The commemoration of V-J Day, or Victory over Japan Day, was not only the final subjection of Japan but the final strand of World War II and the beginning of a new world in politics and economy. After the post-war years, the nations that emerged from the shadow of war had to find their way...
Interview with Renata Pernegrová by Grace Villagomez-Akre Studying abroad pushes students out of their comfort zones, exposes them to diverse cultures, and allows for personal development in ways they may never have imagined. This experience is both exciting and challenging. It presents an opportunity to engage with a new country, foster independence, and open doors...
Interview with Mursal Hakimi by Noor Kazmi Mursal’s journey is a remarkable story of resilience and determination. Born in Afghanistan, she faced significant challenges in her pursuit of education. Inspired by her mother’s dedication to advocating for girls’ rights, Mursal became passionate about fighting for girls’ rights. Now settled in the UK, Mursal has triumphantly...
As an 18-year-old girl from Ghana, I embarked on an exciting journey to study abroad, breaking new ground as the first person in my family to pursue this opportunity. The decision to leave my home country was not made lightly; it involved careful consideration of various challenges, such as adjusting to a new culture and...
Beauty. What is it? Our world is, with some exaggeration, all about beauty. Physical appearance determines much more than what people are willing to admit, and both women and men are treated according to how they look. Beauty contests are just one part of our appearance-focused society and still hold prominence even in a time...
The past two weeks have been an exhilarating deep dive into the heart of Vietnam, a country rich in history, vibrant culture, and a rapidly evolving education system. These sessions have provided a solid foundation as we prepare for our upcoming field trip, offering insights into the nation’s resilience, progress, and commitment to sustainability. A...
“Istanbul, the City of Life” is a name that truly suits this vibrant place. The city is not only defined by its historical landmarks and beautiful architecture but also by the energy of its people. Locals, tourists, and workers from diverse backgrounds all come together, adding their own stories to Istanbul’s rich and lively atmosphere....
Months ago, while casually browsing through photos of Istanbul’s mesmerising tourist attractions, I dreamed of experiencing the culture and charm of this iconic city. Little did I know that this dream would soon turn into reality. Thanks to the Engaging with Contemporary Issues in Turkey (ECIT) program organised by the University of Westminster, I had...
As the plane descended into Turkey, excitement brewed among us. This wasn’t just a trip; it was an exploration of history, economics, and politics, an opportunity to step out of the classroom and into the living complexities of a country shaped by both its past and the forces of globalisation. Weeks of studying U.S. dollar...
In this week’s blog, I will be discussing my academic journey, starting from my experience at the GCSE level. During school, I was particularly interested in becoming an English teacher. However, I had a strong dislike for subjects like science and math, even though I performed well in them. I didn’t see a future for...
Returning from a four-day field trip to Istanbul, Türkiye, my first visit to this vibrant and historic city, I find myself inspired to explore more of Türkiye and other regions of the Middle East. The trip was more than just a journey—it was an opportunity to contextualise and visualise the concepts discussed in the Politics...
Just when I thought nothing could surprise me anymore, my visit to Turkey proved otherwise. From the moment I arrived in Istanbul, I was struck by a profound sense of familiarity. At first, I couldn’t quite pinpoint whether this feeling stemmed from the warmth of its people or the evident sense of community among them....