Tell us a little bit about your background..
I am a postgraduate student from the United States. I had studied American Government with an Emphasis in Legal Studies and a minor in Philosophy in Arizona previous to coming to Scotland and Strathclyde. I did not know where I was going to go for my postgraduate programme. I knew that I wanted to have an experience I hadn't seen before. I wanted to be challenged and meet a wide range of people. I had applied to many places in the United States before being suggested by a family member from Glasgow to apply to universities in the United Kingdom. As I searched through the various postgraduate courses, the MSc Diplomacy and International Security caught my eye because of its description of multidisciplinary experience.
What inspired you to study the MSc Diplomacy and International Security?
I always had an interest in international affairs and diplomacy. My undergraduate did not focus much on the world governmental interactions compared to internal American law. I was curious and sought to learn about international affairs. Part of my reasoning for applying to Strathclyde and specifically the MSc Diplomacy and International Security was to learn this from an educational system that I did not know much about. To not only learn about international interactions between countries but to experience this education from a foreign country surrounded by people from all parts of the world I thought would provide me with the greatest understanding and application to my studies. To be challenged with viewpoints from people ranging from all ends of the world pushed me into looking towards this programme.
What were the most enjoyable parts of your course?
The most enjoyable parts of my course are a range of areas. On an educational level, the specific classes that I took were not only interesting and thought provoking but challenging and really made me think outside of what I was used to. I enjoyed the passion of the professors within class and their willingness to engage in discussion with students during and after lectures. On a personal level, the friendships I have made within this programme with my fellow postgraduate students have been extremely fulfilling and I know will translate into long lasting friendships. There is a sense of camaradarie that is created when we are all striving to complete our assignments together, finish our course and grasp the lectures after class. Whether it be joining our professors after class to continue discussions, going to get to know each other better, messaging late at night to further grasp our assignments, I am grateful for my classmates and they have truly helped me succeed. Coming from another country, worried that I wouldn't be able to make connections was all made easier by the kindness of the professors and fellow students.
What specialist knowledge/professional skills have you developed whilst studying the course?
My organisation of information has greatly improved throughout this course. I am used to giving presentations and writing essays from my undergraduate. However, the scale of knowledge and information for each assignment seemed daunting at first. The ability to sift through information to find the major facts and important details was something I had to refine during this course. The discipline it takes to go through this vast amount of information also appeared daunting at first. I was not used to having to go through so much information and, at first, would struggle to focus on the task. I have seen my ability to focus on task completing improve and my disciplines in these skills refine by the end of the course.
What do you think of the support available?
The support for this course is fantastic. The professors are already very clear and able to give feedback to emails and questions quickly and concisely. The lectures were engaging. The students helped one another. The university support was always available if I ever needed it. My supervisor during my dissertation was easy to contact and would check-in through coffee sessions.
What would be your advice for prospective students considering applying for this course next year?
Prospective students will not be disappointed with this course. The professors are fantastic and highly knowledgeable and approachable. The information is vast and challenging. There will always be something to pique your interest, challenge your mind and perspectives but in a controlled, safe and comfortable environment. Don't become discouraged from harder topics to understand. There will be support. Don't doubt your own knowledge on topics either. You retain and learn more than you realise while in lectures and discussions. Don't be afraid to challenge your professors or fellow students in this course. You are there to build up knowledge for one another. Your professors are intelligent. They don't mind a challenge either. For international students looking to apply for this course, you will experience a range of different people, lifestyles and experiences. It has truly been a fulfilling experience.
What are your ambitions for the future?
My ambitions for the future have been affected from this course. I originally was going to work in a law firm and continue my studies in the United States. However, this course has made me realise a passion for international cooperation. I want to use my skills and knowledge to promote cooperation between countries. I want to eventually work in either governmental agencies in the United States or non-profit groups to help promote United States aid to other countries and help with the process of directing that aid. My time at Strathclyde and in this course has opened many doors for me to choose from. I am more confident in my personal skills and my ability to communicate. I am more confident in my ability to compile and organise information and no matter where I end up I am grateful for this course to help me in the refinement of my skills.
