Beyond the Degree: What the UK Taught Me
What the UK gave me was much more than a university degree.
I cannot put into words everything I learned during this year and how transformative it has been for my life.
To be honest, studying in the UK was never a dream of mine. I did not have the financial means, my English level did not make me feel confident, I had no idea how the application process for international universities worked, and, in short, I did not feel good enough to be accepted into a British institution. On top of that, I believed my academic and professional background was not competitive enough to stand out.
My journey began when I decided to start considering the idea of building my own business. I felt I lacked the courage to take that step and that I needed more preparation. That is when the idea of pursuing a master’s degree appeared, a way to fill that gap.
The possibility of studying in the UK came to me when I discovered that many universities offered scholarships for international students, not just tuition discounts. So I started applying to programs in both Australia and the UK. During that process, I received support from Across the Pond, who guided me so well that I ended up focusing all my efforts on the UK. In the end, I applied to four universities, all of them accepted me and all of them offered me a scholarship. I chose the University of Leeds because, besides being the highest ranked among the ones I considered, they offered me 50% off tuition fee and additional financial support for living expenses.
Those two scholarships made possible what once felt out of reach: studying in England. Now, one year later and about to finish, I can say with certainty that this experience has marked a before and after in my life. The master’s degree itself became just a bonus, in the best possible sense, because the real value was everything I experienced along the way.
I met incredible people, built a network I could never have imagined, lived through countless “first times,” improved my English, and most importantly, overcame personal insecurities that had been holding me back. I realized that my profile was competitive enough at an international level, and that I had been ready all along, even when I doubted myself.
I learned so much about myself that today I want to tell you something, especially if you are hesitating about applying for a master’s program: do it. I promise it will be one of the best investments of your life. Because if there is one thing that this year has taught me, it is that opportunities belong to those who dare to take them.
In conclusion, you are just one decision away from living one of the most meaningful years of your life. Give yourself this gift, because no one deserves it more than you. Do it for your past, your present, and your future self.
Wishing you all the best.
- Claudia
A Mexican in the Land of Giants, Studying in Belfast
My dream of studying abroad finally came true in the United Kingdom.
I chose this destination because of its academic excellence, its postgraduate programmes with a practical focus, and the cultural diversity it offers. What especially attracted me was the possibility of carrying out an industry project, since it meant an opportunity to experience working in a foreign country. I wanted to have a complete international experience that would challenge me to grow professionally and personally. And it certainly was a considerable challenge: studying another language, adapting to a different dynamic after more than 10 years away from classrooms, and living far from my family for the first time.
Turning Data into Knowledge and Decisions
I am pursuing a master’s in data analytics, and the experience has been fascinating. Analysing information, discovering patterns, applying machine learning algorithms, and predicting outcomes have become a passion. My background is in Computer Science, and I worked for several years as a software developer. Choosing this master’s was a natural step to complement my knowledge and understand how data is transformed into decisions. The course has allowed me to apply my skills in programming, analysis, and visualisation to real projects, while at the same time improving my English.
Returning to the Classroom After More Than 10 Years
I was apprehensive about returning to a classroom, but the experience has been wonderful. Belfast is a lively and fresh city, with clean air and a blue sky that soothe me on my way to class. The university campus is striking; its main building resembles something from Hogwarts: beautiful and enchanting. Living in Northern Ireland has also let me explore unique landscapes, such as the famous Giant’s Causeway, a remarkable place and the reason for my title, “A Mexican in the Land of Giants.”
My Life in Willow Walk
Fortunately, I secured a place at Willow Walk, a highly sought-after residence at Queen’s University Belfast. It is safe and close to the campus, which means I can walk there every day.
The most special part has been sharing a flat with another Mexican of my age, with whom I have built a priceless friendship. Sometimes we cook together, look after each other when we are unwell, and in a way, we have recreated a little piece of Mexico in Belfast.
My First Surprises
Adapting was challenging. I arrived late for the programme, and everything felt overwhelming. The weather was the first thing that surprised me: you can experience all four seasons in a single day. I quickly realised that a small umbrella is useless, and the best investment is a sturdy one. Food also came as a cultural shock: supermarket chillies are not spicy, and the amount of packaged food is enormous. On the other hand, I was impressed by the city’s safety: I could walk at night without fear and carry my laptop or mobile phone without worries.
What I have fallen in love with the most is the warmth of the people. Although I initially struggled with the accent and slang, everyone has been patient and always willing to help.
Thinking in Spanish to Speak in English
The language was one of my greatest fears, as I had never lived in an English-speaking country. But it became an invaluable opportunity to improve.
The university offers academic English courses and one-to-one tutoring. Thanks to these services, and even the help of a professor who has supported me with my writing, I have made far more progress than I ever imagined.
Age Doesn’t Matter, If You Want to Study in the UK: Do It!
Many worries about age, English skills, or money. I did too. But today I can say it is worth it. Yes, there are obstacles, moments of tiredness, and even tears. But all of that is part of a process that makes you stronger. I have grown like never before, proven to myself that I am capable, and I feel fortunate to have come to this welcoming and beautiful city. I hope more people can experience this transformative journey.
My Experience with Across the Pond
I first learned about Across the Pond through Facebook. From the very first email, my advisor guided me patiently and swiftly. I failed the IELTS in my first year, and again in the second. Despite this, I received conditional offers that motivated me to keep going. In the third year, I passed the IELTS and obtained unconditional offers, but then money became the obstacle. I applied for several scholarships, such as Women in STEM and CONAHCYT, but was unsuccessful. My advisor encouraged me to try again. I prepared motivation letters and reapplied. Then I received the news that CONAHCYT had selected me. With very little time to organise the visa, my advisor supported me through every detail until I finally arrived in Belfast one day before the deadline. This process taught me that persistence, determination, never giving up, and proper guidance can make dreams come true even when impossible. I am deeply grateful for Across the Pond's support, which was essential at every step, from the very first emails to my arrival in Belfast.
- Jessica
A space designed for the growth of its students
I’ll be honest: I arrived at the University of Nottingham to begin my PhD in Critical Theory and Cultural Studies with a great deal of fear. Although years earlier I had completed a master’s degree in the UK and already knew what it meant to study abroad, the doctorate felt like a much bigger leap—with an entirely different exigency. In a cold January, I packed a suitcase with my warmest coats, a generous supply of Mexican food, and, above all, my fear.
To my surprise, the fear stayed folded away between the clothes. From the very first day, Nottingham showed me that academic rigour does not have to mean exhaustion, and that quality is not synonymous with impossible expectations. Being in a demanding programme also means being in a space designed for the growth of its students: with resources available, with structures that encourage research, and above all, with a community that listens, engages in dialogue, and cares about the development of each of its members.
The University of Nottingham has given me a place to explore my voice, to test my ideas, and to grow as a researcher without losing sight of the human dimension. Here I have discovered that excellence does not suffocate—it inspires; that rigour does not paralyse—it propels; and that fear, after all, can remain in the suitcase.
- Gabriela
What I found exceeded all expectations
I arrived in Brighton to pursue an MA in Modern and Contemporary Literature, Culture and Thought at the University of Sussex. I chose the United Kingdom for the academic excellence of its universities, but what I found exceeded all expectations: learning extended far beyond classrooms, long hours in the library, and intense seminars.
That turbulent and exhilarating year was, in truth, a school of life. I discovered authors and theories that transformed the way I read the world; I tasted flavours my palate had never known; I faced a climate as whimsical as it was challenging for my Latin sensibilities; and I witnessed landscapes that seemed straight out of a Victorian novel. Beyond academics, I met people from unexpected corners of the globe, each with stories that broadened my horizons.
Today, the experience still reverberates in every aspect of my life. Brighton taught me how to inhabit the unfamiliar, to find beauty in the strange and, above all, to recognise myself amid the noise, the cold, and the wonder of a new place. On that journey, without realising it, I found myself.
- Gabriela
Opened doors I hadn’t imagined
Maybe I won’t start the way you’d expect; actually, it all began with a trip. I had never thought about studying in the UK, but I had always dreamed of visiting London. For as long as I can remember, it's been my favourite place, maybe because one of my favourite movies, The Parent Trap, has scenes in London, or because my grandparents told me stories about their trip and showed me pictures of the Changing of the Guard. London was my bucket list trip.
How did that lead me to study in the UK? Honestly, if someone had told me that I wouldn’t just travel, but that a few months after fulfilling my dream of visiting London, I would move to get my master’s degree, I would have laughed. It seemed impossible. But while planning the trip, Instagram’s algorithm took me to a link for a webinar by Across the Pond about studying in the UK. I just thought, why not? I connected out of curiosity, just to see what would happen.
My advisor, was the one who helped me choose the universities, apply, and made the whole process possible. I remember perfectly that I was returning from Stonehenge, on that same trip I told you about, when I got the email from the University of Winchester saying I had been accepted. What motivated me? The possibility.
When I think about my academic, personal, and cultural life here, I’d describe it as both enriching and intense. Lectures demanded a lot from me. Studying in another language was a challenge, but the university’s facilities and professors made the difference. I got to experience living in student accommodation, I joined the ultimate frisbee team, so I trained on weekends or went to matches against other universities. I also got a part-time job two months after arriving in the UK, an opportunity I had thanks to the university.
And of course, traveling, living here gave me the chance to visit Paris, Bruges, Brussels, and Ghent (so far), plus a few short trips around Winchester.
I’m taking away so many lessons. The master’s in Digital Marketing and Analytics gave me a new perspective. Studying the same field from another country, with different case studies and real client projects, gave me a global vision. Enjoying myself and being open to surprises is definitely one of the greatest lessons. Here I did things I’d never done before, like travel by train. Plus, living this experience helped me appreciate Mexico even more, and I noticed all the things we take for granted that just aren’t common here, especially when it comes to food.
I wish I had known or better understood the grading system. I know it sounds obvious, but the way they grade is different, and it takes a while to get used to the fact that here a 70 or 68 is considered a very good grade and you pass with 50. Another thing I wish I had known is that here, supermarkets and coffee shops tend to close relatively early, which is very different from what I was used to in Mexico.
Looking back, I am grateful for every challenge and opportunity this journey gave me. Studying in the UK transformed my perspective, helped me grow personally and professionally, and opened doors I hadn’t imagined. If you are considering this path, I encourage you to embrace the unknown with an open heart.
- Tanya Sofía
