Studying abroad in Northern Ireland has been one of the most transformative experiences of my life. From the moment I made the decision to leave my home in Barranquilla, Colombia, to embark on this adventure in Belfast, I knew I was in for a journey full of challenges and discoveries. However, I never imagined to what extent this experience would help me to get to know myself.

Culture shock and personal growth

The first big challenge I faced was culture shock. Adapting to a new country, with different customs, language and ways of life, forced me to leave my comfort zone and develop adaptation skills. Every day I encountered situations that required me to be more flexible and open. Learning to communicate in English not only improved my language skills, but also allowed me to understand and appreciate the cultural diversity of Northern Ireland.

This initial culture shock, although intimidating, became a powerful tool for my personal growth. I realised that I was able to face and overcome obstacles, which gave me new confidence in myself. I began to see the world from a broader perspective and value the differences that enrich our human experiences.

With my Irish, Scottish and American friends. With so many accents, my English must be super advanced by now (!)

Autonomy and responsibility

Living in Belfast also involved a great deal of autonomy and responsibility. Far from my family and friends in Barranquilla, I had to learn to manage my finances, my time and my studies independently. Every small victory, like shopping at a foreign supermarket or navigating public transportation in an unfamiliar city, became a reminder of my ability to be self-sufficient.

The responsibility of managing my daily life taught me to be more organised and disciplined. I also learned to ask for help when I needed it, to build a support network among my international colleagues, and to establish meaningful relationships with people from different backgrounds. These interactions taught me the importance of collaboration and mutual support in building a balanced and fulfilling life.

With my friend from Peru. Two South American girls supporting each other through our journey in Belfast

Discovering new passions

During my time in Belfast, I discovered new passions that I would never have imagined. I started going running in the city's beautiful parks and trails, an activity that not only helped me stay in shape, but also provided me with a space to clear my mind and reflect. Walking around the city became one of my favorite activities; Getting lost in its streets, exploring its architecture and getting to know its hidden corners allowed me to connect deeply with my surroundings.

Additionally, I discovered my love for hiking. The hills and mountains near Belfast offer stunning hiking routes, and each hike gave me a sense of achievement and a renewed connection with nature. These new passions not only enriched my experience abroad, but also taught me the importance of maintaining a balance between study and recreational activities.

With my friends from England and the States, always doing study sessions together to give each other company

Reflection and self-knowledge

One of the most significant aspects of my experience in Belfast has been the time I have dedicated to reflection and self-knowledge. Being away from home allowed me to reevaluate my values, goals, and priorities. Without the distractions and expectations of my family environment, I was able to explore who I am and what I want to achieve in life.

Spending time alone, exploring new cities, or simply reflecting in a park, allowed me to connect with myself on a deeper level. I began practicing meditation and journaling, tools that helped me process my experiences and better understand my emotions and thoughts. This process of self-knowledge has been invaluable for my personal and professional development.

Even rainy days are good days to go for a hike

Resilience and adaptability

Finally, studying in Belfast has taught me the importance of resilience and adaptability. Life is full of unexpected changes and challenges, and this experience has prepared me to face the unknown with a positive and resilient attitude. I learned to see obstacles as opportunities to grow and to adapt to new circumstances with creativity and optimism.

Living in Belfast and studying in Queen's has been a unique experience that has enriched my life in ways I never imagined. Not only has it allowed me to experience new cultures and improve my academic skills, but it has also given me the opportunity to get to know myself on a deep and meaningful level.

Living in Belfast has allowed me to travel across the continent. This is me on a recent trip to Vienna!

Through the challenges and triumphs of this adventure, I have discovered my strength, my ability to adapt, and my true potential. This experience has transformed me and prepared me to face the future with renewed confidence and a clear vision of who I am and what I want to achieve.

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Information for international students at Queen's

Study Violence, Terrorism and Security at Queen's

Information for students from Colombia

Isabella Barros De La Rosa Violence, Terrorism and Security | Postgraduate Student | Colombia Hello, my name is Isabella Barros, I am 24 years old and I am from a beautiful city on the Caribbean coast of Colombia called Barranquilla. I am currently pursuing my master's in Violence, Terrorism and Security at Queen’s. I am very into running and outdoor activities. That's why Belfast is so amazing to live in, because of the landscapes, and the spaces for this kind of hobby. Besides running and studying, you can find me in any bookstore, wandering around the city, or enjoying a pleasant coffee in a cute cafe!