For Best of British week, I got in touch with Her Campus Durham’s own international students, Helena McFadzean and Marie Martin, to find out just how they really feel about Britain and their experiences over here so far…
Name: Helena McFadzean
Age: 20
Hometown: Vienna, Austria
Name: Marie Martin
Age: 19
Hometown: Perth, West Australia
When did you first visit Britain, and how many years have you spent here so far?
Helena: When I was a baby, we visited the extended family for the first time. I’ve been visiting every now and again since then, but always felt like a tourist. So far, I’ve lived in Britain for one and a half years, as I moved here for my degree.
Marie: I had been visiting about once every 4 years with my mum to see family members, generally for about 2 weeks during the Easter school holidays. The first time I’d come to the UK to live though was September 2015 for uni, and I’ve been home 3 times since then.
What most struck you about Britain upon your first visit?
Helena: Perhaps my first visit doesn’t really count because I was so young, but one of the things that always strikes me when I return to England are the excessively good manners that everyone has. People always look at me weirdly in Vienna when I say ‘sorry’ too many times! I am also in love with the British countryside, and really wanted to move to the North because I love the rough-looking landscape!
Marie: Basically how it seemed like a tiny little garden with green fields and cute little stone walls. The towns are so close together amongst the green fields though, so it seems so strange that there aren’t many wide-open plains. Also the weather, who knew there could be so much cloud and rain?!
How does Durham compare with your hometown?
Helena: The biggest difference is that Vienna is a capital city, and therefore obviously much more metropolitan. It is so nice to come back to Durham and live a much more relaxed and wholesome life for half of the year. Of course, I also have to mention the weather, which never really seems to change in Durham, while temperatures can get quite extreme where I’m from. While most people complain about the weather up here, I feel quite happy not to have to leave the house at -20°C!
Marie: Durham is such a nice little town and I love how close it is to the countryside. From where I live in Perth, it takes about an hour to drive to the outskirts. Perth is a city, with approx 2 million people, which is a lot of people compared to Durham. Also Durham is so old, whereas Perth was founded in 1829…
What is your favourite thing about …
Britain overall?
Helena: The humour. It’s just so much more daring, clever and self-deprecating.
Marie: Adele. No, seriously though, all the best bits of the food and culture, oh and the landscapes are pretty impressive, like the Lake District and the Highlands.
British cuisine?
Helena: I love that tea-time is a thing here, so there are so many more cafés with brilliant cakes on display. Also, this is not necessarily about British cuisine, but there is so much more and higher quality international cuisine available here!
Marie: Proper cooked breakfasts (omg Cumberland sausages are incredible), toad in the hole and all the cool chocolates like Terry’s chocolate oranges.
British music?
Helena: When I first started getting into music, I was really into the whole Brit-rock thing – Arctic Monkeys, the Libertines, the Kooks et cetera. In general, I think Britain is the most influential country for Rock music, so I’d say that’s my favourite thing about British music!
Marie: Tbh the music is the same as at home, except the number of Ed Sheeran fans is even bigger than at home, and I didn’t think that was even possible!
British TV?
Helena: My favourite thing about British television is the cult followings that certain shows will get. People will get really nerdy about Peep Show, the Office and Doctor Who.
Marie: Has changed my life. Holby City and Car Share in particular, oh and the Graham Norton Show. In general BBC and ITV are so much better than ABC, it makes me happy.
British people?
Helena: You tend to be quite focused and put together, which I sometimes find intimidating, but most of the time inspiring and admirable.
Marie: Generally they seem less laid back than Aussies, and perhaps less open. But still a great bunch of course
Can you see yourself moving to Britain for good in the future?
Helena: That’s a tough question for me. I guess it depends on what opportunities may arise after my degree. At the moment, it looks like I may end up in any place in the world that will have me!
Marie: Maybe for the short term after graduating, but I think I’d like to settle down back at home, if/when I do. I enjoy living here but not gonna lie I feel like I’ve missed the sun a little bit too much haha
A big thank you to Helena and Marie for their time and answers, and for successfully putting up with Britain (weather and people included) thus far!