During my three months of the IISMA 2024 program at Arts University Bournemouth, I gained much new knowledge and experience. From an academic perspective, I learned many new art methods and techniques, as well as ways to design something. There were many workshops and seminars for the students to attend. Those workshops were always interesting because there was always something new they taught us. The lecturers were helpful and patient and always found a way to support their students until their problems were resolved. I would love to study here again.

I enjoy the campus; it's nice, clean, and easy to get around. My favourite thing is the moss ecosystems that grow on the rooftops. My course tutors also created a welcoming environment. Being an international student, this was comforting. I'm so far from home, so having this community was super important for me to find and has helped me adjust to living in England. My first impression of the course was that our tutors were knowledgeable in what they were teaching; I love that they're also passionate about design. On the BA (Hons) Communication Design and Strategy course, one of the topics we've been focusing on is typography, which I've enjoyed. My creative process has changed drastically during my two months at AUB; I still don't have a solid process because I'm trying different methods to find it. However, one fundamental part has changed, and that is research. Research has always been part of my creative process, but learning more about good research and its project requirements has helped me.

I love art, design, and crafting, so I have a million different hobbies. One of these is embroidery – I've been working on embroidering words, which has turned out to be helpful on my course because it ties in with typography. While embroidering, I look at the anatomy of different fonts and how the pieces work together to build a whole font, which has helped me appreciate type more. I recommend AUB to any creative- learning from passionate people makes your passion grow.

Overall, this study abroad experience has been informative and has expanded my art practice.

The painting workshop early in the term with the course leader provided me with an opportunity to talk and connect with other students.I also loved the freedom in the workshop and how exploratory it was.

Certain materials being provided for free in the different workshops and other costs covered such as metal and wood cutting are greatly appreciated. Back home, these things are charged for.

One of the best things is that there is more freedom at AUB to explore your practice, work autonomously, and be encouraged to try new things in new ways with less focus on outcome and more focus on process and discovery is amazing.

The printmaking and binding workshop were my favorite.

If you are a creative person or an artist, AUB is a worthy destination for you!