Life changing
My experience studying in the UK has been life changing, and Across The Pond was a huge help in making it happen. From applications to visas and all of the rest they made my experience run so smoothly - I can't imagine applying without them. Durham University has been incredible so far. With a 1,000 year old Castle and Cathedral as part of the University, you really can't lose. Doing a Masters in the UK means less class time, which gives you the freedom to study on your own schedule. This means that you have to be more proactive, but if you take advantage of the experience you can really get a lot out of it.
The long breaks built in to the UK university schedule also leaves lots of time for traveling. I have had the opportunity to explore a lot of the UK and Scotland, and am about to depart on the trip to Ireland. Travel in the UK is affordable and helps provide a rewarding extra curricular experience to add to your studies. The friendships I have made here will last a lifetime as will the memories. In the end, studying in the UK gives you so much more than a degree, and I would suggest it to anyone.
- Noah
Hard to say goodbye
When deciding to pursue a master's degree in the UK I was really excited for my year-long adventure, but very stressed about the path it would take to get there. Browsing the Internet, I stumbled upon Across the Pond and their services are definitely what helped me get to where I'm at now. The advisors that assisted me with my applications were very helpful with all the questions I had, and I could tell they were really interested in finding the university that best suited my wants and needs.
Through lots of research and a few YouTube videos, I decided that Durham University was the best fit for me and what I wanted out of a postgraduate university. Coming from the southern US, I was not used to the history and beautiful architecture that we have in Durham, so being exposed to the Durham Castle and Cathedral on a weekly basis has made me fall in love with the town.
My college is University (Castle) College, and it blows my mind to know that I can study and hang out with my friends in a thousand-year-old castle! My time in the UK has taught me how to use public transport, that sometimes a pint at 11 am is acceptable, that recycling is important, and that international friendships are the best. My journey at Durham is coming to an end which is making me reflect on all the things I need to cherish in the time I have left, but how good it is to have had something that makes saying goodbye so hard.
- Laura
I cannot be happier with my choice to come to Durham
Even though I have been to the UK many times and stayed for a few months at a time living in the UK was a completely different experience. Making friends and getting settled was easy at Durham, everyone was friendly and helpful and the city center I live near has all the amenities I need, however sorting out my banking in the UK was extremely difficult. I highly recommend you look into getting a letter of recommendation (which you need as an international student setting up a bank account in the UK) ahead of time, and look into booking an appointment at the bank of your choice to set that up as soon as possible, because it took me nearly 3 months to get things sorted and it was incredibly stressful.
I chose Durham partly because of its beautiful location and setting, its world renowned reputation and for the unique and multi-disciplinary program it offered, International Cultural Heritage Management. The professor who runs the program also has a varied and rich background and has proved to be vital in giving us as students a great background to the industry and well as setting us up with great contacts through the placement module. I haven't found any other program like this and I cannot be happier with my choice to come to Durham. Its a collegiate university as well, and the college I am a part of has given me such a supportive and rewarding life outside of school; I was able to get involved with the postgraduate student society and its again one of the best decisions I have made here.
I have also had a lot of opportunities to volunteer and get experience in my field and build a network that I could use to get a job after this. There are several museums in the area and tons of opportunities to present research or papers, or participate in conferences, or even publish in my college journal. I can't stress enough to go out and take advantage of every opportunity you can, to make he most out of your experience here
I live in college accommodation, and while its a little more expensive than private renting in the town, the location is close and setting up the lease, having things around the house fixed and other issues are never a worry to me because I can simply go to the college and have it sorted out.
The cost of living is higher than in Canada, but thankfully my friends, family, the university and my advisers at Across the Pond all advised me of this ahead of time so I was able to budget accordingly. You have to be careful when deciding to eat out or not, but since I am a good cook I usually offer to host potluck dinners or lunches, which cut down on the cost of eating but still allow for socializing.
I haven't been able to do a lot of travelling as my course keeps me busy, but I have flown to Dublin and have enjoyed a number of visits within the UK with my program. You won't be short of willing travel buddies however if you need to go further out into Europe, and flights are usually pretty cheap, you just have to shop around for the best deals and make sure you plan ahead for hostels or hotels.
That's really all I have to say I think, other than saying that one of the best decisions I have ever made in my life was coming to the UK to study, and choosing Durham to study in was second.
- Krystal
Edinburgh is the most magnificent city
I would have found it impossible to have found my graduate program without Across the Pond. I was given a full, detailed list organized by course, geographic location, and even reputation. It was so organized, and I had someone to answer every single question along the way. I am in awe that I was not sent a bill! It's one of the best services I have ever used. The admission process, acceptance, decision, scholarship, and visa process were all explained to me in the clearest way possible. I would have been absolutely lost without their guidance and support.
Edinburgh is the most magnificent city. It truly is a fairy tale. I mean, how often do you live in a beautiful city that centers around a castle? The city and universities are filled with students from every corner of Europe and the globe. You'll find your weekend dodging raindrops on walking tours and exploring the nightlife, as well as spending quality time with your mates over pints in the coziest of pubs. Despite the rain, I never even bought a bus pass because I enjoyed walking into charming areas to explore the Scottish capital.
My master's degree has been better than some vacations. On weekends, I have gone to underground clubs in London, weekends in Paris filled with museums and crepes, skiing the Swiss Alps on empty off weeks, and blending in with the rich in Monte Carlo and Cannes. Plus, with everyone in my program, I now have places to stay all over Europe. The fun has just begun!
- Dylan
The support I received was amazing
The appeal of the city of Edinburgh spoke to me. I studied abroad while attending a university in Philadelphia, hoping to gain a broader horizon. While on exchange, I noticed just how different UK universities are and found I preferred them. I chose to transfer from my American university to study at Edinburgh Napier University for the practical/work-related skills they offered, the one-to-one sessions I was able to have with my lecturers, and the warm environment the university provided.
What I love about Edinburgh Napier are the facilities available for my course. I appreciate the camera gear and studios available to film students; we are encouraged to use them freely and routinely. The support I received as a foreign student was amazing - I received help with finding flats, finding a doctor or a bank, and have attended academic help sessions where I was taught how to reach British writing standards.
Edinburgh is a university city through and through. I felt at home the moment I landed, thanks to finding it easy to make friends. There are so many places to see and activities in which to take part in Edinburgh. Because I come from a big city, I found getting around Edinburgh pretty easy. Still, I found it difficult to adjust to living on my own for the first time.
Because there's so much to keep busy with in Edinburgh, between university and work and volunteering, I found it easy to stay motivated. Each job or study-related opportunity is a chance to meet new people and explore new parts of the city.
One day, I plan to own a production company where I can direct my own films. Edinburgh Napier has allowed me to continually create films and work with new people, which is exactly what I need to suit my career plans.
I'm able to use industry-standard technology and editing labs. I love being able to use the equipment so much that I'm considering doing my master's at Edinburgh Napier University.
- Corrine
