Studying abroad adds so much more value

My dream was always to study in the UK, and now I'm living that dream. The process was much easier with the help of Across the Pond, who made my life SO much easier by helping me with the paperwork and the necessary requirements. They have experts in different subjects, which is much more helpful, especially with the visa process and various paperwork that can be a bit stressful, but their assistance makes everything easier.

I chose the Master's in Marketing with Festival and Event Management because it combines the best of both worlds. I only found this program at Edinburgh Napier University here in Edinburgh, which is why I came here. The truth is, I never considered studying a Master's in Mexico, where I'm originally from, because studying abroad adds so much more value. Regardless of the academic aspects, the personal learning is on another level. It helps you realise that you are capable of many things, and that you can do many things "on your own," meaning far from family and friends, in an unfamiliar environment, and that makes you mature in many ways. If you're capable of this, you're capable of anything in life.

Napier is a good university with excellent teachers. Everyone always looks for ways to help you and make sure you're okay, especially with mental health issues, something they take into account, which I really liked.

To avoid the hassle of finding private accommodation, I stayed in one of the university buildings, and it was the best decision. They're really comfortable. I had my own space and bathroom. I only shared the kitchen with five other people, but lifelong friendships emerge from there. The building is secure; security personnel come around regularly to check on you. Everyone is very friendly. What I also liked is that there's a laundry room. Personally, I can't live without a washing machine nearby, but that's a matter of taste and personal preference. What I also liked is the central location, which was very close to my campus and the city centre. It's super well connected, with plenty of shops nearby, including the supermarket.

I'm not much of a partyer, but the truth is, the nightlife here isn't anything special. It's not a place for partying, but of course you can find clubs and places to go. I prefer sitting in a pub, having a beer and chatting.

The people here in Edinburgh are lovely; everyone is very friendly and cool. They don't hesitate to help you if they see you need help; they reach out. That really gives this city a huge plus. Speaking of which, I'm from Mexico City, a huge city with millions of people, and being here in Edinburgh, which is also a city, makes a big difference. It's a small city, with few inhabitants, and very quiet, and above all, safe.

Something I also like about this side of the world are the trains. They're very easy to take, and in just a few hours you're already in another city. They're very practical and you can get affordable prices. The bus routes are also super well-designed, and it's easy to get anywhere. The app is very easy and practical.

In my free time, I rested, hung out with friends, went sightseeing, and also started working, where I've met a lot of people. It's a job that doesn't feel like a job, and the good thing is that it allows me to earn an income during my time here.

I've already finished my master's degree, and my graduation is coming up soon, and I'm very excited. I actually plan to stay in the UK, as I'll be applying for a graduate visa, which will allow me to work here for two years.

If you're coming to study in the UK, I recommend you enjoy every step and every process. No matter how stressful it can be, it's all part of the experience. But much of this process is made easier, as I mentioned, thanks to the help of Across the Pond. Everyone is very friendly, they help you with any issue, even the smallest ones, and they respond very quickly. Thanks to them, everything was much easier. They answered all my questions, and it's thanks to them that I learned about this master's degree. I told my advisor, the areas I wanted to study. He sent me a list of all the options in the United Kingdom. I narrowed down a few until I was left with three, but my first choice was the one I studied because it has the two industries that interest me the most.

And well, here I am, writing about my adventure of more than a year, including the time Across the Pond accompanied me throughout the process. I'm sitting at my desk in my new room, having recently moved because my contract in university accommodation ended. I'm happy to have finished my master's degree and excited about graduating. I'm also excited about everything that's coming up in my personal and professional life. I'm ready to apply for the graduate visa and now I'll start looking for a job. I'm sure something great will come of it.

Trust that like thousands of people, including me, this life experience will go incredibly well for you, because it's something you'll be able to tell your children about. Enjoy university, your life away from your home country. Although the distance can sometimes be great, video calls bring us closer to our friends and family. Make new friends, as I'm sure they'll be lifelong. Enjoy the good times and the bad, because everything passes; the good stays in the heart, and the bad serves as a lesson and experience. Enjoy every moment and dare to do anything; life is one.

I'd like to take this opportunity to thank Jess, my friend who recommended Across the Pond to me, and my advisor for being an excellent advisor. Thank you for making the paperwork so much easier and more understandable.

- Maria Fernanda