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Beyond the Classroom
During my university studies, I became interested in pursuing an international postgraduate degree in architecture. I was looking for a renowned university in a country recognised for its rich architectural heritage, so I considered options in North America, Europe, and the United Kingdom. It was during my university search that I discovered Across the Pond, who supported me throughout the application process from the very beginning.
Across the Pond helped me identify the universities and programmes that best aligned with my interests and academic goals. Their guidance was invaluable in helping me explore different funding and educational support options, making it financially possible for me to study abroad. They also provided advice and support with the required documentation, ensuring that I met all the necessary requirements and deadlines. Thanks to Across the Pond, I was able to turn this dream into reality and begin an experience that would transform my academic journey.
Now, as I am about to complete my postgraduate degree, I can look back and recognise how this decision has contributed to my development in different areas. In particular, pursuing a master’s degree in the United Kingdom has been a comprehensive experience that has enriched my academic background, strengthened my personal development, and broadened my cultural perspective.
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Academically, I not only gained knowledge but also developed new skills and broadened my way of thinking. I learned to question, analyse, and communicate my ideas with greater critical awareness. However, learning did not only take place in the classroom. During my programme, we had the opportunity to take study trips with professors and classmates, visiting towns and places surrounding the city. These experiences were among the most valuable aspects of my time in the UK and are part of what made the experience so unique. Studying Sustainable Design at the University of Edinburgh taught me the importance of integrating social sustainability into design and understanding architecture not only as a response to the physical environment, but also as a tool to improve the quality of life of the people who experience it.
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On a personal level, I found a balance between my academic and personal life. In the United Kingdom, punctuality is an important part of everyday life, which taught me to organise my activities more effectively and prioritise my tasks. This allowed me to manage my time better without neglecting other aspects of my life. I also learned to budget more carefully, as having a limited financial resource taught me to use my resources responsibly.
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Finally, culturally, universities in the United Kingdom bring together students from a wide variety of backgrounds. Living and interacting with people from different countries taught me that every encounter can become an opportunity to learn. I came to understand that differences are precisely what enrich a conversation and give rise to new ideas. In the end, curiosity became one of the most important tools throughout my experience: asking questions and listening.
Overall, this opportunity taught me that personal growth also means learning to adapt and taking responsibility for the challenges that arise outside our comfort zone. I realised that this process of adaptation takes place across different areas of life, from the academic to the personal and cultural.
When it comes to the academic experience, I would recommend becoming fully involved in your programme of study and not being afraid of not knowing something. We are here precisely to learn, ask questions, make mistakes, and discover. There is no need to arrive with all the answers; part of the experience is allowing yourself to learn along the way.
Similarly, small aspects of everyday life can have a significant impact on how we experience living in another country. For example, before arriving, it would have been helpful to prepare myself better for the climate, particularly for the winter and the way it can affect one's mood. For this reason, I believe it is important to build a support network from the beginning and, if possible, arrive a few days before the programme starts in order to become familiar with the city and make the adaptation process easier.
Finally, pursuing a master’s degree in the United Kingdom marked a turning point in my professional career. In my professional practice, I will be able to apply what I have learned to project and budget management, particularly when defining priorities and allocating resources efficiently. I also developed skills in listening and negotiation, reconciling different perspectives, and developing more inclusive and context-sensitive solutions. This experience strengthened my ability to adapt to new projects, teams, and working methodologies.
Today, I take with me a broader perspective of the world and a strong commitment to applying what I have learned to create a positive impact in Mexico.
- María Eugenia
Scottish magic (beyond castles)
Living in Edinburgh has been one of the best experiences of my life. Scotland is a multicultural, respectful, and friendly country. From the very first moment, you feel welcome and, most importantly, incredibly safe.
Upon arriving in the city, the first thing that catches your eye is its antiquity. From the buildings to the streets, everything feels like a perfectly preserved time capsule.
When I arrived in early September, the weather was amazing, with very long, sunny days, and everyone enjoying the streets (and the beer).
I ended up living in a building built nearly a century ago. I could have never imagined it: a beautifully maintained apartment with high ceilings and spacious windows. That space hosted me for almost a year and brought me so much joy.
Scotland is a dream destination for students. While I had the privilege of experiencing it in Edinburgh, and exploring famous castles is great for a couple of days, the true essence of the country lies in the famous Highlands.
I was able to travel around the north of the country with my parents in a campervan, which is an affordable and budget-friendly option depending on the season. The country is perfectly adapted for this type of travel, and there is an incredible camper culture.
During our road trip, we encountered breathtaking landscapes, national parks, the famous Highland cows, sheep, whisky everywhere, and dozens of castles. We met people from all over the world, and the locals always showed the best vibes.
What surprised us most was the trust of the local people. In many spots, you could spend the night simply leaving a contribution in "honesty boxes", relying entirely on mutual trust. In the same way, you can buy fresh eggs or products right at the entrance of local farms.
The biggest challenge was getting used to driving on the left side of the road, but after just a couple of hours behind the wheel, you easily get into the rhythm without any issues.
I highly recommend choosing Scotland as your study destination without a second thought, especially if you are looking for peace, stunning nature, and a beautiful journey back in time.
- Javiera
An Unforgettable Year in Edinburgh
From Chile to Scotland: Why I Chose Edinburgh
I had always dreamed of pursuing an academic career, and studying abroad felt like the right path. The University of Edinburgh caught my attention because it was the first in the world to offer a programme in GIS (Geographical Information Science). On top of its academic reputation, I knew that living in Scotland would give me a new perspective, the chance to meet people from all over the world, and the opportunity to grow both personally and professionally.
The application process felt much less overwhelming thanks to the Across the Pond team, who guided me through every step. From preparing documents to answering my endless questions, their support made the journey smoother and more confident. I would recommend their help to anyone who is thinking about applying.
Settling into Life in Edinburgh
If you do not want the stress of searching for private housing, I strongly recommend applying through the university accommodation system. You can select three preferences, although it is common to be assigned somewhere different (as I learned from classmates). I felt lucky to end up close to the city centre, just a 20 minute walk from the central campus. Even better, I was matched with three amazing flatmates from China, Ireland and the United States. Living together with people from different cultures turned into one of the highlights of my experience.
Beyond accommodation, one of the things I appreciated most was the variety of study spaces. The main library is impressive, but the University is spread throughout the city, which means you can also study in different school buildings. This makes it easy to change your environment and enjoy different corners of Edinburgh while working.
Finding My Voice in English
Before arriving, I had never spoken English in daily life, only reading and vocabulary. A year before applying, I focused on preparing my verbal skills. It was intimidating at first, but I can honestly say you feel completely welcome here, and little by little, fluency comes naturally. If you are in a similar position, my advice is: take the leap.
A City That Feels Like a Movie Set
The first time I arrived in Edinburgh, I felt like I had stepped into another world. The cobblestones, medieval buildings and the ever present mist gave the city a unique atmosphere, as if I was in a film set in the past. I have visited London and even Copenhagen, but Edinburgh has a special charm that I have not found elsewhere.
One thing to keep in mind is the lack of sunlight in winter, especially in January and February. My best advice: bring vitamin D supplements. It really makes a difference.
Studies, Challenges and Opportunities
My GIS programme goes far beyond lectures. It includes a group project spanning three courses, designed to simulate working in a professional setting. One of the highlights was a five-day field trip to the Scottish Highlands, where we put our knowledge into practice.
Be prepared, as the programme is very intense. In many countries outside the UK, master’s degrees usually last two years, but here the programme is completed in just one, which means the workload is concentrated. It is challenging, but at the same time extremely rewarding.
Another great advantage is that the programme offers many networking opportunities throughout the year. You may collaborate with a researcher or lecturer for your dissertation, or work with an external professional or company related to your topic. These connections can open doors for future jobs and research opportunities.
Personally, I am passionate about the intersection of health and geography, and I was thrilled to discover that Edinburgh has a world-renowned research group in this field. These experiences have only reinforced my dream of continuing in academia.
Beyond the Classroom
The University makes it easy to meet people, especially during Welcome Week. In my case, joining the Tennis Club was the best decision. I made great friends while staying active. I also bonded with classmates over group projects and casual outings. Between accommodation, sports and classes, you will never feel isolated if you are open to trying new activities.
Edinburgh is also great to explore by bicycle. There are plenty of second hand options from students leaving the city, and the cycle paths take you not only around the city but also into areas of almost untouched nature. I even bought a second hand GoPro to film my rides, something I will treasure forever.
Everyday Tips and Looking Ahead
- Groceries: Lidl is your friend. It is affordable, varied and great quality.
- Supplements: Vitamin D for winter is a must.
Studying in Edinburgh has been transformative. From overcoming the language barrier to making lifelong friends and finding my academic path, I feel better prepared than ever to pursue my career. Scotland now feels like a second home, and I am excited to continue this journey here.
- Felipe
Reputation for high-quality education
Coming from Mexico, I wanted my postgraduate experience to be more than just academic. It had to challenge me culturally, creatively, and personally. The UK offered all of that. It has a strong reputation for high-quality education, access to diverse perspectives from around the world, and a thriving arts scene. I chose the University of Edinburgh because of its strong reputation in film and cultural studies, and the way my program combines theory with practical curatorial work. University life here is vibrant, there are thousands of societies to join. I joined the Photography and Jazz society where I was able to meet new skills and friends from all over the world.
I lived in university accommodation, sharing a kitchen with seven other students from different countries. At first, adjusting to a shared space required communication between flatmates, especially when you’re used to your own spice cabinet back home. Now, I see it as part of my whole experience studying in the UK. We swap recipes, share late-night tea, and sometimes discover how differently people define "clean." If you’ve ever been to Mexico, you know the sunshine allows for long days in the park in short sleeves. Edinburgh’s weather, on the other hand, teaches you that in other parts of the world the seasons are noticeable and learning how to layer clothes is essential! Rain and wind are common, but the reward is watching the city’s stone streets and green hills change with the light, it’s magical in its way.
By studying Film Exhibition and Curation, I was able to explore how films are shared with audiences, from major festivals to community screenings. I valued that the University professors pushed me to think critically, experiment with creative projects, and connect cinema with larger cultural conversations. It was the perfect place to merge my passion for film with my interest in how stories are presented and experienced. Walking through Edinburgh sometimes feels like stepping into a perfectly framed shot. Between the medieval Old Town, the elegant Georgian New Town, and the dramatic backdrop of Arthur’s Seat, there’s plenty of inspiration. The city also has a lively arts calendar, from the famous Fringe Festival to small, intimate film screenings.
One of the best parts of studying here is meeting people from all over the world. My friends come from places I’d only read about before, and our conversations range from comparing national cuisines to discussing cinema across cultures. In my free time, I explored hidden cafés, visited free museums, or took day trips to the Highlands. While I’ve studied in English before, doing a full master’s degree in it, especially in an academic setting, can be intense. Sometimes my thoughts start in Spanish, switch to English, and land somewhere in Spanglish. The good news is that you improve every week, and the professors here are supportive.
If there's one thing I wish I’d known before packing my bags, it’s how fast time flies here. A year feels long before you arrive, but between classes, social life, and exploring Scotland, it goes by quickly. My advice is to arrive with an open mind, a good raincoat, and a willingness to try things outside your comfort zone. You might just find a new version of yourself.
- Jorge
Broadened my academic horizons
After 16 months since the start of my program, I can confidently say that my experience as a PhD student in Applied Mathematics at the School of Mathematics of the University of Edinburgh has been deeply rewarding, thanks to the institution’s high academic standards and its dynamic research environment. From the very beginning, I have progressively developed my research project, focused on the study of the interaction between electromagnetic waves and matter, actively contributing to scientific output and publishing results in collaboration with experts in the field. I have also taken courses directly related to my work, both at the School of Mathematics and the School of Physics, which has strengthened my interdisciplinary background.
The School of Mathematics offers extensive opportunities to carry out research stays at other universities and to attend international conferences, which has significantly broadened my academic horizons and allowed me to build valuable networks with researchers from around the world. During this time, I completed a one-month research stay in Pennsylvania, USA, and in October I will participate in two international conferences.
Furthermore, the School has given me the opportunity to work as a tutor for various undergraduate mathematics courses, an experience that has complemented my academic training, enhanced my teaching skills, and sparked my interest in pursuing an academic career even before completing my studies.
- Hector Miguel
