From Norwich to New Orleans – study abroad with a splash of Mardi Gras magic
By: Communications
Where could studying abroad take you?
“It changed my life”
For India Yates, a final-year American Studies student at the University of East Anglia (UEA), it led her to the heart of one of the most vibrant celebrations in the United States: Mardi Gras in New Orleans.
What began as a semester abroad at Loyola University soon became an impactful journey for India, through her exploration of the city's rich traditions, music, and post-Covid cultural revival.
Not only did her experiences inform her dissertation – they also transformed her personal perspective on identity and the importance of first-hand, immersive learning.
What inspired your interest in Mardi Gras and New Orleans?
“Last year, I spent my semester abroad at Loyola University New Orleans, choosing to go to New Orleans due to its rich music, food and arts scene.
“Carnival season began the day before I arrived, so immediately I was thrown into this indescribable environment. Nightly parades with handcrafted, huge floats became my welcome to the city and it was impossible to wander around the French Quarter without running into second lines.
“Mardi Gras means the streets are alive all hours of the day and the city is covered in more beads than you could possibly imagine. From there on in, I was enthralled by this unique culture and made it my mission to return this year.”
How did this trip relate to your dissertation research?
“My dissertation focuses on how Mardi Gras is an expression of post-Covid New Orleans.
“I find it hard to describe Mardi Gras in words as it truly breaks the boundaries of anything else I have experienced.
“Returning to New Orleans meant I relived the Carnival experience and could engage with it critically and purposefully for my dissertation. This trip allowed me to collect primary evidence in photographs and carnival throws, letting me experience things I would have missed otherwise.
“I was lucky enough to interview my Loyola professor, Charles Cannon, who taught me a class on New Orleans culture. This class traced the history of Mardi Gras, which made me realise research regarding the most recent Carnivals to be lacking – the Mardi Gras that I had witnessed and loved so much."
Tell us about some of your impactful experiences in New Orleans.
“One parade I focused my dissertation on is Le Krewe d’Etat. This particular parade is fascinating as it is a reformation of a former white supremacist organisation, which was interesting to see in the contemporary American political environment. I saw many incredible parades but my favourite, Krewe Of Iris, was beautiful as ever.
“Perhaps most excitingly, I returned to my favourite music clubs – Fritzel’s Jazz Bar, the Spotted Cat (where I met a baby pig) and the famous Tipitina's – to watch Preservation Hall Jazz Band. I’m a musician myself so watching world-class musicians for next to nothing is something I never take for granted while in New Orleans.
“Mardi Gras day was one of the best of my life. The streets were lined with music, food, drink and revelry. I spent it in the French Quarter with my friend Emma, a Loyola student I met while she studied abroad at UEA, and other friends I made while studying abroad. And I lived on Creole and Cajun cuisine the whole trip!”
How do you think travel enhances academic study?
“The travel experiences I had while studying abroad, returning for Mardi Gras and otherwise, have been fundamental aspects of my degree. At least for American Studies, being able to experience culture and history firsthand is incomparable to reading a book or journal, or even looking at photographs online.
“My travel in America has forged my interests in my degree, as there is something really special about being about to visit the site of something you studied in class. For example, I will never forget visiting the ex-Whitney Plantation after studying a module on slavery.”
Any top tips for students looking to combine their studies with travel?
“I am a huge advocate for studying abroad – it’s cliche, but it changed my life.
“Go wherever your interests take you, but you’ll also find new interests wherever you end up, so don’t be afraid to explore outside your comfort zone, visit new places and take on new experiences.
“Don’t let preconceptions and stereotypes about a place or people define your experience as you’ll very quickly find they largely aren’t true. Save up as much as you can and JUST DO IT.”
If you are looking to start university in September 2025 and still thinking about your options, consider joining a UK Top 25 university this September through Clearing.
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