Ivory, from Arizona, began her one-year PGCE (Primary) course at the University of Wales Trinity Saint David last September. Seeing as the US state of Arizona is larger than the whole of the United Kingdom, friends back home were surprised to hear that Ivory was moving to Wales. But after meeting her boyfriend online eight years ago, who was already studying at Swansea, she jumped at the chance to study abroad.
The 25-year-old student applied to be part of the Global Wales Postgraduate Scholarship programme which offers students a scholarship to study a full-time master’s in Wales worth up to £10,000 and was accepted.
Before she enrolled, Ivory was lucky enough to travel around Wales. She spent a week camping in Snowdonia and climbed the highest mountain in Wales. Ivory also spent time learning about Welsh history and its coal mining heritage and visited Portmeirion – a beautiful seaside village that resembles the Mediterranean.
Studying at a university that places students at the heart of all they do has meant that Ivory has, throughout her course, been fortunate enough to be guided by a close network of peers and mentors who offer her advice. On her first day, Ivory made new friends who have supported her while studying abroad and she’s embraced the opportunity to learn about a different education system.
Since moving to Wales, Ivory has enjoyed travelling, connecting with new people and making lifelong memories, spending her weekends on the glorious beaches that surround the Swansea campus.
Looking ahead, Ivory can’t wait to start her new work experience placement in a new school in Wales, with a different age group. Ivory believes that Wales is a fantastic place to study, if you’re brave enough to take that first step and apply.
No matter how scary things can sometimes feel, Ivory thinks that studying abroad is a great chance to change your life – and she’d advise anyone to jump at the opportunity.
For further information for US students looking to study at University of Wales Trinity Saint David, visit: Students from USA | UWTSD
