The University is delighted to welcome Chevening scholars to St Andrews. Some of our students have shared their experiences of studying at St Andrews through the collaboration with the FCDO; below are some of their statements.
Pursuing my masters degree at St Andrews is one of the best and right decisions I’ve ever made in my life. It’s a very lovely small town, which is a perfect place for me to focus and study in peace. The university itself offers a lot of beneficial opportunities, such as academic services, sports facilities, entertainment events, and even Scottish traditions. I truly feel the definition of work-life balance here because whenever I got bored with my study load in the library, I could just relax and enjoy the fresh air walking around the beaches and playing golf with splendid coastal views. My lecturers at the International Education Institute have provided me with comprehensive pedagogical knowledge and skill set to achieve my future goals in teaching languages for students with specific learning difficulties by integrating technologies. I am beyond grateful to be able to get this valuable and unforgettable once-in-a-lifetime experience, and I hope you can too!
Haidir Faridha, MSc Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) with a Specialism in Technology for Teaching
The University of St Andrews has provided an amazing academic experience for me. My program MSc Data-Intensive Analysis is run jointly by the School of Computer Science and the School of Mathematics and Statistics, both ranked in the top 5 of UK rankings. In the School of Computer Science, we learn how one design pattern could inspire different solutions, and each student could have a unique approach to the same programming task. In the School of Mathematics and Statistics, we are encouraged to think critically and assess how our resulting analyses can make an impact in the broader picture. For both schools, the lecturers have been approachable and extremely knowledgeable in their fields and have been open to providing feedback when requested. There are also several computer labs offering 24-hour access for quiet work or collaboration, so there’s always a place to work on individual assignments and group coursework. The university has also been quite supportive of me whenever I’ve needed guidance. From my school adviser and postgraduate support officers to the university’s Advice and Support Centre, the faculty and staff here have been very responsive and helpful. The area around the university is great if you like the outdoors, with peaceful walks around town or along the beach. On rare nights, it’s even possible to see the Northern Lights from the coast! Overall, I’ve enjoyed my time at the University of St Andrews, and pursuing my Masters degree here has been a rewarding and enriching experience.
Joshua Arrabaca, Msc Data-Intensive Analysis
My experience as a Chevening Scholar at the University of St Andrews has been amazing, and I could not be more grateful for having this opportunity. I regularly reassure myself that coming here was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.
The University of St Andrews is the perfect place to focus on studying while maintaining an active social life and enjoying the outdoors. The wide variety of societies and clubs is exciting, and the cosmopolitan, close-knit community is warmly welcoming. The town’s size means you’re just 10 minutes away from almost everywhere, making combining different activities in a single day easy. The stunning Scottish seaside landscape and well-kept green spaces invite you outside whenever the sun is shining (very often, as this is the sunniest university in Scotland!).
The high quality of education and research reflects the university’s long history and renown. In particular, the MSc in Energy Policy and Finance has equipped me with invaluable insights and skills for my future career back home. The knowledgeable professors and diverse group of classmates have helped me further develop critical thinking and soft skills. At the same time, the emphasis on independent study has strengthened my analytical capacity, confidence, and self-reliance.
I’m sure I will leave St Andrews feeling inspired, empowered, and grateful to be part of a global community I will carry with me for years to come.
Valentina Groposo Bertin, Chevening Scholar, MSc. Energy Policy and Finance
