In Your City: what does it mean to be an international student?

Being an international student is more than getting an education in another country. It is about new experiences and meeting new people

It’s common practice for many students to pursue an education outside the country of their residence. Many of them decide to come to the United Kingdom for education. According to data provided by the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA), in the 2017-2018 academic year, UK saw 115,350 international students in Postgraduate courses alone, out of which, 5,050 were studying in Wales.  

Out of all the international students that come to the UK to pursue higher education, most of them come from China, India, and the United States. There has been increase in the inflow of international students coming to the UK since 2017 and the numbers continue to rise. 

Coming to a new country leaving everything you know behind is hardly the easiest thing to do. It is more than a chance to learn something new. It is about meeting new and all kinds of people and gaining new experiences that end up shaping you as a person for years to come. We were in conversation with a few international students about their journey and their experiences when they came to the UK to study.  

Have a listen!

Episode 1: Kayla from Hong Kong

A candid conversation with Kayla about her life in university residence halls, culture shocks she experiences and exciting plans post studying in the UK.

Episode 2: Yazan from Jordan

Breaking away from a safe space and trying something completely new, we got up-close and personal in this chat with Yazan about life in the UK.

Episode 3: Alberto from Ecuador

Diving into cultures of UK, USA and Ecuador, long distance relationships and mental health in the UK with Alberto, for the last segment.