As we are all self-isolating due to COVID-19, there are great limitations on movement and experiencing new culture...or so you think...

Over the next week (31.3. -  5.4.2020) ESN UofG will be sharing lots of different ways to have some cultural experiences, all from the comfort of your own couch. Check our Facebook page every day at 5 pm GMT for our travel hack of the day! Of course, all the hacks will be uploaded to this page after being published on Facebook!

 

Day One: A1 for April

You may not be able to physically visit a country, but you can learn the language so you are ready for self-isolation to finish!
ESN UK are using the power of Duolingo as well as some amazing members of ESN Germany to help all of you work towards being an A1 speaker by the end of April.

If you want to be a part of this, follow the joining instructions in the Facebook event.

 

 

 

Day Two: The Sims 4
Build a new home in a neighbourhood you can wander and explore, all from the comfort of your own home. It's tough being inside all the time, so use the Sims as an escape from university assignments and studying into a new world of your own creation!

The game is currently 75% off, with the deluxe version only £11 from £44.99. Definitely worth it if you want to experience anything currently limited by quarantine!
Get it here.

 

Day Three: Virtual Museum Tours
Had any trips planned for the next couple of weeks that you had to cancel? Is the favourite part of your holiday going to museums and art exhibitions to witness history unfold before your very eyes? Now you can, with virtual museum tours. Including Van Gogh in the Musee d'Orsay, Botticelli in the Tuscan Uffizi Gallery, or Athenian artefacts in the Benaki Museum, travel the world, and here is how.

 

Day Four: Movies

Sometimes you need a duvet day, a Netflix and chill. While in isolation, you have the perfect excuse to spend an afternoon or evening on the sofa under a blanket with a good movie. Chrome even has an extension to allow you to watch Netflix with friends, google 'Netflix Party'!

Some of the best movies of all time are international, the perfect way to get your daily doze of culture. Attached is a list of some of the best movies of all time available to stream on various platforms. Our personal favourites include:
- Pan's Labyrinth
- Amélie
- Spirited Away

 

Day Five: Theatre
When we are stuck inside and can no longer spend a night at a bar or friend's house, we need to look for alternatives for a night of entertainment. The Arts have listened, and now some of the greatest musicals and theatre performances are being posted online!
Although there is a plethora of options, the most recent and highly acclaimed performance to be publicised is Lloyd Webber's Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat, but also includes Shakespeare and childhood classics like the Wind in the Willows.
It may not be something you'd usually watch, but is now not as good a time as any to try new things?

You can find them them here.

Day Six: Online Courses
Has there been a topic you've always been interested in? Needing a break from studying and want something new to stimulate your brain? Look into online courses, or researching from home!
Universities around the world are creating free online course content for anyone to interact with - there is everything from business and finance to history to science to health and wellbeing.
Have a look at websites like Coursera.org (uni courses), or coffeebreakacademy.com (languages). There's a more detailed list in the google doc attached.