Beyond the Classroom

During my university studies, I became interested in pursuing an international postgraduate degree in architecture. I was looking for a renowned university in a country recognised for its rich architectural heritage, so I considered options in North America, Europe, and the United Kingdom. It was during my university search that I discovered Across the Pond, who supported me throughout the application process from the very beginning.

Across the Pond helped me identify the universities and programmes that best aligned with my interests and academic goals. Their guidance was invaluable in helping me explore different funding and educational support options, making it financially possible for me to study abroad. They also provided advice and support with the required documentation, ensuring that I met all the necessary requirements and deadlines. Thanks to Across the Pond, I was able to turn this dream into reality and begin an experience that would transform my academic journey.

Now, as I am about to complete my postgraduate degree, I can look back and recognise how this decision has contributed to my development in different areas. In particular, pursuing a master’s degree in the United Kingdom has been a comprehensive experience that has enriched my academic background, strengthened my personal development, and broadened my cultural perspective.

• Academically, I not only gained knowledge but also developed new skills and broadened my way of thinking. I learned to question, analyse, and communicate my ideas with greater critical awareness. However, learning did not only take place in the classroom. During my programme, we had the opportunity to take study trips with professors and classmates, visiting towns and places surrounding the city. These experiences were among the most valuable aspects of my time in the UK and are part of what made the experience so unique. Studying Sustainable Design at the University of Edinburgh taught me the importance of integrating social sustainability into design and understanding architecture not only as a response to the physical environment, but also as a tool to improve the quality of life of the people who experience it.

• On a personal level, I found a balance between my academic and personal life. In the United Kingdom, punctuality is an important part of everyday life, which taught me to organise my activities more effectively and prioritise my tasks. This allowed me to manage my time better without neglecting other aspects of my life. I also learned to budget more carefully, as having a limited financial resource taught me to use my resources responsibly.

• Finally, culturally, universities in the United Kingdom bring together students from a wide variety of backgrounds. Living and interacting with people from different countries taught me that every encounter can become an opportunity to learn. I came to understand that differences are precisely what enrich a conversation and give rise to new ideas. In the end, curiosity became one of the most important tools throughout my experience: asking questions and listening.

Overall, this opportunity taught me that personal growth also means learning to adapt and taking responsibility for the challenges that arise outside our comfort zone. I realised that this process of adaptation takes place across different areas of life, from the academic to the personal and cultural.

When it comes to the academic experience, I would recommend becoming fully involved in your programme of study and not being afraid of not knowing something. We are here precisely to learn, ask questions, make mistakes, and discover. There is no need to arrive with all the answers; part of the experience is allowing yourself to learn along the way.

Similarly, small aspects of everyday life can have a significant impact on how we experience living in another country. For example, before arriving, it would have been helpful to prepare myself better for the climate, particularly for the winter and the way it can affect one's mood. For this reason, I believe it is important to build a support network from the beginning and, if possible, arrive a few days before the programme starts in order to become familiar with the city and make the adaptation process easier.

Finally, pursuing a master’s degree in the United Kingdom marked a turning point in my professional career. In my professional practice, I will be able to apply what I have learned to project and budget management, particularly when defining priorities and allocating resources efficiently. I also developed skills in listening and negotiation, reconciling different perspectives, and developing more inclusive and context-sensitive solutions. This experience strengthened my ability to adapt to new projects, teams, and working methodologies.

Today, I take with me a broader perspective of the world and a strong commitment to applying what I have learned to create a positive impact in Mexico.

- María Eugenia