We have recently began sharing the stories and experiences of international students who are studying abroad or have been through that journey.
This week we have caught up with Marta, who was an international postgraduate student at Newcastle University Business School. Marta also currently works at StudyFlats in a marketing role.
We’ve spoken to Marta about a number of things: her university experience, why she chose the UK for studying abroad and of course, accommodation.
From: Spain
University: Newcastle University
Course: Masters Cross-Cultural Communication & International Marketing
1) Tell us a little bit about yourself
I am originally from Spain, but I have been in the UK for three years now. Two of my biggest obsessions are fashion and creative advertising. I enjoy going out in the nature and weird beers.
2) Where and what did you study?
I did a degree in International Relations in Madrid, in the Complutense University.
After that, I studied a Masters in Cross-Cultural Communication and International Marketing at Newcastle University.
3) Why did you choose to study abroad in the UK, and Newcastle University in particular?
I had always wanted to study in the UK, and I was even more convinced about that after studying my Erasmus at Warwick University.
I really admire the British educational system and also, I wanted to improve my English through a real academic and personal experience.
4) How did you like your university and course?
At Newcastle University, I have become very proficient in terms of writing about complex issues as well as dealing with tight deadlines. I also enjoyed the marketing dimension of my course as I had the opportunity to be taught by great lecturers that had a vast amount of experience in well-known international brands.
Leaving the academic aside, I have enjoyed the city and discovered a different part of England as the North East is that has nothing to do with all the places I had been before like London or Birmingham.
5) How was your experience with finding accommodation as an international student?
In my case, I came to live with my partner who already had a flat sorted so I can not complain about that. However, most of my friends from the Masters did struggle to find a good accomodation from their countries of origin, and many of them did not have such positive experiences with their housemates or getting solutions when they had issues in the property.
6) What are you doing now since you have graduated?
I am still getting rid of the anxiety that I had after moving to the country…
Jokes apart, I am currently working as a Marketing Assistant at StudyFlats. My plans are to stay in the country for another few years. However, I would like to go back to Spain one day and continue my marketing career there.
7) What advice would you give to other students who want to study abroad?
I know this sounds very typical but It might seem scary at first, however it is important to keep the calm and think beyond that. I would recommend to keep the mind busy to avoid mental breakdowns; I used to do yoga, paint…etc.
Living abroad is a life-changing experience and only when you have dealt with the anxiety and the negative feelings that you might feel, you realize that it has opened up your mind in aspects that you did not even expect.
