First Impressions of Bradford

There are literally people from all over the world here. There are students from over 40 countries who come from over 20 different academic disciplins. Despite such massive difference all of us MA students appear to have much in common. For example, everyone is so nice and friendly it is almost shocking. So needless to say my first week in Bradford has been fantastic.
Before I arrived I heard a great deal about the bad Bradford weather, but the sun has been shinning pretty much since I got here. I still haven’t tried the curry Bradford is famous for, but I have indulged in an English pint or two. I joined the other international students on a trip to York, spending a wonderful Sunday visiting ancient cathedrals and castels (remember the seige of York in Braveheart – that’s were we where).
Classes have started and I won’t lie, are a bit overwhelming. I haven’t selected my three courses yet simply because I would love to take all of the courses. I have met my fellow Rotary World Peace Fellows and have to say of all the nice, brillant people I’ve met here they are the nicest, most brillant! This weekend we are all off to a Rotary function in Birmingham, which will hopefully provide exciting content for next week’s blog.
In closing I will just say that throughout the week I have been continually overcome with gratitude. I can’t believe my good fortune - that I’m here, at one of the top universities for Peace Studies, and all through Rotary’s generousity. This is a very remarkable opportunity.