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My incredible experience studying abroad in the UK
Hiya! I'm Jesus Angel and let me take you on a journey through my incredible experience studying abroad in the UK. From the moment I decided to pursue a master's degree, I knew I wanted to do something extraordinary. Traveling abroad while furthering my education seemed like the ultimate adventure, a way to enrich my knowledge while satisfying my craving for exploration. It was truly a win-win situation.
I had the privilege of choosing Robert Gordon University, and boy, was it a great decision. The university's remarkable reputation as the third-best in Scotland for both student satisfaction and employability caught my attention. What sealed the deal was its engineering campus, a marvel built in 2018. The labs and facilities were top-notch, a perfect environment for a tech enthusiast like me. And the campus itself? Oh, it was a picturesque haven. Nestled by the River Dee, lush green areas, and stunning scenery were a part of my everyday view. Plus, with a gym and a swimming pool, staying fit was not just easy but enjoyable. What impressed me further was the commitment to accessibility, ensuring that everyone, regardless of their abilities, could fully participate in the university experience. Speaking of experiences, let me share a bit about my accommodation. I opted for private housing, a mere 15-minute stroll away from the university. What a find! It was also just a stone's throw from the old railway road, a charming cycling and walking path. Having my own space was crucial to me, allowing me to focus on my studies while enjoying the comfort of a place I could truly call my own.
The UK's student life was a pleasant shock to my system, in the best possible way. Compared to my home country, Mexico, the diversity at Robert Gordon University was striking. My program alone was a microcosm of the world, with classmates representing Nigeria, India, Denmark, the Czech Republic, and Scotland. The discussions were incredibly enriching as we exchanged perspectives and shared our unique experiences. It broadened my horizons in ways I hadn't imagined. My course, MSc. in Biomedical Technology, was a revelation. Delving into cutting-edge technologies and their potential in the medical field was electrifying. From researching new medical devices to understanding regulatory norms, it all felt like I was preparing to make a real change. My future goals have been shaped by this course—to bring these advancements to Mexico and uplift the quality of life for countless families. Let’s talk about my new hometown, Aberdeen. Known as the 'Granite City,' it's so much more than its sturdy architecture. The city is alive with festivals, art, and events. I was taken aback by the murals and artistic expressions scattered across town, a testament to Aberdeen's dedication to the arts. And guess what? Despite its granite facade, there's a beautiful beach to unwind at. As someone from the desert, having a beach nearby was an unexpected delight that added to the city's charm.
When it came to making friends and exploring new cultures, being an international student ambassador was my ticket. This role opened doors to connect with people from all walks of life. We'd gather for picnics, art events, and celebrations of our diverse traditions. Sharing Mexican festivities like El Dia de Muertos was a fantastic way to connect with others and build friendships that continue even after graduation. Now, here's the twist. English wasn't my first language, and I thought I was prepared. But the UK's accents, oh my! Different accents from all over the world took me by surprise, making communication an exciting challenge. But you know what? It was an amazing experience to navigate this linguistic diversity. The university's support, from patient lecturers to tutoring services, made this journey smoother than I ever imagined.
Before I took this leap, I wish someone told me that starting from scratch in a new country is both a challenge and an incredible joy. Learning new traditions, making friends, and building a life from the ground up is daunting, but the rewards are immeasurable. Lastly, my journey with Across the Pond was remarkable. My agent, Jose, was a true guide. He was there every step of the way, assisting with documents and answering my doubts. His unwavering support made the process seamless, and I'm truly grateful to him and the entire team at Across the Pond for making this experience possible.
So, that's my adventure so far. From studying in the UK to embracing a new culture, every moment has been a chapter in my incredible story.
- Angel
A new experience which has been incredible so far
I arrived on January 11 in Aberdeen, Scotland, my new home for the next 14 months. I didn't know anyone, I didn't know how public transportation worked, I didn't know anything about the gastronomy of the country, all I knew was that I was ready to start my new life as a student at Robert Gordon University.
Going back to school was something I thought about for a long time; wanting to improve my professional career, in addition to having the opportunity to live abroad, was what motivated me to look for schools and master's degrees. Once I saw what RGU offered I decided to apply, I was accepted and my adventure began; I left my puppy with my parents, in addition to quitting my job and leaving my home to come to Scotland to live a new experience which has been incredible so far.
I have gotten lost in the bus, I have struggled to understand the Scottish accent and I have tried food that I did not like, but I have also met people who have become family, in addition to adapting to new habits and receiving a very good education, very different from Mexico.
Student life
The school here is very flexible, we have classes 3 or 4 days a week, 3hrs a day because they give us the opportunity to find part-time jobs. I was ready to spend all day studying for very difficult exams, but I was surprised when I started the semester and realized how different it is from the education system in Mexico, RGU specializes in practical teaching, we have theoretical classes, but we also have conferences and in the summer they give us the opportunity to do internships in local companies to gain experience and create professional links.
I lived in one of the school dormitories together with 6 other flatmates: Jochem from the Netherlands, Deji, Philip and Victor from Nigeria, Toni from France and Mahnoor from Pakistan. I was very nervous at first, since being people from different parts of the world you never know what customs they will have and if it will be possible for everyone to fit in, but we all managed to get along very well and we became a small family.
The first day of classes was something that went through my mind a lot: "How many classmates will I have? What will the teachers be like? What will the classrooms be like?" So when the day came I was surprised to learn that we were around 25 students, most of them from Nigeria and East Asia, I'm the only Latina in the class! The teachers have always been very friendly and are always available to help and guide you.
Aberdeen
The city of Aberdeen is in the north of the country, it is a coastal city and it is known as "The Oil City" or "Granite City" because of all the oil that was in the city and because all its architecture is gray and with the rays of the sun it shines like granite. It has a cold climate, in summer the temperature reaches 20°C and the sun sets until 10pm (something that still amazes me), and in winter it snows and it gets dark at 3pm. It doesn't rain as often as I thought, but we can have the 4 seasons of the year in just 1 day, plus it's windy and mostly cloudy; there is a saying that goes “summer in Aberdeen lasts 2 weeks” and I have witnessed it to be true hahah, in June we had 2 weeks of sun and the rain came again. We do have sunny days, but they are not very common. Also, right now in August the summer clothing sales have already started and the stores already have winter clothing.
The city is a student city and it is very diverse, many immigrants have arrived and it has a very safe environment, it is very nice to be able to go in the bus at night without feeling threatened or worried. People are very friendly and they talk to you at bus stops (especially the elderly), they are interested in knowing about you and offer you advice on what to visit.
Another thing about Scotland is how easy it is to move between cities or towns, you just have to buy a train or bus ticket and spend the day sightseeing, that's how I’ve been able to visit Stonehaven, Banchory, Edinburgh, Glasgow and Inverness.
I'm living a big dream that I hope I don't wake up from soon. I walk a lot (your legs are one of the most used forms of transport here), I cook more, I enjoy nature and I have a part-time job doing digital marketing. All this has been possible thanks to the support I received from FIDERH and FUNED and Across the Pond that guided and helped me at all times.
I miss my family, friends and my little dog, but I know that it is a unique opportunity that I must make the most of it!
- Erika Leticia
The best experience of my life
My experience living and studying in Scotland has been the best experience of my life. The staff at RGU were so accommodating to international students and worked hard in providing us with a superior education that has proven itself over and over with the quality of graduates returning to begin employment in their home countries.
My program (MSc Physiotherapy pre registration) was a special one for me, giving me opportunities to do placements all over the country and meet so many of Scotland’s people. The locals were always so polite and kind and also curious to learn more about me and my culture.
The friends that I made in the program continue to be close to me even though we are located at all points on the globe. This international network has certainly made travel a lot more fun.
My degree gives me a new, international, perspective to healthcare. This perspective is attractive to employers who are used to seeing candidates with Canadian degrees. My degree also is a great conversation piece for my patients that I see everyday, who are intrigued to see how their life is different from those in another country.
- Liam
Digital meeting with a Student Advisor
Book an online session with an advisor with Across the Pond to learn more about studying in the UK!
- Make sure you book the meeting at least 2 days ahead of time
- If you want to talk over Skype, make sure your Skype is working as it should and that you have connected with your advisor before the meeting starts to avoid losing valuable meeting time
- If you do not use Skype and prefer to talk over for instance Teams, just type that into the "Skype-ID" field and we´ll arrange to send you a meeting link via Teams (you do not need a Microsoft Teams user)
