“I’m thoroughly enjoying living in Glasgow.  When I’m not studying I play in the University’s cricket team – sport is clearly a big part of Scottish life and from what I’ve seen the Commonwealth Games would be a great way to showcase the wonderful venues Glasgow is lucky enough to have.  And not just the sporting facilities, but the amazing countryside – in 30 minutes I can be at Loch Lomond, one of the most beautiful national parks I’ve ever seen.

Glasgow as a city is culturally very strong.  My other passion is classical music and I love going to the City Halls with some of the many friends I’ve made since arriving in September.”

Procheta Mallik, 24 from Bangalore, India
Studying for a Ph.D in astronomy

In Chile there are only Chileans – Glasgow is such a multi-cultural city, but in some ways it is the most ‘Latinised’ country I’ve visited in Europe, like us Chileans Glaswegians are so friendly and always keen to chat.

When talking to my friends at home there are always two things which come up in conversation about Glasgow.  One is the number of parks in the city – Glasgow certainly lives up to its name ‘dear green place’.  In Chile there are very few public parks, the fact I can walk from my flat to Kelvingrove Park is a real bonus. 

The other is that people buy drinks in rounds – even if they are skint (a Scottish word for having no money), and being a student that is pretty much all the time.  That never happens at home and it is such a welcoming, trusting, sociable thing to do – which I think perfectly sums up the wonderful people of Scotland. 

Tamar Schwarz, 21 from Chile
Studying Microbiology and been living in Glasgow for 3 years

I’m not sure how to describe Glasgow – you have to experience this amazing city for yourself, especially the nightlife!  I was expecting an industrial town, I couldn’t have been more wrong!  Glasgow has a soul, the town is buzzing with energy, it is one of the most vibrant places I’ve ever visited and I will be sad to return home. 

The architecture around the city is incredible – just look at Glasgow University, Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum or the Botanic Gardens, all only 5 minutes from where I am lucky enough to live and study.

Judo is my sport and if Glasgow wins the 2014 Commonwealth Games I’d definitely return with all my friends who’ve heard such good reviews about the city to watch it at the Kelvinhall, and take part in a party that is bound to be the party of all parties! 

Sara Cohen, 19 from Fournier, Canada
Studying Microbiology and returning home in June  after three years

There is a lot of sport going on in Glasgow, with many great facilities that provide fantastic opportunities for people to get involved.

The Arts & Culture scene is also good, including many bands to see in the West End. There really are so many things to see and do, any night of the week.

Abraham Williams-McCarthy, 22 years old
Originally from Sierra Leone, now living in Glasgow
Studying Parasitology, 4th Year Student