London’s East End

The East End of London is getting a lot of attention with the start of the 2012 Olympic Games.  Famous soccer player (ehem, footballer) and East London native, David Beckham, made a grand entrance during the opening ceremonies showing his pride for the neighborhood he grew up in.  As you probably have heard, in the not so recent past, the area was still in need of some “polishing”.  Even before the arrival of the Olympics, the East End started to get a facelift, and locals would tell you the neighborhood is well past the “up and coming” phase. Parks, arenas, and new roadways transformed London‘s East End in preparation for the Games. To top it off, a new Eurorail station brings visitors in and out of the East End to and from Paris and Brussels.

Queen Mary Now Member of Prestigious Group

It was announced this week that Queen Mary, University of London, one of Interstudy‘s long standing partner universities, has been invited to become a member of the Russell Group of universities. The Russell Group, as stated on the group’s website, “represents leading UK universities which are committed to maintaining the very best research, an outstanding teaching and learning experience and unrivaled links with business and the public sector.” The invitation to join the Russell Group is an acknowledgment of Queen Mary’s quality and status as a top-class research-led institution.

The Russell Group of top UK universities includes among its number Oxford, Cambridge, Edinburgh, University College London, King’s College London, Bristol, Manchester and Sheffield.

Our congratulations to Queen Mary!

A Scholar Among Us!

The Gilman Scholarship awards offered for Spring 2012 have been announced.

Congratulations to Interstudy student, Kendall Pruitt for winning an award! Kendall will be studying at Queen Mary, University of London this Spring.

Often times there is a misconception that the Gilman Scholarship is only open to students who are studying in non-traditional countries. Kendall’s award shows that the scholarship is more far reaching! Read more about the scholarship and how to apply here: http://www.iie.org/en/Programs/Gilman-Scholarship-Program

Olympic Spirit

One year from today, the 2012 Olympic games will begin in London! Preparations for the games started in London years ago, as soon as the city won the bid to host the event. The updates made to the city for the games will last long after next summer too. Parks, arenas, and new roadways will transform London‘s East End. To top it off, a new Eurorail station will bring visitors in and out of the East End to and from Paris and Brussels!

In the heart of these exciting changes is Interstudy‘s partner university, Queen Mary, University of London. Queen Mary will be housing athletes on their campus during the games, and local students will have the opportunity to volunteer at the event. Study abroad students who are interested in volunteering at the games should complete their application for Spring semester as early as possible with Interstudy so you have time to arrange for housing after the semester ends, and to apply for a Tier 4 Visa. Please contact Interstudy if you have any questions. To start your application for Queen Mary, University of London, or any of Interstudy‘s other program locations in London or beyond, visit www.interstudy.org and click on Apply Now!

Early Action Raffle Winners

Please join us in congratulating our 2 Early Action Raffle Winners for the upcoming Summer and Fall semesters! These students were chosen at random from amongst the Interstudy applicants who applied by the early action deadline (March 1 for Summer, and March 15 for Fall):

Melissa Brodie, UMASS Boston
Summer Program: University of KwaZulu-Natal, Howard College (Durban)

Stephanie Clemens, UMASS Boston
Fall Semester: Queen Mary, University of London

Note: it was entirely by chance that both students came from the same school!

Reading Week

I realize that if I am overly enthusiastic in all of my posts, the validity of my statements will become questionable but I kid you not when I say November has been one of the most incredible months of my life… Aside from the fact that my computer crashed when I had two papers and a research topic due (Each about 40% of my grade)… but that’s unimportant in comparison to the rest of the month.

Still in the Honeymoon Stage?

 

I think it’s safe to say that it’s the little differences that really throw you off in a new country. You prepare yourself for things like exchange rates, getting lost, and people driving on the wrong side of the road. But one small change in the McDonald’s menu and you’re left in a state of utter confusion. I’ve promised myself not to make late-night McDonald’s a routine here so I’ve only been once but that one trip was all it took to shake me up a bit. As the woman handed me my chicken nuggets, I asked for ranch.

The Honeymoon Stage

I have done more in the first 11 days of living in London than I expected to do in the first month. I had hardly set my bags down before it was time to meet with Coleman and the other Interstudy students to receive our phones and get the basics of traveling around London (Yay, oystercards). Everyone was equally exhausted but we managed to stay awake for dinner, shopping, and the most incredible hot chocolate I have ever experienced (It’s more of an experience than a drink). We were encouraged to stay up until at least nine-thirty before we went to bed in order to avoid horrendous jet lag. I am proud to say I made it to ten thirty before face-planting onto my single bed with only a fitted sheet and two naked pillows (Hey, I’m trying to save money for more important things… i.e. souvenirs)