MA IN TRANSNATIONAL COMMUNICATIONS FROM GOLDSMITH'S COLLEGE IN 2001-02

I suppose I had imagined London to be a twenty-first century version of a Dickens novel: dank pubs, bangers and mash, musty libraries, woolly jumpers and grey wet days. Throughout my short year here, it's been difficult not to experience some of these fine customs! But I have also discovered that London is so much more: it is an amazing fusion of tradition and modernity, of national and multicultural identities, with some of the best cuisine and innovations in design, music and film that I've ever encountered.

At the heart of my experience have been my studies in Transnational Communications and Global Media at Goldsmiths College, University of London. The masters programme, headed by Kevin Robins, is a relatively new addition to Goldsmith's Media and Communications Department. The programme is kept intentionally small (about 30 people) with students from a variety of interesting backgrounds from around the world. This makes for a familiar and lively space for discussions about contemporary transformations in culture, the media and the communications industries. Our professors are well renowned and keen to encourage debate and cross-disciplinary approaches to current issues. At the same time, we are given freedom to explore our own research interests and to pursue practical experience in the field.

Goldsmiths is within strolling distance of the beautiful and historic areas of Greenwich and Blackheath and a quick tube ride away from the centre of London. Not surprisingly, after long hours of reading and discussion (and after becoming accustomed to the vagaries of New Cross - Goldsmith's home in South London), the students regularly delight in a well-deserved pint in one of the local pubs.

It was not easy leaving my friends, family, job, and familiarity behind for a year abroad. But my experience at Goldsmiths in London has been one of the most enriching of my life - personally and professionally. I've gained insight not only with respect to my field, but also with respect to various features about the United Kingdom and other cultures around the globe. I am truly grateful to the British Council for this experience.