Arcadia Ireland

Studying abroad has always been a dream of mine—but I never could have predicted how much it would
shape who I am today. As a Black American woman, and someone deeply passionate about global health,
my semester at Queen Mary University of London was more than just a change of scenery—it was a
transformational journey of learning, growth, and identity.

• Landing in London: New City, New Lessons
  When I first landed in London, I didn’t know exactly what to expect—only that I wanted to immerse
  myself fully. One of the first things that amazed me was how incredibly multicultural my area of London was. Seeing so many cultures represented in one place made me feel deeply in awe—and surprisingly at home.
  
  Getting used to the culture was such a fun experience—from tasting classic British foods to picking up
  local sayings and traditions like afternoon tea. I even went to a football game, which was such a blast!
  Exploring London was amazing. Some of my favorite spots were Borough Market, the Theatre District, and Soho with its buzzing energy and cool clothing shops. I also took trips to other cities like Oxford and Canterbury, which gave me a whole new appreciation for the history and charm across England.
  
  Of course, adjusting came with challenges. Academically, I had to get used to new writing styles like using footnotes instead of in-text citations and learning how to paraphrase more effectively. These adjustments were small but helped me grow as a student.
  
  I quickly found community—among other American students from Arcadia, international peers, and local Queen Mary students. I even got to participate in a public health social engagement project at Queen Mary’s Whitechapel campus, where I collaborated with graduate students on community-centered work. It reminded me why I’m so passionate about global health and helped me envision what my future could look like.
• Bridging Diaspora: Black Identity Across Borders
  My identity has always been rooted in my family, faith, and culture. Being abroad gave me the chance to see how those roots showed up in new places. As a Black American woman, I found myself reflecting often on how my identity translated across borders.
  
  I had the chance to talk with other students on campus about their experiences, especially those who were British students of African. I also learned about the lasting impact of colonialism through my Global Histories module, which added depth to what I was observing in real life. One of the most meaningful moments happened during my trip to Morocco with a friend I met at Queen Mary. We had to figure out how to navigate unfamiliar spaces—using Google Translate to speak Arabic, bargaining in the markets, and immersing ourselves in the culture. While walking through the streets, people would say to me, “Welcome home, my sister.” Those simple words really resonated within me. In that moment, I felt seen, embraced, and connected across the diaspora.
  
  I also found myself explaining to others what an HBCU is—and each time, I did so proudly. Attending North Carolina A&T is an important part of my identity. These conversations gave me the chance to share my culture and open doors for others to learn, ask questions, and connect.
• Mapping Purpose: Travel, Growth & Global Health
  This semester also allowed me to see the world—literally. I’ve been fortunate to travel to Cardiff, Wales; Budapest, Hungary; Morocco; and Athens, Greece. Each place taught me something different, but two experiences stood out the most.
  
  My favorite country was Morocco, where I explored Fez and Marrakech, and spent 1 unforgettable day in the Merzouga Desert. Riding camels across golden sand and sleeping under the stars was like a dream. I’ll never forget the indescribable peace I felt standing in the desert—so small, yet so connected to the world around me. It was one of the most adventurous and beautiful experiences of my life.
  
  My second favorite trip was to Greece, where I visited Athens. From the incredibly welcoming people to the breathtaking outdoor views, I felt a deep sense of calm and joy. It reminded me that beauty exists everywhere—and that peace sometimes comes when we least expect it.

All of these experiences, academic, cultural, spiritual, and personal—have helped clarify what I want to
do next. After graduation, I’ll be working at the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences as a
post-baccalaureate fellow. From there, I hope to pursue either a Master’s in Public Health or a PhD in
Global Health and Development. Studying abroad confirmed that I want to dedicate my life to serving
communities globally, traveling with purpose, and advocating for health equity across borders.