met my girlfriend studying abroad and she came to Queen’s! We’re currently figuring out how we could all reunite in Europe once this semester is over. 
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Global Opportunities Go Global ambassadors

The Best Education I Have Ever Received was Through Travel

Emily Boyd

Queen’s student, Emily Bond talks us through her experiences working abroad during her studies.

Emily Boyd

After completing a year in industry at RAL Space in Oxfordshire, I entered the final year of my MEng Aerospace Engineering degree at Queen’s with an ambition to try more and embrace the opportunities around me. Throughout my degree much of my work was based in modern, cosmopolitan-type environments with my degree based in Belfast, conferences in Europe, and completing a research internship in Canada. All these experiences focused on developing my technical knowledge in engineering, primarily composite materials. However undertaking other experiences such as InnovateHer, She Leads, and Sustainable Entrepreneurship Bootcamp, inspired me to explore the world of entrepreneurship and consultancy as a career.  

The Think Pacific Global Team Internship (GTI) in Bali offered the opportunity to test my skills in consultancy, explore traditional Balinese culture, and work in an international environment. After an application and suitability/ motivations for applying call, I was accepted in November to join the first cohort arriving in June 2024. From acceptance in November to departure in June, preparation involved payment of project fees, visa application, vaccines, organising flights, and purchasing kit. To support my travel to Bali I also completed a fundraising 10km swim which helped fund my visa application.  

Despite all preparations complete, I found myself in May doubting whether I wanted to attend or not, a question that lasted a few weeks. Taking some time to reflect, I realised that with my focus having been on exams until May it was natural that I would begin to question my direction with the future sometimes being intimidating with choice. With this feeling, I packed my bags and on the 2nd June began my next adventure.  

Receiving the Sir Thomas Dixon travel scholarship allowed me to support the cost of my three flights from Belfast, with stops in Stansted and Dubai. The project started with a two-day briefing that included a brief history of Bali, details of the projects, and language lesson. Learning basic Balinese and Bahasa Indonesian phrases such as Suksma – Thank you, and Nama Saya Emily – My name is Emily, proved helpful when interacting with services and businesses.

Staying in the hotel also allowed time to meet the other 46 participants including those I would share a room and homestay with as well as members of the same project team. The first few days also allowed adjustment to a new time zone which can be challenging with additional fatigue.

Top tip: adjust your watch to the time zone you’re going to and try to sleep with their night even if it’s in short blocks.  

Following the briefing, I travelled to Bali Kuno Tangkup for a dedicated cultural immersion experience led by locals. The camp included sleeping in bamboo and straw buildings with 8 other participants, sharing outdoor rain-water showers, and cooking local Balinese food including Mi Goreng – noodles with vegetables.  The time also included further team bonding and developing appreciation for the efforts of rice field workers by completing activities in the muddy rice field and helping to plant rice seeds afterwards. After evening food, we gathered around a fire to sing typical western pop culture songs, giving a sense of home and a feeling of connection. I found the experience at Bali Kuno an opportunity to breath and embrace a more traditional and natural way of living that is a contrast to city life. With stronger group familiarity and time to adjust to the new time zone, we travelled from Bali Kuno to Mas Village where we would spend the remaining project time.  

As is traditional for Balinese culture we were greeted with a welcoming ceremony where we presented with a fresh young coconut and Kalung Bunga (Flower necklace). The welcoming ceremony was also an opportunity to meet the homestay family who we would be living with. After the welcoming ceremony we walked to the homestay navigating uneven pavements (common in Bali) and stray dogs, before dinner and an opportunity to rest before the weekend. For the final weekend before project work began, I was fortunate to visit the Tegallalang Rice Terrace where I was able to develop an further appreciation for the work and patience involved in growing rice.  

After a week of cultural immersion and education as well as team bonding with fellow participants, I felt an eagerness and curiosity to start the project work. For the first week I was fortunate to work with Magi Farm who utilise the lifecycle of the Black Soldier Fly to tackle food waste and create byproducts including fertiliser, dog food supplement, and fish food to produce a fully circular sustainable waste management system.

During the first meeting I was able to see how Magi Farm operates and their facilities as well as discuss with the co-founder beneficial outcomes for the week ahead. Throughout the week we worked as a team of 8 to deliver a path forward for Magi Farm, where I focused on developing a strategic plan to foster engagement and partnerships from events and business to business. Presenting the project at the end of the week allowed me to practice my public speaking skills and developing confidence in my ability to.  

Following a weekend of reflection and exploration time in Canggu for a free weekend, I returned to Mas Village intrigued by the next project partner. For the second project partner I was grateful to work with Made Tea who utilise organic, sustainable, and all natural herbs and plants to create teas designed to promote wellbeing. Similar to Magi Farm, I was able to gain an insight into how Made Tea is run and operates by a single founder, Roni. It was highlighted early that Roni had a passion for helping those in the community of all including the younger generation.

Throughout the week I used my experience of design and design software to curate a new package design aimed at promoting energy in the younger generation. To support an interest in international partnerships I created a template for a partnership proposal to facilitate discussion. Presentation of the weeks work allowed further development of my presenting and public speaking skills.  

To conclude the final week of project work after a weekend of exploring the local Ubud area and seeing a traditional Balinese fire dance, I was honoured to work with HNS Studio Bali, a graphic design and illustration business. HNS Studio Bali was an inspiration business as the founder began his journey while in university and has become an award-winning entrepreneur. However this success posed a challenge for how best to add value during the week. With some brainstorming as a team we identified scope for further more niche partnerships to which I continued on to develop a mock-up visualisation of his artwork as a background for DJ sets or festivals to increase visibility. Creating this visualisation allowed me to use and practice some of my design skills, appreciating transferable skills and the dedication to passion that people have.  

Partaking in the Think Pacific GTI in Bali supported by the Sir Thomas Dixon Travel Scholarship and working with local Balinese companies allowed me to realise my passion for problem-solving across specialties as well as appreciate the diversity of culture that exists within our world. I was able to refine skills such as public speaking, generating presentations, and thinking outside the box for unfamiliar challenges; all skills of which will help me foster a successful future as I start my PhD in October with the School or Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering.  

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Careers programmes Global Opportunities Go Global ambassadors

Top Tips for Studying Abroad

ALENA-ROMANOVSKAYA-

Queen’s student Alena Romanovskaya gives her top tips for students studying abroad.

ALENA-ROMANOVSKAYA-

Arrive Early (If You Can) and Build a Routine

If possible, get there a week or two before classes. It helps to sort out things like registration, housing, and setting up your student card without feeling rushed. But it’s okay if you arrive later. You can still build a routine once you’ve settled in. 

Stay in Touch with Home

Being abroad is a chance to enjoy independence, but staying connected with people back home really helps. I liked when friends and family visited me, but even video calls or a message made a big difference, especially on quiet days. Having a few photos from home cheered me up when I felt homesick. 

Keep Digital Copies of Important Documents 

Scan or photocopy your passport, insurance, and university papers before you leave. The university printers came in handy for this. Having backups saved me stress when something came up unexpectedly. 

Explore Local Transport and Free Days 

Take some time to learn how public transport works. I studied in Hasselt and really liked how simple it was to get around. There are good discounts if you’re under 26, so it’s worth checking in advance. The bus app shows live locations, and the train app is great for platform info, carriage types, and delays. If you’re in Belgium, remember Heritage Day happens every year on the first Sunday after Easter. Also, many museums are free on the first Sunday of each month. 

Be Open to Spontaneous Adventures 

Keep an eye on emails and group chats. Some of my favourite experiences came up this way. I found out about volunteering with Re-Book at UHasselt selling second-hand textbooks. This lead to my very first go-karting team building. One of my best memories was visiting the maritime museum in Antwerp. I hadn’t planned it, but it turned out to be a really interesting detour. 

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Global Opportunities Go Global ambassadors Study abroad

Adjusting to Life In Canada

adam cinnamond

Read about Queen’s student Adam Cinnamond’s experience on a study exchange to Canada.

adam cinnamond

“In September 2024 during my third year of studying at Queen’s University Belfast, I had the amazing opportunity to study for a semester at Carleton University in Ottawa, Canada.”

“This was a dream come true for me as I had always wanted to visit Canada, and here I was spending most of the summer preparing to live there for 4 months! Throughout my packing and preparation for the trip, I wondered how easy it would be for me to adjust to living in a different culture like Canada. Would I struggle in a new university environment, would my new modules be difficult and would I be comfortable living there for the next four months?”

“These worries quickly disappeared upon arriving in Canada, where I was greeted with smiling faces and a welcoming environment true to Canadian stereotypes. I quickly settled in, adapting to the slightly new language, and learning what ‘loonies’ and ‘toonies’ were before ordering my first “Double-double” coffee from one of the many Tim Hortons. Thankfully I didn’t have to adjust to a new language, despite using some rusty GCSE French in Quebec, which helped me quickly connect with students and other European exchange students on campus through events held to support international students.”

“The campus culture was extremely friendly and I made close friendships with other students, meeting in residence and enjoying the cafeteria together. The sports culture of the university was just as strong as it is here, and I quickly became involved with the men’s rugby team and regularly watched the university’s American football, basketball, and ice hockey teams, helping form new friendships and connect more closely to the campus environment.”

“Throughout my exchange, I took part in as many activities and events as I could to help adjust to the new culture and make new connections early in my exchange, ranging from pub quizzes to ice cream stands.”

“By being open to new experiences and diving head first into campus life in Canada I quickly adapted to the new culture, both in university and the country, and helped quickly make new friendships which I hope to continue to last long into the future.”

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Careers programmes

Students work with industry experts to suggest climate change solutions

real world challenge climate change
real world challenge climate change

We held the Real-World Challenge, Climate Change event hosted by PwC in their Belfast office at Merchant Square on 20 February 2025.

It was an exciting opportunity for the students who took part to hear from industry experts and join a team to tackle the real-world problem of climate change and what is currently being done in Northern Ireland to reduce emissions and produce a greener place to live, all while developing key employability skills!

A presentation was given by Professor John Barry, and we also hosted some Café Conversations with external speakers, who were, Melanie Thrush, Senior Engineer, geotechnical team, ARUP, Claire Shortt, Belfast City Council, Amy Bell, Acting Climate NI Manager, Climate Northern Ireland, Jason Calvert, Director in Economics Consulting, PwC, and John McCann, Estates Manager – Environmental, Queen’s University Belfast.

It was a busy, and fulfilling programme for the students who took part, and it gave them a chance to use their critical thinking skills to come up with some positive solutions to an important topic and an opportunity to interact with a broad range of students from across Queen’s.

Big thanks to everyone who took part!

Hitesh Gidwani, MSc Finance Student Queen’s University Belfast.

Had an eye-opening experience at the Real-World Challenge hosted by PwC, where we tackled climate change solutions alongside industry experts and students from across Queen’s!

One of the most thought-provoking tasks? Creating “The Best & Worst Newspaper Headlines of 2050.”

 “Are you breathing or gasping for air? It’s official—humanity is ending… (Pay $5000 to read full article)”

A dark yet satirical take on how human greed persists even when survival is at stake. Will we let our planet deteriorate to a point where clean air becomes a luxury? Or will we take action today?

Gained valuable insights from expert speakers.

 Collaborated with an amazing team to brainstorm real-world solution.

Realized how even small daily actions can create a massive impact.

3 Simple Steps YOU Can Take Today to Fight Climate Change:

1️. Ditch plastic bottles – Carry a reusable one!

2.  Rethink fast fashion. The fashion industry causes 10% of global carbon emissions. Buying 1 second-hand outfit instead of new reduces waste, pollution, and guilt. (Plus, vintage is cooler anyway.)

3. Sort your waste like your life depends on it. Because, well… it kinda does. Landfills release methane, which is 25x worse than CO₂. Proper recycling = less toxic air = fewer “gasping for air” headlines.

The future is still in our hands. Will we change the headline before it’s too late?

Big thanks to PwC UK, Careers Queen’s University Belfast, and all Lynsey Foster for this incredible opportunity! Looking forward to more impactful experiences ahead.

Lynsey Foster, Employer Engagement Team, Careers, Queen’s University Belfast

We  hosted our Real-World Challenge, Climate Change event in PwC’s beautiful Merchant Square offices. Taking a multidisciplinary approach, the students considered what is currently being done in NI to reduce emissions and become a greener place to live.

We welcomed several external speakers who joined our discussions and shared what their organisations are currently doing to tackle the climate emergency.

It was a very inspiring day with a lot of great takeaways! Thanks to each of our speakers for joining us and having some great discussions with our students – John Barry, Amy Bell, Melanie Thrush, Jason Calvert, John McCann, and Claire Shortt.

A big thank you to Abigail Darwent and the PwC team for hosting us and to Climate Northern Ireland, Arup, Belfast City Council.

Find out more about the Real-World Challenge Climate Change. https://go.qub.ac.uk/realworldchallenge