The Other Side of the World: Student Profile

Studying abroad came with its challenges, but Mina, who chose to study both law and business as she believed those are the areas needed for any career, says those challenges made her a better person. “Being away from home was challenging for me,” she says. “Especially the time when I was ill and there was no one around to take care of me. Independent life can be stressful at times, but I learnt how to deal with all the difficulties by myself, and not to rely on my family.”

Mina graduated with her LLB degree two years ago and looking back, says she wishes she had been able to speak with alumni to ask what life would be like in a new country. However, this didn’t stop Mina from making the most of her time studying abroad – both inside and outside of the classroom. “I like socialising – going to a pub, events organized by the university – so I always had the chance to make more friends. Besides, I liked to join university societies such as tango dancing, salsa dancing, basketball etc.”

To study abroad in the UK, Mina received a 25% annual scholarship from the University of Birmingham, but most of her fees were paid for by her family. “My advice to other students thinking of studying abroad would be to apply for a scholarship. It might seem hard due to competition, but you never know until you try, and it is definitely helpful.”

Mina also got a part-time job while studying abroad for her degree. In the UK, international students are allowed to work part-time for 20 hours a week during term time, something else that Mina recommends other international students to consider. “A part-time job gives you extra cash to help your family and yourself. It also allows you to meet up with friends and people, and improve your socialising skills, rather than staying at home and missing your family all of the time”.

“If you can, get a part-time job in the Student Union, such as in marketing, IT or as a receptionist. That way you’ll always get to be involved in the university’s events and know what is going on around you. It will make you feel so much happier to be involved.”

Mina also made the most of her university holidays. “University life allowed me to have more holidays than any other time in my life. And, because the UK is in such a central location, it allowed me to go travelling on budget airlines around Europe, all within one or two hour flights, during Easter, winter and summer holidays.”

Studying abroad for Mina certainly came with its adventures, but it’s an experience she would recommend to many others.