My Cranfield experience
My Cranfield journey has been one of the most enriching and valuable experiences I have lived so far. Something that one day seemed unreachable and beyond my expectations, became true.
Everything started with the idea of becoming a more prepared professional, throughout the tools, resources and experience that a master’s degree offers, specially in another country, that allowed me to make an impact in my community and be a positive influence for others.
During my research, at the beginning of the process, I realized that UK was among the countries with better rankings for financial masters, offering a wide variety of programmes and resources that fitted with what I was looking for to continue my personal and professional development.
I have to admit, that the process was not easy at all, but what I can assure, is that it totally worth it. During each of the steps that I was required to complete, and for all the information and queries that arise throughout the whole process, scholarships, documents, interviews, etc. Across the Pond offered me their support, which made everything much easier, compared with what would have been without their aid.
Once I arrived to UK, a whole new world was disclosed for me, discovering new customs, cultures, lifestyle, food, weather, etc. Furthermore, >80% of my classmates were from other parts of the world, outside UK, which made the master more insightful, since it helps you to develop a broader vision, mindsets and learning to work with multicultural teams.
There are countless of memories that I most remember and appreciate, including all the friendships, trips, hangouts, social activities both inside and outside the University, football games, professors, classes, teamwork projects, exams, seminars, thesis, etc. It was like living again old times in a very short period of time, trying to take the fullest advantage of each day.
Something that I found really interesting during that time, was having a closer understanding of the different cultures around the world. Some actions that for one person can be natural and part of their daily life, for other cultures might not be interpreted the same. Among all the activities the University organize, I remember one called “the international week”, where different students from their respective countries coordinate for showing others some of their most traditional dishes, customs, clothes, and anything else that represents them. In my case, we prepared some “tacos of cochinita pibil” (or at least we made our greatest effort for that), being a wonderful experience not only showing others part of your own culture, but also learning from others part of them, beyond of what we can learn from any books or videos.
Finally, what I learnt during that time, was that a master’s degree is not the end of the road, there’s a whole world outside, always something new to learn, and that anything that challenge your comfort zone, will always worth the effort.
- Miguel
Giving me the chance to be a beginner again…
It's no secret that getting out of your comfort zone is not an easy process and when I moved to England to start my university life, it was more complicated than I thought.
My dream as a child was always to become an actress or a Tae Kwon Do world champion, but for some reasons, my career as an athlete did not bear fruit. So, I decided to follow my other dream, and what I am studying is "Acting and stage combat”. When I read the name of the career I fell in love because it was like putting together my two dreams, Tae Kwon Do and acting. This career is basically acting, but they also teach you the basics concepts of safety to act in a fight without hurting your teammates, you also learn to handle different weapon systems such as swords, knives, shields, firearms or just your own body for unarmed fights.
The selection of the university was relatively simple, since the University of Essex (East 15 Acting School) was the only one in the world that offered the degree I wanted, so we can say that I did not have many options.
I'm not going to lie I would have loved this degree to be here in Mexico or at least in a country with a Spanish-speaking language. I really did not want to leave, I am a person very attached to my roots, to my family, to mexican food, I love the sun, and on top of that, I’m shy and without the best English (literally I got the minimum qualification to enter university).
I am grateful of that day that I took the flight to London and even though there have been times when I felt very alone, what I have gained from this experience has been much more, especially personal-wise. If we talk about academics, my English is still not the best, but it has improved significantly, I can say that two of my teachers have been the best teachers I have ever had and I have learned to manage the money. But personal growth has surpassed academics, I have learned a lot from myself, and it has made me have to overcome challenges, thus giving me the necessary confidence to trust in my problem-solving abilities.
My advice to you is to give yourself the opportunity to be a beginner again, you will have to find new favourite places, new restaurants, new ways of comfort, even new food products when you go to the supermarket! And if you're not fluent in English and you're a shy person like me, it'll probably cost you a bit more, but once we learn in this life to be comfortable with the unknown, we'll be unstoppable in any field.
THINGS I WOULD HAVE LOVED TO KNOW BEFORE I LEAVE…
- Meeting Across the Pond before: I arrived a week late for my classes because the university had not given me a document that I needed to apply for my visa, but I met Across the Pond and they speeded the process, so if it wasn’t for them, I would have been a month late. They are very helpful and friendly, also it is always good to have someone who is guiding you in the process and to whom you can ask all the doubts that arise.
- Your English doesn't need to be the best to survive: The truth is that people are very patient and kind and have no problem with helping, so don't be afraid to ask. With my basic English I survived the train, airports, supermarkets, school services, etc.
- Take your favourite seasonings with you: There are certain seasonings that you will not find in the new country, or maybe they are from the same brand, but they will not taste the same. If they are fundamental to you, I really recommend you to bring them, for example, I filled my suitcase with spicy sweets and sauces.
- Accommodation: There are some student residences that offer three-year contracts and give you a discount for that. However, I recommend that you also take the option of living the first year in the student residence, meeting people and then moving out to a house with your same classmates and it will be much cheaper. Or rent an Airbnb for a month and then find a place to live.
- Clothing: Winter clothes are better to buy here, they are better prepared and probably with more quality.
- Airports: Keep in mind that some airlines if you buy a round trip and you miss the first flight, you also lose the return flight. So you can also evaluate the option of buying the flights separately or talk with the airline to see if they let you to take just the return flight.
- Banks: There are some places that only accept English cards for any deposits or payments. The Revolut bank can help you to get a British card fast and easy to process it, literally all the process is from your phone.
- Internet package: Something that helped me a lot was having internet on my phone to use Google translator, directions on Google Maps, to get ubers or taxis. I use Voxi because I can pay with my Mexican card without any problem and the price is very reasonable.
Good luck guys and enjoy your new experience! ?
- Daniela
Outstanding Academic Experience
Having attended a British school in Mexico City from the age of 2, it had always been my dream to one day live in the UK. When I was in high school browsing sustainability-related undergraduate courses, I came across Environment and Business in Leeds. It seemed like the perfect course for me, and after doing more research I fell in love with Leeds as a city too. It certainly did not disappoint! I have thoroughly enjoyed my academic journey at the university; from the engaging lectures, to the challenging assignments. The interactive and dynamic learning/teaching environment we have here is quite different from the more traditional teaching in Mexican schools and universities. My favourite thing about studying in Leeds is that I have been able to take various modules that cover a wide range of subjects, including modules such as Sustainable Development, Environmental Politics and Policy, Economics and Sustainability, Social Ecological Systems, People, Sustainability and the Environment, and Strategic Energy Issues.
Fun Student Life
I have not only enjoyed my academic life, but also the day to day. Leeds is a beautiful city, with hundreds of things to do, I have never been bored for a day! It is full of delicious restaurants, bars, nightclubs, shopping centres, parks, cinemas, and much more. Coming from such a big city, Leeds seemed like a very small place, but I had nothing to worry about. In fact, I really like how different the lifestyle is here. Having access to safe and reliable public transport, easily visiting nearby towns and cities on train, being able to walk pretty much anywhere I need to go. Student accommodation has also added to my student experience, and is one of the biggest differences I find between being here and living at home. In my first year I lived in university residences, which was such a fun experience! I met all the people who, still today, are my best friends and helped me get adjusted to British culture and introduced me to some of their friends as well. After that, in my second and third years I lived with friends in private accommodation in a popular student area called Hyde Park. This allowed me to become much more independent and responsible, and to truly experience what it is like to live on my own.
Diverse Welcoming City
From day one, everyone in Leeds has made me feel welcome. From students and lecturers to random people on the street, everyone here is polite and kind, always willing to lend a helping hand if you’re in trouble. Especially as international students, people understand we might experience a few extra struggles when we first move in, and they are therefore very supportive. Both the city and the university are very diverse; we have students from over a hundred different countries! I have made friends here not only from the United Kingdom, but also from Japan, India, Indonesia, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Mexico, Ecuador, Spain, France and Kenya, to name a few. This has allowed me to learn about and appreciate different cultures, lifestyles, foods, traditions, and also to share my own!
- Almudena
A life-changing experience in a world-class University
Studying in the UK was a unique experience that has brought many blessings to my life; that’s why I called this testimonial a life-changing experience. First of all, I chose the UK to study because of their high-quality study programmes and highly-qualified lecturers and professors. After five intensive, wonderful and unprecedented years – I completed my PhD in Electrical Engineering at the University of Edinburgh (ˈed.ɪn.brə), a worldwide renowned University in Scotland. When it comes to vibrant and busy places to live or study like Edinburgh –considered as one of the best places to live in the UK-, I was extremely lucky to live in a University-owned accommodation, that was quite handy, just a stone’s throw from the campus and many amenities around there.
Living in the UK allowed me to meet so many amazing and supportive people, my supervisor, teachers, administrative staff, colleagues, and friends beyond the academic environment. At the beginning it was hard to get used to the new culture and faces, but eventually Edinburgh became my new home. I learned their customs and celebrations including the Burns Night and the Hogmanay.
Personally, my experience in the UK was a bit different from other students, because I had the opportunity to have my wife and my son with me. I can proudly say they also succeeded there; my son completed his primary school and learned a new language –with a beautiful accent-, and my wife became a highly regarded chef in a five-star hotel.
Five years later, I have returned home –and yes, missing Edinburgh already- with a refreshed and enhanced background, ready to contribute to the higher education in México as a specialist in sensors and semiconductors.
I cannot omit to mention how helpful Across the Pond was for this experience to become a reality. They were so supportive and accompanied my application process from A to Z. I particularly thank my advisor for helping and encouraging me over the entire application.
- Alberto
The decision that changed my life forever
A few years ago I attended a postgraduate fair for studying abroad in Guadalajara, Mexico. I had already attended many other similar events, but with no luck and so I went there unconvinced by the many colourful flyers for studying abroad. This time, however, I received a contact card from Across the Pond.
I emailed Across the Pond and they walked me through the whole process, from the baby steps of applying to CONACYT and British universities, to the larger steps of overseeing and advising me on my applications, letters of recommendation and helping me through the student visa application process once I got selected by CONACYT. The whole process was lengthy, but I was not alone at any point; Across the Pond was there every step of the way to help me and even put me in touch with other Mexicans who planned to study at the same university before I even set foot in the UK. When it came to selecting a university, it was between two: The University of Aberdeen in Scotland and the University of Southampton, in the south of England. Both are excellent choices academically, but I chose Southampton for three personal reasons: its proximity to London, its milder climate compared to Scotland and finally, the fact that it had a Premier League football team.
When I finally moved to Southampton, I was very excited but a little nervous, since it was a new country and continent I did not know. However, I was not alone within the first few days of arriving, thanks to the other Mexican students that Across the Pond put me in touch with. Finding a place to live and people to live with was one less thing for me to do, since I rented a room through one of the university halls of residence, Wessex Lane, which was done months before arriving.
My accommodation was ten minutes away from the university’s main campus. Situated in the northern and greenest part of the city, between two beautiful parks, it was a modern and convenient bubble of students who always wanted to socialise. There was even a pub and bar/restaurant for students on campus, which made it much easier to meet up between activities and classes. There were facilities like a gym, swimming pool and sports rooms on campus. But without a doubt, one of the best aspects of university life was the student societies. There are societies to celebrate every possible hobby, culture, religion or interest. I joined the Mexican Society (Mexsoc), which of course allowed me to meet even more Mexicans. I was always surprised to see how many Mexicans and other Latin Americans were studying at the university - there were hundreds at every party. Out of all the societies, the Mexsoc parties were definitely the biggest and most popular events, attracting students from every country. Through Mexsoc events, you could meet international and local students, which can be difficult to do on your own. Through the Mexsoc, I met Latin American, European and Asian students, who I am still in touch with today.
Life in Southampton was really memorable for me. The city is pretty big, with a population of around 250,000 people. Since it is on the coast, there are lots of beaches and pretty villages nearby, such as the Isle of Wight and Bournemouth, which are beautiful and popular beach destinations in the UK. Next door, there was also the New Forest, which is a huge national park where you can camp, go to the beach, go for hikes and other adventures.
Probably the best thing about living in Southampton as a student is that it was easy to get around the city by bike and walking. I personally bought a bike and used it to get around - there were many cycle lanes and shortcuts to take by bike through the beautiful green parks dotted around the city.
To summarise, Across the Pond walked alongside me, from beginning to end, in the decision that changed my life forever. Without their support, I don’t think I would have studied in the UK, which opened my eyes to a new culture, country and continent I was unaware of before. While at Southampton University, I met a British student who introduced me to life in the UK more so than anyone else I knew. She showed me what authentic food tasted like, taught me slang and introduced me to local people and places I would never have otherwise known. But the best part is that she and I fell in love and we are now married, living in Mexico. My life changed when I took that step with Across the Pond, and I will always be thankful for that.
- Alan
