If you're thinking about it, go for it
I find the creation and complexity of the human body very interesting. How it is so well made and how it adapts to its surroundings. I primarily knew that I wanted to work with people and help them optimise their health and life, and in that process of finding out what I wanted to study, chiropractic just felt right. With its thorough examination and its non-invasive approach helping the body heal itself. Optimising the function and the mobility to better cope with life and the challenges we might experience. I simply find it very fascinating.
Why did you choose to study at the AECC University College?
Before coming here, I studied one year of Spanish, and one year of multicultural communication and international work. Through that I got to live in different parts of Spain, and I also worked six months in Colombia. That was an amazing time and quite an adventure, but it was also quite far from home. When I was looking at chiropractic, I did consider going to New Zealand or Australia, but ended up at AECC because it's the oldest chiropractic College in Europe, I had heard a lot of positive things about the school and Bournemouth, and it meant that I could go home to visit family over the holidays. Another thing that drew me to the AECC University College was that about 50% of the students are international, meaning I could continue developing my interpersonal skills, and increase my communication skills to make me better equipped meeting with different people in future practice. I think that because of the diversity, studying at the AECC University College gives you an opportunity to learn, grow and develop strong social skills in addition to your studies.
How did you find leaving from Norway?
Leaving Norway to study in the UK didn’t feel like travelling far at all. After living in Colombia this felt like moving just across the country considering physical distance. Culturally however, I was surprised over the fact that it is quite different living here compared to back home. I had quite a reversed cultural shock still adapting to Norway after living in Colombia when I decided to cross the pond and move over here. So, I started my stay not feeling quite like I belonged anywhere to be honest. I wasn’t rooted in my own culture let alone in the English culture. I remember finding it difficult to get honest replies as to how people were doing, because the stereotypical English answer to “How are you” is either “I am fine thank you, what about you?” or “Not too bad, yourself?”. The equivalent to this in Norway would be a simple hello or a nod. I soon learned the lesson that the English communication is more about pleasantries and politeness compared to if you ask the same questions in Norway. I have many times made people feel rather uncomfortable by replying honestly to the polite questions, and my impression is that Norwegians come across quite rude when we don’t take the time for pleasantries. However, if we do ask “how are you doing” you can share almost anything, some examples are, how bad you have slept or how you are experiencing some mental health problems. Another challenge I experienced and continue to experience after moving is that my brain is fried by the end of the day from speaking English. After 9/10pm I am not as approachable, and my sentences starts falling apart.
What you do kind of like outside of your studies?
In Bournemouth there are lots of things that you can do! The University has a variety of sports and clubs that you can join. Personally, I love dancing, so I normally go dancing in town at least once a week. I’m currently dancing salsa, bachata, kizomba and zouk. The Latino dance community in Bournemouth is huge and we have so much fun being taught by amazing dancers from all over the world.
What do you most love about living in Bournemouth?
I think that Bournemouth is a beautiful place to live considering the beach, nature, variety of people and opportunities. There are so many communities that you can join, and the place is generally very social. The size of the city is perfect in my opinion, because there are enough people to feel anonymous, but you can still run into friends whilst grocery shopping. If you want to be alone you can, and if you want to be sociable you have a lot of different opportunities. So regardless I think you can find the places where you thrive the most. I love that you can do most things locally such as go clubbing, go to the cinema, go bowling, play minigolf, go to the aquarium, go hiking down the Jurassic Coast etc. The weekends fly by because there are so many things to see and new places to explore.
Finally, what are your ambitions for the future?
To use my education and skills to help other people achieve their goals and reach their best potential. I look forward to start working and explore a new chapter in life. I will probably go home and start working there, because I quite look forward to seeing my friends and family more often. The most difficult thing with that is to leave England and all my friends here. I have had a really good experience studying at the AECC University College, and I have met some amazing people that will always have a special place in my heart. I will look back at this time with joy and happiness.
What would you say to a school leaver who was thinking about studying abroad?
Go for it, you're not going to regret it. I will not lie to you, it will be difficult, it will be frustrating and challenging. But the reward, joy, enrichment, and character development you will experience will be an amazing journey.
If you're thinking about it, go for it as you might end up regretting not going. It will also go by very fast, and it will leave you with many wonderful memories to look back at. If you are worried about leaving friends and family, my experience is that by living far away from home I value my time with them even more. It is also easier to keep up with the good vibes only, because they understand why you cannot make it to every event, birthday etc. We are lucky to have social media, so you can keep in touch, it is not like you are disappearing out of their lives.
Finally, how did Across the Pond help you with your application?
Across the Pond really helped me with the whole process. They told me everything I needed to know before, during, and after sending my university application. They helped me keep up with deadlines, and they gave me a checklist before writing my personal statement as well as reading it and giving me feedback. In Norway we don’t do personal statements, and we don’t know how to navigate UCAS, so I honestly don’t think I could have done it without them. The support and follow-up from their team were crucial for my very good experience with applying to go to University the UK.
- Elena