Throughout this module, I had a unique opportunity to learn about a “global network” through a curated layout of critical ideas and practices. At first, I was unsure how this would connect with my studies, but it quickly became apparent. Guest lecturers in weeks two to four discussed topics such as ethics and international education,...
Category: Student Journeys
Inside Westminster aims to provide students from all types of courses with a platform where they can not only network with one another but also share their student journeys and experiences. DEN is mainly made up of Politics and International Relations students however, over the recent years, there has been an increase in students from Psychology, Law, English Linguistics, Business Management etc., who are daily contributors to the weekly DEN meetings. As part of the Democratic Education Network (DEN), we not only evolve as students but also embark on our professional journeys under its umbrella. Here is a collection of stories of students who have been part of DEN, sharing their experiences to inspire other students.
Cross-cultural collaboration
The module provided us with valuable insights into the concept of education that breaks through geographic and cultural boundaries. We delved into A.S. Neill’s Summerhill School case study, which exemplifies the benefits of allowing students to express themselves freely. Undoubtedly, the Thailand Field Trip was the highlight of the module. It offered us a splendid...
BUSTLING BANGKOK
It feels almost surreal to sit here and write about my momentous visit to Bangkok. I still cannot fathom that I happened to be one of the few fortunate students who got to seize this once in a lifetime opportunity. This experience was truly magical, it is one that I know will have a lasting...
Education across diverse cultural settings
Throughout the module, Thailand was a constant point of focus for us. However, as time passed, we learned about many different aspects beyond the trip, such as working cross-culturally and thinking about education beyond its traditional boundaries. We reflected on various theories through guest lectures that broadened our perspective on education. It made us realize...
Exploring Thailand: A Field Trip Beyond Boundaries
Education has no limits. It extends beyond the confines of classrooms and textbooks, into the realm of real-world experiences. Recently, I had an exciting turn in my academic journey when we went on a field trip to Thailand, which completely transformed the way I viewed learning. Studying in Thailand for a few days was like...
An Anxious Psychologist
Why Psychology? I get asked that question often, and my brain goes into overdrive, wondering where I should begin. I settle with the mediocre response of ‘It’s interesting.’ How boring is that? I wish I could have sat everyone down and told them exactly why I picked Psychology. But now here I am, with an...
What it Means to Be from Different Cultures
One of the most frequent questions I get asked is, “Where are you from?” especially after moving to London. It’s a simple question for many; their answer might be very straightforward, like a specific country or a blend of cultural roots. However, for me, this query makes me question my entire identity. Unlike those who...
Exploring the heart of America: My journey in Washington DC
Washington D.C., the political epicentre of the United States, is a city teeming with history, culture, and opportunities. As a Politics and International Relations student, my recent participation in the Working Cultures program in Washington DC was a transformative experience that gave me a unique window into policy-making and cultural heritage. In this blog, I...
Some days, I live; some days, I thrive; some days, I survive.
What were you feeling the morning of your A levels? The morning when you were set to receive your university acceptance. Were you nervous, scared, excited? I was all 3 because I was scared I would die before I could attend my first lecture. I knew that if I did die, it wouldn’t be quick...
Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau (My Father’s Old Country)
Speaking Welsh is like being able to do the Worm – you might impress a few people at a party, but it has very little practical use in real life. It’s an odd, rough language but poetic and lyrical too; to me, it perfectly represents the country in which it is spoken. I come from...
My Diary of Studying the Middle East
As I study, I am reminded of how essential it is to understand the contemporary Middle East and its development to grasp what is happening worldwide. The weekly readings and class discussions included ‘Islam in a Historical Perspective’, ‘Sates’, ‘Authoritarianism’ and ‘Dollar Monopoly in the Economy’. As we continue our journey, we are starting to...
Education: the antidote for ignorance
I summarise my studies: the interconnectedness of states, autocracy or authoritarianism, women’s rights and religion. For me, the biggest takeaway, or reiteration, has been the reminder that the Middle East is not a monolith. This sounds obvious, although, through the start of this course, I have begun to realise just how misguided or wrong some...
