In February 2026, I had the privilege of leading nine students from Queen Margaret University (QMU) and City of Glasgow College on a fully-funded short term mobility trip to Athens, Greece. Delivered in partnership with our long‑standing international partner, Metropolitan College in Athens, and supported by the Scottish Government, this experience was far more than a study visit - it was a powerful expression of Queen Margaret University’s values in action.
At QMU, we are committed to widening participation, equality of opportunity, fostering social justice and empowering students to become confident learners and graduates who can make a difference to the world. This trip embodied those commitments at every stage.
An inclusive opportunity rooted in QMU values
This mobility trip was designed to ensure that international experiences are accessible, inclusive and meaningful. The trip attracted a diverse group of students, many from widening participation backgrounds, including some who were the first in their family to go on to higher education. For several participants, it was their first time travelling abroad.
Creating opportunities like this is central to QMU’s mission to remove barriers, unlock potential and support students to thrive - regardless of background. By fully funding the visit and providing a supportive academic framework, we ensured that students could focus on learning, growth and discovery without financial or social constraints.
Learning with purpose: sustainability, culture and global responsibility
Academically, the experience offered students rich international exposure through lectures, delivered in English by Metropolitan College staff. Topics such as sustainability, tourism, and food waste reduction were explored through a Greek and global lens, enabling students to critically engage with pressing social, economic and environmental challenges beyond the UK context.
Learning also happened beyond the classroom. Cultural visits across Athens provided real‑world context and deepened understanding of history, identity and social change. Students explored the city on guided walking tours, visited the Acropolis, and engaged with Greece’s vibrant culture - including witnessing a live protest, which prompted thoughtful discussion.
Moments that spark curiosity and connection
One of the highlights of the trip was visiting the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center - home to Greece’s National Opera and National Library. While we were there, we were lucky enough to watch a rehearsal of Swan Lake. The opportunity to see a high-quality performance in such an inspiring space was very special indeed.
The group also visited the British Council in Athens, learning how international educational and cultural exchanges are facilitated between the UK and Greece. These experiences helped students see themselves as part of a wider global community - exactly the kind of international citizenship QMU seeks to nurture.
Staying in a hotel with views over the Acropolis added to the excitement of the trip. For some students, this was the first time they had been away from their families, tasted Greek food, navigated an unfamiliar city or shared meals in new social settings. These seemingly small experiences had quite a profound impact on some of the students, encouraging independence, adaptability and confidence.
Growth, confidence and belonging
Perhaps the most rewarding aspect of the trip was witnessing the students’ personal journeys. Over the course of the week, I saw them grow in confidence, curiosity and self‑belief. They became more independent, more socially engaged, and increasingly willing to learn from one another and from the culture around them.
Shared meals, conversations and exploration strengthened bonds not only within the group but across institutions. Watching QMU and City of Glasgow College students integrate so naturally, support one another and work collaboratively was a powerful reminder of the importance of community and compassion - values central to the QMU experience.
The trip had a profound personal impact on some of the students. One participant said it made them realise how much they didn’t know, and that the experience had helped them see how much they could learn and explore. It encouraged them to step outside their comfort zone. Another student said it has helped them build their confidence.
When discussing the cultural impact, one participant flagged seeing the Greek National Opera at the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center as the highlight of the trip. They said: “Standing at the upper tier of the opera house and seeing the scale of the space was genuinely impressive. It brought together architecture, performance and culture in a way that felt immersive rather than observational. It gave me a deeper appreciation of how cultural infrastructure shapes a city’s identity.”
For another student, the most memorable moments were witnessing public demonstrations and visiting the 2023 Tempi Train Disaster memorial. They said: “Seeing the large number of people gathered in protest highlighted how deeply the event has affected Greek society. It was powerful to observe how collective memory and activism remain strong three years after the tragedy."
Another student described the mobility experience as being both academically enriching and personally meaningful. They said: “It provided a valuable balance between structured learning and cultural immersion, allowing me to grow in confidence while deepening my understanding of Athens and its social, cultural and professional environment.
“The experience has broadened my academic perspective and strengthened my interest in pursuing further study and international opportunities. It also reinforced the importance of cultural awareness, adaptability and meaningful connection when working in hospitality and tourism. It has left a lasting impression and will continue to influence both my academic journey and future career ambitions.”
Partnership that makes a difference
A standout success of this exchange was the strength of collaboration between Queen Margaret University, City of Glasgow College and Metropolitan College. The partnership worked seamlessly, and Metropolitan College’s warmth, expertise and commitment to student learning were evident throughout.
This trip is a strong example of how QMU’s international partnerships enrich learning through reciprocity, respect and shared values. Experiential learning opportunities like this sit at the heart of our transnational education strategy and demonstrate what meaningful internationalisation can achieve.
A deeply personal reflection
On a personal level, leading this exchange was incredibly fulfilling. There is something profoundly moving about watching students step outside their comfort zones, expand their learning, and discover new possibilities for themselves.
Trips like this reaffirm why inclusive international opportunities matter. They build confidence, broaden horizons and remind students and staff that education has the power to transform lives. Athens gave our students history, culture and knowledge, but most importantly, it gave them belief in themselves.
That, to me, is the true measure of success - and a powerful reflection of Queen Margaret University’s commitment to enabling students not just to learn, but to flourish.
Our sincere thanks go to the Scottish Government, which provided the funding to make this mobility trip possible.
