Biking, Cafés, and Perspective: Falling in Love with Glasgow

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What was your favorite excursion that you went on? 

I loved Duke In Glasgow's excursion to the Isle of Skye. We went during our first week in Scotland and spent a few days in northern Scotland. The landscape is nothing like I have ever seen before and has some of the best views I’ve ever seen in my life. I had so much fun getting to know the other students in my program and Scottish culture before settling down in Glasgow.  

Where were your favorite places to go in Glasgow? 

I love Glasgow because there is a great balance between city and nature! I loved biking along the Clyde Canal or walking around the Glasgow Botanical Garden. My favorite coffee shop was West End Coffee, which is on Great Western Road, where there are tens of cafes and restaurants located. There are a seemingly infinite amount of cute cafes and shops in Glasgow, there will be no problem finding what you’re looking for! 

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How did your skills or knowledge change after doing this program?

I knew very little about UK politics before this program and now I have a far deeper grasp of their government. Many of us have friends from the UK or will work in some capacity that requires us to interface with UK companies/individuals, so understanding more about how their country works is very useful. 

How will this program play into the rest of your undergraduate experience?  

This program has affected me so much, because my time in Glasgow has been so amazing and a much-needed break from the intensity of Duke. At the same, it has made me more grateful for certain parts of Duke and though I will miss being in Glasgow, I am also looking forward to returning to Duke. Interacting with students at other universities and taking courses there has given so much perspective to my Duke life, which will make my remaining 3 semesters at Duke even better than my last 4. 

What advice do you have for other students considering this program?  

My best advice is to get involved at the university you are studying at! I have met amazing people and become close friends with so many people at Glasgow through various extracurriculars. It’s a great way to keep yourself from getting lonely or only hanging out with Duke people. Realize that 4 months is a long time, so invest in the city that you are staying in. That means making your room more comfortable, finding favorite places to go, investing in new friendships, and overall personalizing the city to yourself!