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Whether striking up a conversation with a complete stranger in one of my classes or navigating the mayhem that is Britrail on a solo trip, I’ve come out of this program capable and independent.
Maria Lissovolik, Duke in Glasgow (Fall 2025)
What was your favorite excursion that you went on?
My favorite excursion of the program was our class trip to London! We spent three days exploring the city, attending cultural excursions, and learning about the UK political system. This trip balanced academics and culture perfectly.
One day we got to see Twelfth Night at the Shakespeare Globe Theatre (the circular theater based on the original Elizabethan theater where Shakespeare performed his plays), and the next we got to tour Parliament and sit in on the House of Lords. Witnessing the inner workings of Parliament was particularly interesting because it directly complemented our program coursework.
We also traversed London itself - we rode the London Eye, walked along the South Bank, and toured the British Museum. All in all, not a trip I’ll soon forget.
Where were your favorite places to go in your host city?
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My favorite place to explore in Glasgow was the Kelvinhall Art Gallery, which was just a few minutes away from campus (and my flat!). The gallery has an amazing collection of classics and historical Scottish art, and it’s completely free!
I also loved my walks through Kelvingrove Park on the way to class, and the fall colors especially were a picturesque sight. My favorite study spots were either the 12-floor University Library (you know I have to balance stressful lock-ins with a scenic view of the city) or Urban Grind and Cafe Mille on Argyle Street.
The University of Glasgow on an unusually sunny day.
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View from the London Eye
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Highland Cow
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Stirling Castle
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How did your skills or knowledge change after doing this program?
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This program has internationalized my understanding of my public policy course work. More specifically, this program has pushed me to adopt a more nuanced mindset toward the structure and effectiveness of political institutions.
While at Duke, the substance of our policy classes focused on US government and policy, the Duke in Glasgow program introduced us to and encouraged us to analyze international policy and political structure approaches. One of the most impactful lessons I’ve learned, for instance, contextualized how the United States has become a case study for political polarization. I’ve studied party structure in the UK and EU, I’ve learned about global welfare approaches, and I’ve even analyzed the UK’s foreign aid policy in comparison to the US’ foreign aid policy.
I will bring this international perspective to the remainder of my policy classes at Duke and strive to approach political discussions through a global lens.
What is your greatest takeaway from this program?
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Besides the many lasting friendships I’ve made (both within the Duke in Glasgow cohort and beyond), my biggest personal takeaway from this program has been my newfound excitement to seek out uncomfortable experiences. Whether that be striking up a conversation with a complete stranger in one of my classes or navigating the mayhem that is Britrail on a solo trip, I’ve come out of this program capable and independent.
My greatest academic takeaway from Duke in Glasgow has been a strengthened appreciation for debating and discussing international policy topics. While I've always found foreign policy and international relations interesting, Duke in Glasgow has solidified my commitment to pursue these subjects further through a public policy honors thesis.
What advice do you have for other students considering this program?
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Take advantage of every single day that you have - whether that be going on a day trip, trying a new coffee shop, attending a club event, or seeing a local show. Four months seems like a long time but it goes by so quickly, and you don’t want to feel like you missed out on the time you have in Glasgow.
Also, talk to as many people as possible even if you don’t think you have anything in common. The University of Glasgow is surprisingly international and you will meet people from every corner of the world. You can learn so much by interacting with people whom you might not otherwise spend time with, and maybe even build relationships that last beyond your semester abroad.