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First Days At Strathclyde
WHAT WAS IT LIKE TO ARRIVE IN THE UK? WAS THE VISA EASY OR MORE COMPLICATED?
I arrived at Glasgow International Airport early in the morning on a cloudy day in August. Passengers from my flight seemed to be the only ones in queue for immigration. I had gathered up all my documents, but was still feeling uneasy about customs.
The application process for my visa had been a little different. I had a grandmother who was born in Scotland, and I was from a commonwealth country so I was able to apply for a UK Ancestry visa, which would allow me to study, work, and live in the UK for up to 5 years. My plan is to study my PGDE with Strathclyde in Scotland, then remain in the UK to practise teaching.
Gathering up the documentation for that visa had been a long process. I needed to collect birth certificates, marriage licenses, proof of funds, and book an appointment at a visa center in Ottawa (the nearest centre to me) to send off for my visa. I have a real appreciation for what a service like Across the Pond can offer for students going through the visa process.
I was a little nervous about the immigration check for my visa; I was unsure if it would be as complicated. Luckily the agent working the desk at the time was very kind and patient. My Across the Pond Student Advisor had already let me know what to expect, so I had my documentation ready. He asked me a couple questions about my plans for Scotland, and then I was on my way!
WHAT WAS WELCOME WEEK/ORIENTATION LIKE? DID YOU FIND IT HELPFUL? WHAT WAS THE MOST ENJOYABLE?
My programme started earlier than most to accommodate the student teacher placement schedule. I arrived at the mostly quiet student halls, but had great assistance getting set up. The regular orientation activities wouldn’t be ready for another week or two so I met up with my flatmates and other members of the residence to talk about the course and make new friends.
Once orientation week started, there were loads of events going on around the city. Some of these fairs on campus had lots of good info about events in the city (and lots of discounts!) as well as info that was helpful for international students: like opening a student bank account and getting a cell phone plan.
There were lots of events for on-campus residences as well, like free breakfast and pizza meet ups and getting to know your residence team and meet fellow students. It was so easy to meet others while living in student halls, and we quickly made plans for events and trips.
I’ve had some opportunities now to make little excursions on the weekend to places outside Glasgow. So far I’ve made it to Edinburgh (sadly just after the Fringe Festival), and spent some time hiking and exploring the city. I’m looking forward to more kinds of excursions like this, and seeing more of Scotland.
DO YOU HAVE ANY RECOMMENDATIONS FOR STUDENTS ARRIVING NEXT AUTUMN?
I initially thought because I had experience living abroad and adjusting to a new country that the move over to the UK wouldn’t be too much of a culture shock, but I found that going through the visa process and arriving in a new country still was a pretty new and exciting experience for me, even if I spoke the language here! I really appreciated the assistance preparing for my arrival, so I would recommend new students to seek out any advice from their Across the Pond Student Advisors.
The other side of that is: I found I was very supported by my university once I arrived here. The student halls have been great and the Welcome Week events made me feel pretty comfortable navigating the city, and travelling beyond.
- Ashley
Studying Education (Teacher's College) in the UK
A common question I get asked here is: why did you choose Scotland to study education? My answer is maybe a little more complicated than other international students, but it involves the coming together of a great programme and some family roots.
After completing my undergraduate diploma, I headed over to South Korea to teach English. I stayed there for a number of years until moving on to China where I worked for an international teaching consultancy firm in Shanghai. We analysed teachers’ resumes if they were interested in working internationally and helped them find schools that would be a good fit. I became familiar with education qualifications from many countries and after two years in China, I felt that my real calling was teaching. I was ready to choose a programme to get certified.
While looking at postgraduate qualifications around the world, I kept coming back to University of Strathclyde’s PGDE programme. It was appealing to me because it was offered at a masters level, and after completing the course I’d have half the credits necessary for an M.Ed. The course was also heavily focused on the placement learning and experiences. The PGDE stands for Professional Graduate Diploma in Education, and the focus is very much about training new teachers for the professional world of education.
Another thing that interested me was Scotland’s Curriculum for Excellence. The program is relatively new and flexible with the adaptability to offer exciting opportunities for teachers. The programme offers vibrant discussions of educational policy in Scotland and invites new teachers to discuss, work in the field, then return and reflect to discuss again. The mixture of theory and practice is an excellent balance for new teachers.
Strathclyde has a sprawling campus which occupies a large chunk of Glasgow’s Merchant City. There are picturesque side streets lined with boutique shopping just a hop away from where students hurry along well-worn steps on their way to class. Lectures take place in old cathedrals, local theatres, and turn of the century buildings as well as the cutting-edge facilities of the downtown campus.
All these buildings are nestled in amongst the vibrant Glasgow restaurant scene, where you can grab a quick bite to eat or stay a while at a coffeeshop nearby. Strathclyde University also recently opened their new Sports Facility, which offers amazing facilities that are included in the accommodation for students living in the halls.
So with an exciting programme in mind, the thing that sealed the deal to come study in Scotland was the Ancestry Visa I applied for. Since my grandmother was born in the UK, and I was from a Commonwealth country (Canada) I could qualify for a 5 year UK Ancestry Visa.
This visa means I can study and work in the UK for the next 5 years so, after gaining my teacher qualification, I’m looking forward to completing my probationary year in Scotland. After studying and working in Scotland for a couple of years, I’ll have an internationally recognised education degree which I can take with me where ever I head to next.
- Ashley
Lochs, Libraries and Lack of Sleep: My First Week in Scotland
My first week in Glasgow was filled with new places, jetlag, unique and delicious foods, jetlag, breathtaking sights, and more jetlag.
Things didn’t get off to the best start though. Due to a mixture of excitement and nerves, I was unable to sleep on my overnight flight over from Canada. Excitement soon turned into bleary-eyed exhaustion, but when the plane began its descent to Glasgow, I started to see the rolling mountains, and the butterflies in my stomach were fluttering like it was the mating season. I kept thinking, "I'm here! I made it!" and that feeling made the sleep deprivation worth it… just.
I was sad to leave my friends and family, but I was looking forward to studying Information and Library Studies at the University of Strathclyde, a long-term goal for my career development. On top of that, I’d be living with my partner, who had moved up from the North West of England, so at least I’d have someone who can half understand the accent.
I’ve never lived in a foreign country before, so it was only natural to feel a little apprehensive, but with the journey out of the way, I could embrace being an international student in a new country. On the car ride to my new home, I was in awe at the rolling hills that encompassed Scotland, it almost took my breath away. I felt so lucky that I could call this place home for the next year and also proud of myself for taking this on.
I had arrived a month before classes started, so welcome week orientation hadn't begun yet. But there was plenty to check out in Glasgow before my course started. I decided to use this time before classes started to take in local sights and familiarize myself with Glasgow, including the University Campus and a few museums. The Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum was pretty spectacular, and as a future librarian, it was great to check out The Mitchell Library, one of the largest libraries in Europe.
Although I was sleep-deprived the first week, I was still able to spend some time in the great outdoors. We visited Loch Lomond and hiked up Conic Hill - a manageable two- to three-hour hike that’s perfect if you’re suffering from jetlag and not ready for a full day excursion. Unfortunately, I wore what I believed to be a waterproof jacket for the hike, and it turns out what’s waterproof in Canada isn’t cut out for Scottish rain. My so-called rain jacket began absorbing the water instead of repelling it and I was distressed to realize that I had become a sponge. Still, I was determined to make it to the top, and I don't know if that was the delirium from the lack of sleep or my sheer will, but somehow I did. As I continued taking on water, I was nevertheless blown away by the sights along the route. The lochs (Scottish term for lake) and mountains were a sight to see, and I couldn’t believe how fortunate I was to have all this so close to home. After the hike, we headed straight into a warm, cozy pub-restaurant where I tried Haggis for the first time, and I was pleasantly surprised at how delicious it was! I look forward to having it again, just so long as no one tells me how it’s made.
Staying fit is important to me, and by far my favourite way to do so is through boxing, so it was important that I found a great gym for the year. Thankfully, Glasgow is well served for aspiring pugilists, with a number of great boxing and kickboxing gyms around the city, as well as the extremely convenient 9ROUND which offers a lung-busting 30-minute workout that’s perfect when you’re short on time.
Over the course of the week, we also managed to take in a football game, go to the cinema, and eat out probably more than we should. I look back at my first week in Scotland with the fondest, albeit somewhat foggy memories. Throughout this time, I just kept thinking of how lucky I was to be living here.
I recommend students to look at Scotland when they are thinking about studying in the UK. Scotland has so much to offer international students, from its rich culture to majestic scenery. If you're thinking about studying in the UK, maybe even Scotland, please contact an Across the Pond student advisor for more information.
- Jaclyn
I think life is too short not to fight for our dreams, those that make us feel alive.
Studying in the United Kingdom
One of the main reasons that motivated me to study in the UK was the challenge of experiencing and adapting to a new and interesting culture such as the British one, as well as other language and a demanding educational system. In addition, the opportunity to see my country and the world from a different perspective inspired me greatly to live this experience.
For my university application process, I turned to Across the Pond. Their guidance was key in helping me understand the postgraduate requirements, prepare the necessary documentation, and manage the admission process in an organized way. They also provided valuable information on funding opportunities, including the Chevening Scholarship, which I was fortunate enough to receive.
One of the greatest challenges I faced was meeting the English language requirement. UK universities set high standards, as it is essential to understand and communicate ideas accurately in both academic and professional settings. My journey to obtain certification was demanding, I took several English proficiency exams (5 IELTS, 1 TOEFL iBT, and 5 Oxford ELLT), finally achieving the required score on my 11th attempt.
My preparation was exhaustive and consistent; however, I never lost sight of my aim. I was always looking for new ways and methods to improve my language skills, making sure to practice daily with discipline and determination.
I was certain about my objective and what it meant to me, so I knew that every attempt, every effort, and every moment of practice was bringing me closer to my goal.
The best experience of my life
I studied a MSc Advanced Mechanical Engineering with Aerospace at the University of Strathclyde, located in the heart of Glasgow, Scotland. The University provides excellent services and support for students. There are numerous student societies and social events to meet new people, expand your network, and develop new skills. The department staff were always attentive and kind, and we had access to an outstanding library. I was also fortunate to have highly qualified professors who were always willing to answer any questions.
Living in Glasgow and Scotland is a unique experience. The region offers a rich cultural and historical legacy, beautiful buildings and castles, fun and engaging events, and breathtaking landscapes. From cities such as Glasgow, Edinburgh, and Stirling to stunning scenery like the Isle of Skye and the famous Loch Ness in Inverness. Autumn is one of the most beautiful seasons when the entire city is painted in warm shades of brown.
Living in Glasgow, and especially in Scotland, is synonymous with being in one of the friendliest regions in the world. You truly feel at home, and there is always someone willing to help whenever you need it.
The cultural experience was equally fascinating and full of unforgettable moments. I met people from different corners of the world such as Lebanon, Ethiopia, Colombia, Iraq, and Bosnia who shared with me their vision of the world and of my country. They also introduced me to their cuisine, traditions, music, and customs. It was like traveling the world without leaving Glasgow.
Lessons learned
The lessons I take with me go far beyond the academic. In the classroom, I acquired advanced knowledge, learned new methodologies, and developed a global vision of my field of study. But the most valuable lessons were about life itself: perseverance, patience, and the understanding that dreams are achieved through constant effort.
I confirmed that obstacles are difficult but should not be seen as barriers rather, as opportunities to grow. Taking the English exam so many times taught me that each attempt was not a failure, but a chance to discover what I needed to improve. I also learned the power of resilience: adapting to a new environment, with a different culture, language, and way of thinking, made me stronger and more flexible.
Culturally, I take with me the invaluable experience of having lived with people from all over the world. I understood that diversity not only enriches but also opens the mind and breaks down prejudices. Today, I value empathy, collaboration, and respect for what is new and different more than ever.
What I take with me is the certainty that studying abroad is not just an academic experience, but a profound personal transformation that will stay with me for life.
What the journey taught me, beyond what I imagined
Adaptation takes time, and it is perfectly normal if things feel overwhelming at first. Nowadays, I confirm that those feelings are a natural part of the process, and with patience and openness, they transform into valuable lessons.
It is important to remember that asking for help is not a weakness, but a strength. Professors, classmates, and the community are always willing to support you if you open up and ask for it. Every cultural or academic challenge is, at its core, an opportunity to grow and discover new abilities within yourself.
You don’t need to have all the answers when you arrive. Allow yourself to make mistakes, learn from them, build self-trust, and enjoy every stage of the journey.
I am deeply grateful to my advisor, to Across the Pond for guiding me through the process, and to the Chevening FCDO Scholarship for helping me achieve this dream.
My best wishes for all of you to achieve your dreams as well,
- Luis
From Tacos to Wee Tea: My Scottish Adventure
When I told people back in Mexico I was heading to Scotland for my Master's in Sustainability and Environmental Studies at the University of Strathclyde, I got some puzzled looks. "Scotland? Where is that! Isn't it cold?" they'd say.
Sure, I wanted to live abroad and discover new places - I mean, who doesn't want to explore actual castles instead of just seeing them in movies? But beyond the wanderlust, I was hungry for something more. I already spoke English and knew the UK was this incredible multicultural melting pot where I could meet people from literally everywhere. More importantly, as an environmental engineer, I felt like Mexico wasn't quite there yet with sustainability tech and environmental awareness. I wanted to learn from a place where they actually cared about going green. Little did I know, Scotland would give me way more than I expected – including an intercultural romance and friendships.
Walking into my first lecture at Strathclyde, I thought I was ready. But not quite for these new conditions. In Mexico, professors explain everything in detail and give you lots of extra material. UK style is very different. You need to figure things by yourself. Lectures are more like appetizers - you get the basics, but the main course of learning happens when you're doing independent research for assignments and essays.
My first assignment came back with a 70/100. I was so worried. In Mexico, that would be a bad pass. But then my classmates explained that getting a 70 in the UK is actually brilliant. One lecturer even told us that getting 100% was "practically unachievable." While in Mexico 90 is expected.
Another academic shock? Dissertation timeline. In Mexico, thesis work takes about 1.5 years. Here? Three months. THREE MONTHS! It sounds terrifying, but it's actually quite efficient. Instead of researching indefinitely, you're forced to focus, prioritise, and execute quickly. Assignment-based assessment was another adjustment. Instead of relying heavily on exams, most marks come from essays and projects that require independent work. Initially challenging, but it develops practical skills you'll actually use in your career.
Once I understood the game, everything changed. UK style isn't about regurgitating information - it's about critical analysis, independent thinking, and backing up your arguments with solid research. I had to learn to question everything, analyse from multiple angles, and present my own conclusions. Honestly? It made me a much better researcher and critical thinker than I ever was before.
And can we talk about the library culture here? Because it's absolutely lovely. Back home, studying meant being stuck in my room with textbooks. Here? Waterstones bookshop became my favourite place to make my assignments - cosy corners, pastries, coffee, the smell of new books, and 'ASMR café environment'. The university library was equally cosy, with several spaces to study or write essays. There's something about the atmosphere in UK libraries and bookshops that just works. Maybe it's the soft lighting, maybe it's the centuries-old tradition, but I could spend hours there without feeling restless. Way better than staring at my room walls!
The Student Union was another game-changer that doesn’t exist in Mexico. Freshers' events meant free food coupons (crucial for any student budget) and activities like hiking trips or country explorations at student-friendly prices. These were my gateway to experiencing Scotland properly without surpassing my budget.
University accommodation was my home sweet home - literally a fifteen-minute walk to lectures (perfect for those Scottish rainy days). Living expenses and utilities were all sorted, which made budgeting so much easier as an international student. But here's the thing about shared flats - it's basically a lottery. I got lucky with three amazing flatmates and... well, the fourth one liked taking things that weren't his own. My advice? Establish limits and speak up from the very beginning, even if you are hesitant. Because yes, someone was stealing groceries and even kitchen utensils.
But the good news? One of those flatmates became one of my best friends. This brilliant Indian guy gave me amazing tips - where to shop for the best deals, how to actually succeed in UK assignments, and where to find a couple of my ingredients. We also had many interesting late-night kitchen conversations along with tea and pastries. We'd compare our countries - his experiences, mine, and how both contrasted with Scottish life. These weren't just chats; they were cultural exchange sessions that taught me more about the world than any textbook ever could!
On the other hand, Glasgow absolutely blew my mind. Coming from Mexico, where everything feels car-dependent, suddenly being in a city where I could walk everywhere was liberating. The sidewalks are actually wide enough to walk! (imagine), trees line most streets, and the architecture and greenness of the city is just stunning.
The West End and City Centre became one of my favourite areas - they got this perfect mix of student life, shops, museums, clubs, pubs and beautiful parks. Glasgow is vibrant. Speaking of hidden gems – another must go to is Wetherspoons. Their meal and drink, with or without alcohol, deals are absolutely unbeatable for students. Plus, they open until midnight and offer a wide variety of foods.
But honestly, the best part of being in Scotland is just... walking. Whether it's through Glasgow's tree-lined streets, or hiking in the Highlands, every step feels like you're in a nature documentary. The landscapes are so untouched and breathtaking, it made me understand why Scots are so passionate about protecting their environment.
In addition, as an environmental engineer, seeing Scotland's approach to sustainability gave me hope for the future. This isn't just theoretical and aspirational, over here renewable energy is everywhere, material recovery facilities actually work efficiently, and there are genuine net-zero targets with visible progress. Walking around and seeing wind turbines, proper recycling systems, and buildings designed with energy efficiency in mind was incredibly inspiring. In Mexico, we talk about these things, but here they're just part of daily life. The hiking experiences also showed me how seriously they take ecosystem preservation. These landscapes aren't just beautiful - they're actively protected and managed sustainably. It gave me hope that the environmental solutions I'm studying can actually work on a large scale.
On the other hand, although I thought I was prepared for diversity, Glasgow exceeded all expectations. There are people from literally everywhere, and while us Latinos are definitely a minority, that just made finding each other even more special. My close friends, include people from Indonesia, India, Chile, Scotland, and Saudi Arabia. There's something about the shared experience of being international students that creates instant bonds. And whenever I met other Latinos, it was like finding family members - instant understanding.
Restaurants from every corner of the world means you're always discovering new cuisines, though I have to warn you - what they call "Mexican" food here is basically Tex-Mex at best. Advice? Bring ingredients from home.
About the language, I arrived thinking my English was alright. After all, I could watch movies and read books in English. But international and Scottish accents? That's a whole different ball game. Those first few weeks, I found myself constantly asking "Sorry, could you repeat that?" But, once your ear adjusts, you realize Scottish English isn't just different - it's incredibly expressive and warm. Plus, learning local slang made me feel more like a local and less like a tourist. The vocabulary differences were funny too. Small adjustments, but they all add up to feeling more integrated.
Also, here's something I didn't expect to write about, but it's probably the most important part of my experience: I learned to believe in myself. Coming from a state university in Mexico (not even top 5 nationally), I was terrified I wouldn't be able to compete with students from prestigious institutions worldwide. But you know what? In several topics - microbiology, water management, waste management, public health - I actually knew as much or sometimes more than my classmates. All those years of hands-on experience and Mexican engineering education had prepared me better than I realised!
The supportive environment helped enormously. In Mexico, making mistakes often leads to people making fun of you. Here, professors and classmates appreciate even the smallest efforts and genuinely try to incorporate your ideas. When giving feedback, they always highlight what you did well first. For a naturally shy person like me, this approach was so encouraging.
I also learned to appreciate my heritage and appearance more. Mexico's beauty standards can be quite Eurocentric, but being in such a diverse environment helped me realise that my skin colour and features are beautiful exactly as they are. I genuinely feel more confident and comfortable in my own skin now.
Oh, and I discovered I actually like beer and cider! Who knew? Pub crawling and clubbing became genuine fun, especially knowing that as a woman I could dress as I wanted without worrying about harassment. That feeling of safety and freedom is priceless.
And here's something they don't mention in university brochures: you might just meet the love of your life! There's something about the shared experience of being international students, navigating a new culture together, and supporting each other through new challenges that creates deep connections. Whether it's study sessions or exploring Scotland together on weekends, relationships formed here have a special intensity and authenticity. Plus, there's something incredibly romantic about discovering a new country with someone special by your side. From Edinburgh castle visits to Highland hikes, every experience becomes more meaningful when shared.
Finally, Survival Guide: What Every Mexican Student Needs to Know
BRING MEXICAN FOOD! I cannot stress this enough. What they call Mexican food is terrible. Pack tortillas, chocolate, coffee, sopa de pasta, salsas, chile, chocomilk, Maseca - I'm not kidding! You are going to miss them a lot.
Winter prep: Take vitamin D supplements. The lack of sunlight is real, and it affects your mood and energy. But here's the thing - you don't need to bring heavy jackets or blankets from home. All buildings have excellent heating, and everyone uses duvets instead of heavy blankets. Just get a good winter jacket from Mountain Warehouse (great student discounts!) when you arrive.
Practical stuff: You don't need cash - cards work everywhere. Start traveling and exploring immediately because time absolutely flies. Make friends early and don't be afraid to ask questions about anything - people are generally helpful and understanding.
Cultural heads up: Places close surprisingly early (around 5 PM), so plan accordingly. Public transport is fantastic - you won't need to drive anywhere, which is liberating and cost-effective.
Most importantly: Keep in touch with friends and family back home, but don't let homesickness prevent you from fully embracing this experience.
Why This Adventure Changed Everything
What started as a desire to see castles and learn about sustainability turned into a complete personal transformation. I became more confident, more culturally aware, more academically rigorous, and yes, I found love along the way.
Scotland didn't just give me a master’s degree - it gave me a new perspective on my own capabilities, my heritage, and what's possible when you step out of your comfort zone.
Would I do it again? In a heartbeat. The combination of academic challenge, cultural diversity, environmental consciousness, and personal growth opportunities makes studying in Scotland an amazing investment beyond your degree.
To any Mexican student considering this journey: pack your tortillas, bring your curiosity, and prepare for the adventure of a lifetime. Scotland is waiting, and trust me, it's even better than the movies.
- Mariana Gabriela
