Start from scratch with just three suitcases

I am a Sustainable Development Engineer, and I had the opportunity to study the MSc in Leadership in Climate Change and Sustainability at Newcastle University, thanks to Across the Pond, who were with me throughout the entire initial process, and to the Chevening Scholarship from the British government.
 

WHY THE UNITED KINGDOM?

I chose the United Kingdom mainly for its commitment to climate action, which made it an ideal destination for the next stage of my career. It was the first country in the world to require large companies to report on climate risks, and it maintains a partnership with Mexico for sustainable and inclusive growth that has delivered successful results. It also ranks among the top three countries for environmental management, according to the Environmental Performance Index produced by Yale and Columbia universities, which demonstrates its expertise in this field.
 

WHAT WAS MY LIFE LIKE?

It was the first time I had studied abroad, and it has undoubtedly been one of the most invaluable decisions I have made.

Academically, it was a challenge. The programme had a much stronger research focus than I was used to, but I always felt supported by my lecturers. What I value most is that it was an interdisciplinary programme, which allowed me to exchange ideas with economists, historians, sociologists, political scientists and geographers to tackle problems arising from climate change together. I also had the opportunity to work closely with a European energy company, helping to design a business incubator for young people from low income backgrounds as part of its corporate social responsibility programme. This programme allowed me to combine my engineering background with my skills in entrepreneurship and sustainability consultancy, something that leaves me feeling very satisfied.

On a personal and cultural level, living in Newcastle was, without exaggeration, the best decision I made. I fell in love with Tyne and Wear, how close it was to the beach, the woods and nature, and its location as a midpoint between two of the United Kingdom's most important cities, London and Edinburgh (which I visited three times!). I made the most of the chance to travel and explore the nation, and one of my favourite activities became hosting friends who came from other parts of the UK to explore the city together, its museums, beaches and new corners that I myself kept discovering.

The locals, known as "Geordies", are famous for their warmth, and I did not know how lovely it would feel to feel at home because of it. In the end, something as simple as greeting someone with a smile, just like in Mexico, was what made me feel like I belonged there.
 

WHAT DID I LEARN?

One of the biggest lessons was becoming a more open minded person. Spending time with people from all over the world, sharing dishes and customs, taught me that laughter and respect are a universal language that breaks down any cultural barrier.

I am also taking away a lesson about climate action. The United Kingdom is a genuine example to follow, given its level of environmental awareness, which is reflected directly in its laws and policies. I had the chance to experience this closely by joining the Climate Ambassador Scheme as a volunteer, a programme funded by the Department for Education, supporting schools in developing their climate action and biodiversity plans. It is a model I am taking with me, and one I want to help promote in Mexico.

But perhaps the deepest lesson was about myself. I discovered that I am capable, that I am brave, and that I can start from scratch with just three suitcases (one of them a cabin bag) and build a home anywhere in the world. That confidence was not something I had before I left.

And I certainly learned never to take a good taco al pastor for granted, since you simply cannot find one over there! Becoming an ambassador for Mexico is something you discover only once you are far from Mexico.
 

WHAT DO I WISH I HAD KNOWN BEFORE ARRIVING?

I wish I had known that English in England has a thousand different accents depending on which county you are in, and that the further north you go, the stronger the local accent becomes. At first, the Geordie accent intimidated me, but people in Newcastle are so warm that it does not matter if you do not understand at first, they will always repeat it with a smile.

I also wish I had known how much I would miss certain flavours. My advice: bring your Valentina sauce, tortillas and Tajín. Do not hesitate to pack very specific ingredients from Mexican cuisine (or from your own country's cuisine); if you have space in your suitcase, take them, because cooking something from home on difficult days makes all the difference.

One logistical detail that would also have saved me time: the electrical sockets in the United Kingdom are different from those in Mexico, so it is worth bringing a universal adaptor beforehand.

If I could add anything else, it would be this: get ready for the weather to change several times in a single day, packing layers is far more useful than bringing one thick coat. And do not underestimate the university's "societies". Joining a club in the first few weeks is one of the quickest ways to make friends and feel part of a new place, even before you get the hang of the local accent.

- Julieta