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GO Student Ambassadors, International Placements

Meet the GO Ambassador 2026/27 – Natasha Payne

15 September 2026
Global Opportunities Globetrotters

Global Opportunities Globetrotters

Name: Natasha Payne

School, degree programme and year of study: School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Physical geography, Year 4

Host destination: Queens University, Canada

 

 

Your experience abroad

Tell us about your global opportunity—where did you go, and what did you do?

For my year of study abroad, I went to Kingston, Ontario in Canada. Here I took a range of modules from the schools of Geography, Environmental sciences and Geology. Queens University is in Kingston which is a university town on the shores of Lake Ontario. Some of my favourite activities in Kingston were going to sports games and wondering around all the cute, independent shops in Downtown Kingston.

What surprised you the most about your host country/programme/time abroad?
The incredible school spirit at the university, with most people attending football games and other sporting matches to cheer on the University. The pride Canadian students had for the university made the atmosphere at Queens amazing.

What is the one thing you miss about your time abroad?
The people I met. Whether it is friends I have made for life or random Canadians I met on my travels, everyone in Canada is so friendly and kind. I was lucky enough to meet the most amazing community on my YOSA with both exchange friends but also Canadian students. I am so grateful to my friendships I have made in Canada.

A bit about you!

What’s something you’re passionate about outside of your studies?
Travel and Hiking
 
What’s your favourite place on campus/in Cardiff?
The main building. The building is so beautiful.

If you could live anywhere in the world for a year (a dream destination), where would it be—and why?
New Zealand. I don’t really know why but I have always been drawn to that country. I like the mix of mountains and beaches. There are some incredible hikes that i would love to do around there.

What’s a fun fact most people don’t know about you?
I’ve ran a marathon.

Reflections and Advice

Describe your global experience in three words
Beautiful, Fun and Unforgettable

What advice would you give to students considering a global opportunity?
DO IT DO IT DO IT! You will never regret it. You will make friends for life, experience a completely new way of living and grow as a person so much. I think everyone should do a year abroad or live abroad at least once in their life. I am so grateful for my opportunity to study and live in Canada for a year.