Case Study 6

I had already done a year abroad in London and knew I wanted to come back and study in Britain. I took a year out and was going to apply to some American grad schools—but the process is really drawn out and difficult. I looked at a few other universities in Britain but in the end only applied to Edinburgh after deciding it had the best programme for me in Scotland.

I like the fact that I am studying at an ancient university—and living in the city of Edinburgh is a huge incentive in itself. I like my programme and the staff. I did my undergraduate degree at a big university at home. Even though my course is one of the largest, I like the one-to-one interaction. I like international flavour of the university and my course. However, at least half my course is from North America and I did think I would get the chance to meet more Scottish people. It doesn't necessarily feel like you are at a Scottish university sometimes.

I love Edinburgh, you can walk everywhere and its very compact for a big city. It's the capital of Scotland, and as a politics student, I find that really interesting. I do try to follow Scottish politics. I am volunteering for an MSP at the moment. I really like working in the Scottish Parliament, you sense that there is something really happening. These opportunities are really about what you make of them and whom you choose to work with.

I also work part-time at the Careers Service. I used their employment database before I even arrived. I knew I needed to have a part-time job while I was studying, so I started applying while I was still at home. The job isn't related to what I am studying, but it pays well and is fun. I think a paying job closely related to my studies would be a lot harder to find.

I knew about Fresh Talent before coming and it was another motivating factor for choosing to study in Scotland, although I am going to wait and see for a bit before I decide whether or not to apply. I would like to stay in Scotland—I like the feeling of being a resident in a place rather than just a visitor. I would like to have a ‘real' job—full-time, well-paid—working for a service organisation or related to politics but I'm willing to go through recruitment agencies just to get started.

I would tell other International Students that it is important to choose the right place to live when you come. If you live in a flat in town, you become part of the city and it's easier to meet people. I'm also glad I saved money before coming and got a job—it's surprisingly expensive here. It's important to plan ahead, especially if you want to do other things besides study while you are here.

American student, MSc International and European Politics, 2006
University of Edinburgh