Our group, consisting of ten students from a range of Master’s programmes and our fearless leader Professor Robert Song, set off for Uppsala, Sweden.
Travelling by train takes longer, but offers much more opportunity for exploration, anecdotes, and building relationships within the team. Being able to have each meal in a different city is a flex you just can’t get when flying!
Slow and deliberate travel allows you to slowly transition through different countries, cultures, and languages, but also gives time for window-gazing and quiet reflection. We had been given a book of environmental essays around the theme of Haste to read for the journey, and had many chats about what it means to act on environmental issues with real urgency without rushing towards unjust solutions.
Three days and nine trains later, our group of eleven arrived in Uppsala. We bonded much more because of the time spent travelling, though the relief to finally arrive and take off our heavy packs was palpable! We were joined the following day by our twelfth member, Dr Simona Capisani, as well as our liaison from CEMUS, Daniel Mossberg.
Sweden seems to be a culture where sustainability is already part of daily life. Nature parks were common and accessible, while the town was riddled with bicycles and pedestrians. Uppsala itself is a small university city with a gorgeous cathedral, not unlike Durham, and the perfect place to call home for a week.
On one of our open days, some of the group visited church ruins and runestones at Sigtuna. The high-rise buildings surrounded by rocky hills and pine woods made us consider the limits to an urban area, and the importance of compact cities to preserve natural environments.
The time spent in the student community garden was very fulfilling. Being part of the natural cycles with our hands dirtied by the earth has instilled us novices with a sense of deeper responsibility and respect for the environment. It has certainly made us keen to get something similar set up in Durham.
Not all learning took place outside in the sunshine though! There was a messy and moving session of bread-making with environmental philosopher, Ryan Carolan, which proved delicious later in the week on pizza night. During the session, we were joined online by one of the editors of Haste, Jakob Grandin, which acted as a conversation guide around urgency and climate.
The lectures on carbonscapes (a collaboration with Durham’s Professor Gavin Bridge) and cultural place-based connections from Magdalena Kuchler and Eva Rüskamp were very thought provoking, especially in the context of (post-) industrial surroundings of Durham. Identity is often tied up in the cultural significance of place, and coming from nearly a dozen countries means that we were able to share some of our personal stories of what place means to us over dinner each night.
The time has flown by, but there are lots of lessons from this trip, both academic and personal. Most powerfully of all, the overarching theme of “More haste means less speed” will propel us towards slow but deliberate actions around environmental problems in our future studies and work.
“Tack” for the adventures!
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Find out more about Postgraduate study at Durham here
I am Christopher. I am a final-year student of 2022-2024 Master of Social Work (MSW) cohort in the Department of Sociology.
Currently, I am doing my final placement in Durham County Council hospital social work team east and social care direct team. Before joining the MSW programme, I worked in healthcare public affairs advocacy, breast cancer foundation and a banking industry secretariat for five years. Apart from the social work knowledge, skills and values nurtured from this programme, my strengths are media relations development, policy advocacy, event management, and account management of different banking and healthcare projects with a devoted attitude. My favourite subject to study is theories discussing issues around adult mental health.
Based on my previous working experience, I uncovered that social work is another profession to empower and to engage clients with healthcare needs from perspectives different from biomedical model. It could be a rewarding profession if I could receive their affirmation regarding my direct work with them, other than advocating for a policy change with them.
Before I came to Durham, I completed my undergraduate degree – Bachelor of Social Sciences (Major: Politics and Public Administration; Minor: Sociology) in the University of Hong Kong in 2016. I decided to study at Durham University because the ranking of this university is the highest based on different reports among all the British universities providing the MSW programme.
What I enjoy the most about my course is when we were discussing the theoretical knowledge in relation to social constructivism, social judgemental theory, social model of disability and biomedical model, the theories provided me chances to review my past events in different stages of life course. They also provided me contrasting perspectives to perceive the world with more lens.
In the future, I hope I could be an approved mental health professional after working in adults’ services for 2-3 years and completing the postgraduate diploma of approved mental health professional subsequently.
If you’re thinking about coming to Durham to study this course, please research about the placement and evaluate if you could complete your life tasks after working hours (8:30pm-5pm) during a total of 170 working day placements because you need to write reflections re placements, to prepare portfolio regarding your practice in both placements and to complete your assignments after working hours.
Lastly, think about which stream, adults’ or children’s services, would fit for your professional development before joining this programme, so that you could maximise your learning by choosing placement institutions offering relevant services in first and final year.
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Feeling inspired? Visit our Sociology webpages to learn more about studying with us.
I’m thrilled to share that I’ve been selected for the Forbes Africa 30 Under 30 Class of 2024. This recognition symbolizes a milestone in my journey toward sustainable development, highlighting the dedication, resilience, and enthusiasm that have guided me.
At the core of my mission lies the goal of providing clean energy to underserved communities in Sierra Leone. I established Optim Energy, a forward-thinking startup that initially focused on utilizing piezoelectric devices to capture energy from the surroundings. Recently we’ve shifted our focus to implementing mini-grids with the aim of offering renewable energy solutions to off-grid communities enabling them to move from energy poverty towards sustainability.
How did the MSc in Sustainability, Energy, and Development programme help you get to where you are today?
My educational experience at Durham University as a Commonwealth Shared Scholar in the MSc Sustainability, Energy, and Development program was transformative. The program offered a comprehensive understanding of global challenges like climate change and inequality while stressing the value of local and indigenous knowledge. The interdisciplinary approach and top-notch research opportunities sharpened my skills and problem-solving abilities, significantly shaping my path.
Tell us about the award you won for a device you invented at Durham
During my time studying in the Department of Anthropology, I continued to refine a device I designed to generate energy which earned me a prestigious Inaugural Global Student Prize. I worked with a list of professors from the Department of Anthropology and Energy Institute to apply for and won the Seedcorn Grant to continue working on my solution.
The assistance I received from Durham University, the Department of Anthropology, the Durham Venture School, and the collaborative atmosphere enabled me to expand the horizons of my research. This resulted in the development of a solution to address energy scarcity. After refining my research, I pivoted to utilizing a mini-grid and implemented it within my local communities in Sierra Leone creating a significant impact.
Why are you so passionate about energy, climate change and sustainability?
My rooted passion for energy, climate change, and sustainability stems from my childhood experiences in Sierra Leone. Growing up in a displacement camp, I witnessed firsthand the devastating impacts of energy poverty and climate change. These experiences sparked a desire to seek solutions to enhance living conditions and safeguard the environment motivating me to establish Optim Energy and pursue further educational and research endeavors.
How does your work positively impact communities / the world around you?
Optim Energy’s ability to access energy has enhanced living standards, improved educational opportunities, and promoted socio-economic development. Our initiatives align with the Sustainable Development Goals such as affordable and clean energy, quality education, and climate action. By empowering communities with skills and educating them about climate issues, we enable them to utilize energy access to enhance their socio-status through entrepreneurship while realizing the social value of energy.
What advice would you give to a student thinking of studying in the Department of Anthropology at Durham?
I wholeheartedly recommend it. The interdisciplinary approach, supportive faculty and staff, and real-world impact opportunities make it an exceptional place to learn and grow. It is an enabling environment that enables you to engage deeply with the material, seek collaborative opportunities, and let your passion drive you. The skills and knowledge you gain will be invaluable in any path you choose.
Being named to the Forbes Africa 30 Under 30 is a remarkable honor, but it is just one step in my ongoing journey to make a difference in whatever I do. I am grateful for the world-class education and support I have received and am excited to continue working towards a sustainable future for all, ensuring no one is left behind. Thank you for reading, and I hope my story inspires you to pursue your passions and positively impact the world.
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Feeling inspired? Visit our Anthropology webpages for more information on our undergraduate and postgraduate programmes.
This diary begins on the Newcastle to Amsterdam ferry, where I am writing in our rather small cabin on the sixth deck. Having never been on an overnight ferry before, I must admit that the idea of sleeping in a small cabin whilst rocking on the water does feel a bit strange. However, I have come prepared with my sea sickness tablets, which seemed to have worked well so far, albeit the North Sea does seem fairly calm this evening. Most of our group seemed to have enjoyed the buffet on board the ferry, with plenty of options and different cuisines available. A particular highlight was the soft-serve ice cream that was available as a dessert – definitely pick vanilla over strawberry next time! The sea is fairly calm and I’m hoping I can get a good night’s sleep.
Friday
Today was jam-packed with activities! After waking up, my first realisation was that the sea was much choppier than the night before. After a hearty breakfast on board the ferry (with particularly nice bread!), accompanied by an extra sea sickness tablet, we finally arrived in Ijmuiden. Our coach met us at the ferry terminal, where we immediately made our way to the University of Technology at Delft. Here we visited the Green Village, where our guide talked us through the various innovations that had been developed for home and work spaces. However, for me, the highlight of the day was visiting the Port of Rotterdam, where we were taken on a tour of the port by boat. Our guide gave us information about the port and the functions of its different areas and was particularly useful in pointing out where the Porthos off-shore Carbon Capture Storage (CCS) project was located. A surprising sight at the port was the impressive HMS Prince of Wales aircraft carrier that was briefly visiting having come back from NATO exercises earlier in the month. After an exhausting day of events, we checked into our hostel, which had a quirky exterior design of yellow cubes tilting at different angles! The evening allowed us to explore the city somewhat, and a group settled for a pint (well, 500ml) of beer at one of the city centre’s many bars.
Our cabin on the ferryPort of Rotterdam
Saturday
Our second day in Rotterdam began with a speedy breakfast as we dashed quickly off to the city’s unique mode of transport, the water taxi’s. These small yellow boats were really convenient at getting us right to the city centre, where we would meet our architect guide. During our tour we learnt more about the rather wacky architecture of the city, such as the Lego-esque De Rotterdam skyscrapers. Most of Rotterdam’s old historic centre was completely decimated by bombing during World War II, except for the Art Noveau Hotel New York, that once served as the departure point for Dutch emigrants heading to America. In my personal opinion, I haven’t been particularly fond of either the post-war brutalism nor the contemporary high-rises that make-up much of the city’s centre. Following our tour, we headed to the Maker’s District, where we given a talk by the volunteers at the Floating Farm, a self-sufficient farm built and floating on water that housed over 30 cattle at our time of visiting. Whilst it was an interesting concept, it did slightly feel like “tech for tech’s sake”, and some of our group questioned the ethics of housing over 30 cattle on a small grid beside the Port of Rotterdam. After a long-day, I went out for a bite to eat at one of the local burger restaurants, before settling down for the evening.
The floating farmThe famous “De Rotterdam” buildingA strange-looking building next to the Rotterdam architecture museum
Sunday
The day started more relaxed than the previous one as we headed leisurely towards Rotterdam’s architecture museum. The museum had a particularly interesting exhibition on Netherlands’ spatial planning, in which it displayed infographics of the past, present, and future plans for the Netherlands by architects and the government. In the afternoon, we split off into our project groups, with our group heading back to the central library right beside our hostel. With an interview with Porthos coming up the next day, we planned our line of questioning and divided responsibility for note-taking/asking questions. In the evening, we received a fascinating talk from an employee of Solar World, a company that provided small-scale solar energy solutions to neighbourhoods in Malawi and other African countries.
Monday
After an early breakfast at the hostel, we took a coach to TomatoWorld, a greenhouse and information centre funded by multiple different companies that develops innovative technology in the greenhouse tomato-growing sector. Entering the greenhouse was exactly like the feeling you get when stepping off a plane in a warm country, the temperature had risen about 10C to 15C! A particularly fascinating fact about TomatoWorld was that they utilised CO2 captured by industries in the Port of Rotterdam and fed it through pipes into the greenhouse to help the tomatoes grow. Following our tour at TomatoWorld, we briefly headed to the Innovation Dock, an old warehouse that was home to numerous projects, many of which were being carried out by students. However, our group left the warehouse early, as we needed to head on the metro across town to Porthos’ office in the north east of the city. We met our interviewees at Porthos, who spoke perfect English like everyone else in the Netherlands. They gave our group enlightening information about the role of CCS in the Netherlands’ energy and how the Porthos project came about. With our data gathered successfully, our group headed out to a pizza restaurant in Rotterdam to celebrate our findings.
Tuesday
After a hectic few days, today has been fairly chilled by comparison. Following a slow start, our group met downstairs in the hostel’s common area, which had plenty of workspaces. We started work on our presentation, designing the PowerPoint slides and writing scripts for the sections we had assigned ourselves. Some good news came at around lunchtime, as another company involved in the Porthos project, EBN, came back to us and said that they were available for an interview tomorrow. As their head office was in Utrecht, it meant seeing another city in the Netherlands! Our group had been slightly envious of the two groups studying urban mobilities, who had been to both Amsterdam and Utrecht in the last few days – but at least now we can also see a bit more of the country!
Wednesday
This morning we headed off on a train to Utrecht for our interview with EBN. Utrecht Central station was massive and really easy to navigate, and luckily EBN’s office was really nearby. Our interviewee was directly associated with the Porthos project and was particularly knowledgeable on the risks associated with the project and the technicalities of CCS. After our interview, we were able to explore Utrecht a bit more and find somewhere for lunch. The city was strikingly beautiful – with narrow streets and much more traditionally Dutch architecture. We found a really good Italian sandwich place selling huge cheese, salami and veg sandwiches for just €4! In the afternoon, we went to the university’s library, which we were able to enter as students. Something that I found very interesting was the amount of English being spoken by other students who were presumably studying at Utrecht University! We headed back to Rotterdam just before dinner, and as of the time of writing, have spent the evening working on the last touches of our presentation!
A great day spent in Utrecht
Thursday
Our last day in the Netherlands! We headed this morning to where it all started, Delft, where we had booked a private room in a co-working space to conduct our presentations. We were up second, and I would be lying if I said I wasn’t a little nervous. However, our preparation from the last few days paid off massively, as we all finished thinking it had gone really well. I was impressed by the effort put in by the other groups as well, and particularly the clear and professional design of their PowerPoint slides. With the assessment out the way, we had a quick lunch at the co-working space, headed into Delft (another city with great architecture) for some snacks for the ferry and got on our coach back to IJmuiden. Although I was looking forward to getting back for some rest after a jam-packed trip in the Netherlands, I have to say that overall, the trip was great fun and I really enjoyed working with my team on our CCS project.
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See highlights from the field trip to Rotterdam here
I did my undergraduate in law back in India, and criminology was one of the subjects I found most interesting, which is why I chose to do an MSc in Criminology and Criminal Justice. I chose Durham University because it was one of the best universities for criminology in the UK. Also, what interested me was the way the course and specific modules were structured.
A change of pace
Although I was initially uneasy moving from a big city to a tiny, quiet town like Durham, I now find a change of pace to be quite lovely. Since then, I’ve grown to like taking leisurely strolls to and from classes while simply taking in the scenery which is also a bit refreshing. I was halfway through my first term when I finally got used to being on my own, acclimated to the temperature, and started interacting with people.
A different academic system
I found it a bit tough to adjust to the academic system at first because it is completely different. Here, we don’t have lectures every single day, and the lectures are also more like group discussions, where everyone is open to all sorts of opinions. This made me feel a bit confident in expressing my opinions in front of my peers.
The amount of reading that needed to be done was a bit daunting at first because, during my undergrad, my assessments were completely based on exams, and we didn’t have a dissertation. But here, you need to read articles and journals and provide critiques and arguments for them. I feel this let me delve much deeper into every topic that we studied.
The department
I feel the Sociology department has been very welcoming and supportive of the students, especially international students. They hold an informal social meeting every term where they check up on us and ask us about our experiences. They also make sure we tell them if there is anything they could do for us that they aren’t aware of so we can get the most out of our degree. One of the best aspects of the degree is that the professors are always willing to mentor and assist us, whether it be academically or otherwise.
Workshop at HMP DurhamFinchale PrioryRiver Wear from Kingsgate bridge
My favourite modules
The most interesting modules for me were the placement module and the Prisons, Crime and Justice module. As a part of the placement module, I get to volunteer as a mentor at the Durham Police and Crime Commissioners Office, which I feel gives me a good experience of what it’s like working with people and has also allowed me to make connections in my field. As a part of the Prisons, Crime and Justice module we had a workshop where we held group discussions with the prisoners at HMP Durham. I feel like this would be one of my most memorable experiences during my degree. This module was also a part of why I chose Durham for my master’s program.
College
Being an introvert, the collegiate system here gave me a chance to attend formal dinners and get to know people outside of my academics, making my social life a bit richer. Being away from my parents for the first time was not easy, but my college and the Student Union held a lot of cultural events for international students like me, which made me feel a little less homesick during festivals. Durham has provided me with a positive academic and social experience that I will always cherish.
Our field trip began with a range of presentations about the culture, politics and history of Armenia. Developing a deep understanding of their historical and contemporary conflicts, we were given great insight into the current geopolitical position of Armenia. We looked at how the Armenian Genocide (1915), Soviet Union (1920-1990), and Nagorno-Karabakh conflicts (1988-2023) have shaped political and social life today. This provided strong foundations for our critical, analytical study of the legacy of the trauma of conflict in Armenia society today, and its consequence on different peace-keeping efforts.
We attended a number of lectures at both the American University of Armenia and the Russian-Armenian University. These lectures provided invaluable insight into the different academic opinions on the current Nagorno-Karabakh (NK) conflict from the first-hand perspective of Armenian scholars themselves. Both institutions produced frank, critical evaluations of their past and present government’s abilities to handle the conflict in NK. This gave us a unique insight into the local Armenian’s perception of their government and the conflict. They encouraged our questioning and challenging of different actors and narratives of the conflict.
We also met with a range of different actors from all levels of the peace-building process in Armenia. Seeing first the British Ambassador, we looked at the role Britain is playing in Armenia and the South Caucuses more generally. We saw that Britain is merely a peripheral actor, supporting the Armenian government in pursuing a policy of peace. This was complimented by our meeting with the Deputy Foreign Minister of Armenia, Vahan Kostanyan. We developed a great understanding of Armenia’s past and present foreign policy agendas. The government is moving towards a policy of diversification, looking west to reduce their dependence on Russia.
The Soviet Club
The way in which Soviet history is remembered in Armenia and their current and changing relationship with Russia became a reoccurring theme during our time in Armenia. From our dinner at the Soviet Club (a USSR themed museum, restaurant and nightclub), to the Vernisage market stalls of USSR memorabilia and our lectures at the Russian- Armenian University, it became apparent that Russia retains a strong place in Armenian society. However, the consistent line of the government and organisations remains that Armenia is and will continue to diversify their foreign policy, thus reducing their dependence on Russia whilst developing strong bonds with the West.
It was interesting to hear the different perspective and narratives which academics, politicians and diplomats were putting forward. Seeing how different actors framed the conflict reflected their different positions and interests. This was similarly apparent in our meetings with the Council of Europe (CoE) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). Whilst speaking briefly of the conflict in NK, both organisations primarily spoke of their projects in Armenian society more generally. They are both working with the government and other organisations to improve equality and opportunities for women. Grounded in the CoE’s Istanbul Convention and the UN’s Women, Peace, and Security agenda, they have been working under conditions of protracted conflict to improve society more generally.
Our visit to the United Nations, meeting with Natia Natsvlishvili and Artak Ayunts
Other international humanitarian organisations such as the ICRC, as well as local grassroot groups we met (OxYGen and the Human Rights Research Centre Armenia) were similarly working on projects for refugees, women, and children. Their community-based work is essential in protecting some of the most vulnerable groups in Armenian society whilst working towards improving living conditions and equality within the country more generally. Their community-based work prioritises local people, with a strong focus on improving life for women. It was pleasing to see so many women in such high positions working within these organisations.
The Tsitsernakaberd Memorial Complex
Finally, we visited the Tsitsernakaberd Genocide Memorial Complex and Museum. We felt the weight of the history of the Armenian Genocide in society today. The sharp, oppressive structure of the memorial contrasted sharply with the Memory/Fir Ally, a memorial of fir trees dedicated by different states and organisations which have acknowledged the genocide. This left us with a profound sense of the injustice the Armenians have faced throughout their recent history. Visiting their important religious and cultural sites (for example Garni, Geghard, and Lake Sevan) we were left with a deep and strong impression of Armenia. The people are proud of their country, culture, and history. They are a resilient nation and are strengthened by the conflicts they have faced and overcome.
We would like to extend our thanks to Dr Hakob Gabrielyan, our local connection for his enduring generosity, time, and help in coordinating our trip. As a previous graduate of DGSI’s Master’s Degree in Conflict Prevention and Peacebuilding, his local and theoretical knowledge were invaluable to helping us understand this beautiful and dynamic context. Thanks to Dr Marzieh Kouhi Esfahani for her exceptional knowledge of the South Caucuses which enhanced our understanding and questioning in so many ways. And to Dr William Plowright, for single-handedly orchestrating this entire trip. He enabled us to put our masters and all the knowledge with have gained this year into practice. It has been a unique and invaluable part of our degree, giving us a real taste of the work we hope to go into, inspiring us to pursue careers within the peacekeeping continuum.
When applying to unis, I was always pretty certain that I wanted to study physics. After reading a great book about it a few years ago, I found understanding why things worked at a fundamental level really cool, and the idea of studying crazy phenomena like black holes and quantum theory seemed awesome to me!
A typical day
A typical day in my life sees me waking up half an hour before lectures, quickly having breakfast and taking the 5-minute walk down to the science site (a definite upside of being at Trevelyan college!). Contact hours are all an hour long and there are generally 3-4 of them every morning, ranging from tutorials to lectures to workshops, after which I head back up the hill to Trevs for a catered lunch. My afternoon is then generally spent in the library, most likely doing assignments, going over lecture notes or preparing for tutorials.
My top tips
Being a first-year student, I was glad there wasn’t much module choice in terms of physics, because I would have had no idea what I wanted to specialise in! However, roughly half of our modules are maths modules, and I picked the ones focussed more on teaching the maths needed for physics, instead of the ones giving a more rigorous, abstract approach. These modules were my favourites in first term, and I found it really cool how they took the maths I’d learnt at school a step further and showed us where it all came from.
My favourite part of second term has been the physics side of the course though! While in the first term I didn’t really interact much with physics outside of lectures and assignments, in the new year I started going over my lecture notes and using the textbook to make sure I really understood what was going on. Doing this has made me enjoy the course much more! It’s more work, but I’d say my main learning from first year is that you get as much out of the course as you invest in it.
Once a week we also have a three-hour lab session, and just like the theoretical part of the course, I’ve enjoyed it much more in second term! My favourite experiment so far has been measuring the speed of light, which we did by bouncing the light off a mirror and measuring the time delay between when it was emitted and when it came back. Apart from the fact that we got a really accurate result, I really enjoyed it because it branched the theory we’d been doing with real life.
Friends and free time
Before coming to uni I was worried that my degree might mean I was working all the time, but, in first year at least, I’ve found that balancing friends/societies and my workload has definitely been doable. I spend most of my free time with my friends and often in the evenings we do something together like baking or playing a game. I also always look forward to my Wednesday evenings, where I play DnD with a group I met through the Durham Games society!
Frisbee, frisbee, frisbee!
I’m also on the Ultimate Frisbee team for both Trevs and Durham! Before coming to uni I’d never played, but now I have training three to four times a week and generally a match over the weekend. I’ve also been around the UK a bit for matches or tournaments with the Durham team, which is always great fun! Sport has always been a great way to destress for me, and Ultimate Frisbee has been a great new discovery!
If you are seeking a field trip that offers real-time examples of geographical concepts, the chance to experience a variety of rich cultures all within just one city, plus some fun on the side then I would highly recommend choosing the module ‘Chicago: Sites of Global Change’. It’s not just about the field trip; the lectures and seminars over the whole year cover fascinating themes and scholarly insights which will enrich your overall learning experience.
Why choose a module that has a field trip?
Geography stands out as a subject because it provides field trips where you can witness first-hand the concepts you’ve been studying all year. These trips also offer opportunities to conduct research on topics that truly interest you, thereby enhancing both your knowledge and research abilities. Yet, perhaps the most significant aspect is the chance to meet fellow students from your course whom you may not have crossed paths with otherwise. Sharing ideas and exploring a new city or location together fosters quick and meaningful connections—I’ve certainly formed lifelong friendships during my trip to Chicago!
My fieldtrip diary
Tuesday
We got to Heathrow for our 11am flight just in time and checked in with our student registers, before making our way to Wetherspoons for our last English breakfast. The flight went very smoothly (the film selection was amazing) and we touched down in Chicago’s O’Hare Airport at around 4pm! We went directly to our hotel in the city centre passing American flags, McDonalds, and Targets on our way in. For our first night we had Chicago deep dish for the first time which had mixed reviews, but everyone managed to finish their huge portions of garlic bread, pasta and meatballs and thin crust pizza! After eating ourselves into a food coma we settled in our 4 bed dorm rooms (chosen by us) to try and sleep the jet lag off.
Chicago famous deep dish pizza and spaghetti and meatballs from Pizzeria Due
Then it was time for our first full day in Chicago! For our weeklong trip we had 3 days of activities that had been planned by our professors and teaching staff and then 4 days for our own individual research activities.
Wednesday
We started this day by getting on the ‘L’ which is Chicago’s public transit system, famous for being above the streets around the Loop (the centre of Chicago), eventually making it to Pilsen, a neighbourhood in the Lower West Side of Chicago. We had researched this area extensively in the module beforehand due to its unique rich Latino culture and beautiful murals, so being able to see it in real life was incredible. We got a guided tour of the National Museum of Mexican art before enjoying some authentic Mexican tacos and walking around the Pilsen neighbourhood which is becoming more and more gentrified. We even managed to stumble across the TV show ‘The Bear’ being filmed which was a highlight! We ended the day in Logan Square Library where we split into our groups, decided based on our research topics, to plan our own research days and get in touch with anyone in the city that we thought may be useful to speak to.
An art piece on Mexican immigration from the National Museum of Mexican Art in Pilsen A mural in Pilsen (an area famous for its Latinx influenced murals) Tacos from a restaurant in Pilsen called Los Comales (a local favourite)
Thursday
On Thursday, despite the rain and snow, we braved an open top boat tour which took us up and down the Chicago River with a tour guide who gave insights on the architecture and history of the most famous buildings in the city. We then got a tour (on foot), when it had stopped raining from Rachel Weber, a professor at University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) and author of the book “From Boom to Bubble: How Finance built the New Chicago”. A book which we had studied in the ‘Urban Governance and Neoliberal Chicago’ block of the module. Rachel gave us an updated version of her book with information on how the city’s downtown buildings were being utilized post-Covid. We ended the day with dinner at the famous Time Out market in Fulton Market where we got to speak to some UIC students about their own research.
A view of the Chicago skyline from our boat tour Braving the rain during a boat tour of Chicago’s famous architecture The Time Out Market in Fulton Market where we had lunch one day
Friday
On the final day of our scheduled activities, we embarked on a tour of Chinatown, situated on Chicago’s south side. Our itinerary included a visit to the Chinese American Museum, which offered insights into Chinese American identity and the historical significance of Chinatown within the broader context of the city. We paused for lunch at an authentic Chinese restaurant, followed by some bubble tea, a first for some of us! We ended our day, by venturing to the magnificent Chicago Cultural Centre in the heart of the city, renowned for its striking architecture and hosting various art exhibitions and cultural events. In the evening, a handful of us fulfilled a long-standing dream by attending a Chicago Bulls basketball game – an unforgettable experience complete with energetic cheerleaders, spirited mascots, and t-shirt cannons!
A Chicago Bulls vs New York Knicks match at the United CentreA group picture in Ping Tom Park in Chinatown
Saturday, Sunday, Monday
Over the weekend and into Monday, we carried out our own research, making each individual day unique! My group and I got involved with a litter picking initiative in Pilsen and got to speak to members of the city council and locals. These conversations led to an invitation to visit the City Council building where we conducted an interview with the Director of Housing and Real Estate, directly contributing to our research objectives. We also explored Chicago’s prominent green spaces, observed the final stages of construction of the Obama Presidential Centre and received a tour of the University of Chicago from students themselves. Each evening, we congregated at a restaurant to discuss our research findings and seek guidance from the teaching staff. Throughout our days, we diligently recorded our observations in field notebooks, providing valuable material for further reflection in following days.
Remarkably, our visit coincided with the eclipse on Monday, April 8th, allowing us to witness the remarkable celestial event with special glasses, as the moon obscured 93.9% of the sun.
Looking up at the Solar eclipse (with special glasses) in Milennium ParkA picture of the solar eclipse taken through the special glasses
Tuesday
On our last day we had sunshine so before our 7-hour flight we decided to hit the beach and have a game of volleyball, tiring ourselves out before we started the long journey home.
