This international experience has broadened my perspective

Coming to study in the United Kingdom was a long-standing aspiration for me. I have always been attracted to the country's academic tradition and had an interest in its culture since childhood. In the field of environmental economics, the UK has been at the forefront of global research and reputation. Therefore, both for my professional and personal interests, coming to this country seemed ideal for me.

I chose to study at the University of York because of its reputation in environmental issues and its environmental economics program, which aligned perfectly with what I was looking for. The campus is surrounded by nature, with rabbits, foxes, ducks, swans, and various birds, which makes the stress of exams and deadlines much more manageable.

My advisors from Across the Pond provided me with guidance on university options that matched what I was looking for. They also offered information on scholarships and put me in touch with people at the universities, which allowed me to make the best possible decision. Their support didn’t stop once I was accepted; they also assisted me with legal aspects, preparation, and various types of advice, which made my transition to the UK much smoother and more secure.

I chose my master’s degree because I believe that the urgency of environmental issues is the most critical problem facing the planet. The University of York not only has a prestigious environmental economics program, but its professors have been fundamental in my education. They not only provided me with the tools and knowledge necessary to tackle these challenges, but also offered constant support for my specific questions and interests. Having studied economics in Mexico, I was able to deepen my theoretical knowledge and apply it to the environmental field, in addition to acquiring new insights in areas such as climate change science and environmental protection.

When I first arrived in York, the city’s architectural beauty and the warmth of its people made me feel welcome from the start. The research I had done on the city fell short, because York is not only beautiful but also vibrant and full of life. Despite not being as large as other UK cities, the cultural offerings are impressive: museums, galleries, festivals, and, of course, its pubs. It is said that there are more than 365, one for each day of the year. Additionally, due to its location, traveling to cities like Manchester, Liverpool, or London takes less than 2 hours.

There were difficult moments, especially during exams. However, the University of York offers a wide range of support resources, both academic and emotional. I attended voluntary workshops on research, writing, and statistics, which were fundamental to my academic success. Additionally, the campus library, adapted to different study styles, became one of my favourite places to focus and learn.

The diversity and daily interactions allowed me to learn not only about my master’s program and British culture, but also about cultures from other countries. This international experience has broadened my perspective and made me more aware of global issues and the different ways to address them. Moreover, I have made friendships and met people I want to keep in my life forever.

To future students, I would recommend making the most of everything the University has to offer, from academic resources to extracurricular activities. There are societies of all kinds where you can find people with similar interests. The university system gives students a lot of independence to study and research on their own, so managing your time well while taking advantage of the opportunities in York is vital.

Studying in York has provided me with growth not only professionally but also personally. This experience has been one of the most enriching in my life, and I hope to apply everything I have learned to contribute to more sustainable development in my country.

- Eduardo