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....
It’s midnight as I write this, just hours after returning from one of the most enriching experiences of my life—a field trip to Istanbul. As I sit here reflecting on my journey, I feel excited to share my story. I hope this inspires future students to embark on similar adventures and experience the wonders of...
An academic trip to Istanbul provides a priceless chance to enhance my knowledge of Middle Eastern politics and development. With its distinct geographical and social location at the meeting point of Europe and Asia, Istanbul provides an ideal setting for the topics covered in this module. Through direct engagement with the region’s complexities and a...
As part of my ‘Development and Politics in the Middle East’ module, I eagerly look forward to participating in an academic trip to Istanbul. This immersive experience promises to deepen my understanding of Turkish politics and culture, enabling me to connect theoretical insights from my coursework with the complexities of real-world Middle Eastern politics. Our...