Being awarded an international scholarship meant I began my journey on a positive note!

Sanskriti is an Indian native. She earned a degree in Sports Psychology in England before returning to India and working as a sport psychologist with professional athletes for three years. She considers her work as challenging yet extremely rewarding and meaningful. Sanskriti loved her profession, but she also desired to return to England and pursue further education. The University of Gloucestershire had the ideal course for her.

Course

“This course aligns to what I have done in my job. It has a specialisation in sports leadership and governance, which I’m currently pursuing, and it is giving me all the exposure of what I really want to accomplish in the future. This was the only university that offered specialisation like this.”

Agent

During the application process, Sanskriti was assisted by an agent in India called InUni. “The agent has been very supportive. He evaluated my background, experience, and profile before giving me advice on which universities might help me progress. I had so many questions. They were responsive in whatever I wanted to know. My agent also helped me to find accommodation.”

Working alongside study

“I work in the University as a sport activator and welcome team student advisor, engaging people in wellbeing and promoting sports along with helping the new students through HelpZones. The facilities are provided for free for all the students, and we spread awareness to engage them to come and play. It’s an initiative by the University and I’m working with my line manager who is amazing, and I have learnt a lot.”

Career development

“Apart from sports, I have been participating in projects for enhancing my career. I gave some presentations, did competitions. We had a competition with Lloyds Bank. I had a couple of competitions where you get opportunities to send your business plan and there are some funding options. The professors are amazing, they keep watching out and tell us about opportunities and what fits best for us.”

Course

“It is quite interesting because everything is structured. We had multiple professors for one of the courses to give different experiences in whatever speciality they have. The lectures are really good. Professors are knowledgeable and they engage with the class very well. We had quizzes, group work, presentations for our development in the MBA. So we learned that you have to survive and perform well in a team. The lecturers encourage student led activities and initiatives. So we formed MBA Global Society as well, so that we could do more entrepreneur stuff in the future. They are there to support our interests. I was interested in working at the Commonwealth Games, and they helped me find opportunities.”

We had to learn a software for analysing data and visualisations. The software was arranged, otherwise I would have to pay for it. We have trading room which we can use. I can use the facility anytime, I can book a room study myself. I create a work routine with my friends.

Uni life

“At the beginning, I didn’t know anyone. But I made friends with people. I have friends who are from all ethnicities. Chaplaincy is a good place to start off. There you can make friends and have good ice breaking activities.

“I’m from Delhi, which is a very busy place, like London and Birmingham. I surprisingly liked Gloucestershire, which is quieter and slower than these places. It has less people, but still has student nights and I have been experiencing a lot of new things.”

Placement

“I have started applying for my placement and I gave a few interviews, which were thrilling.”

Accommodation

“I had booked before coming here. It’s an ensuite room, but I have a shared kitchen. I made a few friends there.

Applying for scholarship

“The process of applying was quite easy and very transparent. It is a lot of money, and it gives you confidence as well. Then we had the international student’s celebration, you get to dress and socialise with everyone.”

Advice

“The academic studies are different here than how it is back in India. My personal experience was learning how to write assignments, how to approach people, because the culture is different. It’s a very different student professor relationship.

Sometimes, people go into their own shell thinking “Oh, I’m not scoring marks here. Because I used to get 95.” Here, 95 is like a dream. It is just a difference in marks. But you develop your academic writing, and you have support, like Student Achievement.”

Initially, international students are adjusting to a lot of things, and they struggle because they have a lot on their plate. Join societies, clubs, talk to people, speak to faculty. Speak to friends around. It is important to have a group, otherwise, it can lead to a lot of loneliness. Homesickness is a big thing. People do feel that. I also feel it sometimes.”