Jade Nikita Monteiro Andrade is a second year Media Studies student at Pontifical Catholic University of Rio de Janeiro. She talked about her experience on the 3-week Creative Industries London course she joined in January 2025.
How was studying abroad in London? What is your favourite thing about the city?
Studying abroad in London was a dream I have always had. It was amazing! I found a course that actually went along with my interests back at my home university, and that also allowed me to explore and know more about the city.
London is the most international city I have ever been to it never fails to impress me. There is always something to do and places to go, and never a reason to stay home. The city has such a rich history. One can never be bored in its museums, galleries, gardens, parks, music venues, or even strolling the streets passing by cafés, bookshops, markets, interesting architecture, or to just use the tube or the double-decker buses that take you literally everywhere.
What is your favourite memory of studying abroad?
My favourite memory of studying abroad was when the class went together to Shoreditch, where we saw so many cool shops, street art, art galleries, and had lunch at a market. It was our assignment to research and capture our surroundings and all the changes they underwent through time. It’s incredible to think of how much we would have missed if we weren’t guided. I had planned to go to Shoreditch by myself for a long time, but it was even better to go as a group!
What did you enjoy about your classes?
The best part was the tutors themselves — Nida, Oli, and Ava. I loved how they brought their backgrounds and their knowledge to class, on topics like culture, solar energy, music, entrepreneurship, community, history, current events etc. It made it even more interesting and personal. I really enjoyed the classes and the fact that they were always so diverse, embracing of so many areas, as I too have so many passions and interests. Every person in the classroom was able to contribute their own artistic ideas from different countries, different background, and different university majors. We had designers, journalists, engineers, lawyers, filmmakers, writers, painters, actors, musicians, and people from all kinds. The tutors were so open-minded and fun to get along with. Our final project was inspired by the punk subculture in style and structure. I even got to experiment a little with music and audios with Oli.
Can you tell us about a project or outing you were particularly excited about?
One of my favourite days on the course was when we went to TATE Modern and to a pub afterwards. At TATE we saw the Electric Dreams exhibition, filled with fun and unexpected mediums, shapes, and thought forms. They were able to engage the visitors in multiple ways with the sensory installations. The exhibition entails the wondrous and pioneering brainchildren of early innovators in optical, kinetic, programmed, and digital art. It was a trip back in time from the 50s to the 80s on how international artists were thinking about technology. I left hypnotised by those rooms and a few other spots at the museum. Afterwards, we walked for a bit to have a drink and a chat at The Blackfriar, a very traditional cosy pub in the area.
Why did you choose UAL Study Abroad? How do you think your study abroad experience will help you with your future endeavours?
I chose UAL Study Abroad to enhance my CV in a way that is aligned with my passions. It is such a unique and original university, and the Creative Industries course was even more one of a kind to me. I was really glad to have found it and even more fortunate to be accepted onto the programme. I had already dreamed and thought a lot about UAL through the years, but never knew how to make the dream a reality. I am very happy that I had this opportunity. I am proud to hold this experience on my CV, but above all I am so grateful and will definitely miss it all. I wish I could stay longer.
Creative Industries having such a bold, original and multifaceted curriculum enables me to have more success and critical thinking in areas ranging from arts and social movements, culture and heritage, current events and all their corresponding establishments and areas (museums, galleries, theatres, markets, publishing, music etc). Thus, with my area being in Communications / Media Studies I am able to expand my knowledge and possibilities of work, as I am passionate about all that was covered in the course
What is the most valuable thing you learnt from the experience?
I learnt that any place and human creation transforms itself into something even more interesting and wonderful when we take the time to learn its history and truly appreciate the experience in the present moment. We can choose to be tourists anywhere in the world, even in the place that we live in, and that is what makes things even more magical. To always have eyes of awe, to know there is always something to explore, and that human creativity and boldness will never cease to bring surprises.
Is there anything you want to share with future study abroad students/ future applicants? Would you recommend the experience at UAL?
I most definitely recommend the experience at UAL! If you are open-minded, creative, an explorer, and like to think and learn in an unconventional way, this course is for you.
For future applicants, I recommend that you make the most out of what your tutors teach and use their tips to explore the city and study by yourself. They have very good recommendations that only locals would know. Also, take the time to talk to them and get to know them, they are very friendly and one can always learn more.
