“Learning, growth, and unforgettable experiences”: Alice’s time in St Andrews
From standup comedy to start up success, Alice, utilised her time in St Andrews as a launchpad for personal growth and entrepreneurial success. Reflecting on her time spent studying abroad in Spring 2024, Alice highlights the diverse opportunities available to her in St. Andrews. From taking unique and engaging modules, joining comedy society, learning to play golf and helping organise szentec events, Alice has had an extremely busy year at St. Andrews. However, all these extracurricular activities did not slow her down! Not only did she seize recreational and educational opportunities but professional too; she highlights her experiences with the entrepreneurship centre and her successes in gaining funding for her future start up, opening her eyes to a world of entrepreneurial possibilities in the UK. Hear what Alice has to say herself below!
“My time at St Andrews was incredibly enriching, both academically and through various extracurricular activities. The community was exceptionally supportive and inclusive, and I felt welcomed by the friendly people who invited me to numerous events and clubs. The professors were not only supportive but also provided access to a wealth of virtual resources, such as alumni lists, which greatly enhanced my learning experience.
Academically, I took courses in international marketing and criminal organizations and corruption. The latter course was particularly memorable because our professor, Dr Almeida, had lived in the favelas of Brazil and shared his personal studies and experiences with us. He even organized an exhibition showcasing the families he encountered there. This unique approach made the classes feel more alive and engaging, as we learned from his firsthand experiences rather than just traditional lectures. In the International Marketing class, one of the most memorable assignments was a group project where we developed a comprehensive marketing plan for a fictitious product launch in Japan. This project not only enhanced my understanding of international marketing but also improved my teamwork and research skills.
On the extracurricular front, I joined the Comedy Society and tried my hand at standup comedy. The community within the society was very accepting and supportive, allowing me to develop a new skill in a nurturing environment. Additionally, I volunteered as an experience coordinator for Szentec events. Despite not applying immediately, the team welcomed me with open arms, and I was able to give back to the community while gaining valuable event coordination experience. I also took up golfing at the St Andrews training course, where I met many interesting people and further expanded my social network.
The career events hosted by the university were another highlight, featuring professionals from industries I was interested in. These events provided me with the opportunity to ask questions and gain insights that supported my professional growth. One standout event was the “Careers in Tech” panel, which featured professionals from leading tech companies like Google, Microsoft, and Amazon. These interactions were instrumental in shaping my career aspirations and strategy.
One of the most significant experiences was participating in a program at the Entrepreneurship Centre, where I won a startup competition. This achievement not only funded my future startup but also taught me a great deal about entrepreneurial opportunities in the UK and Scotland. Overall, my time at St Andrews was filled with learning, growth, and unforgettable experiences.”
Thank you to Alice for sharing her highlights and the opportunities she experienced while studying at St Andrews for a semester. If you are considering studying abroad with us, please see the Global Office website for details on how to apply.