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Celebrating Diversity: Voices from UCL GBSH's International Students

19 March 2024

Explore the diverse voices of international students at UCL GBSH, as shared by our Social Media Ambassador, Kareena Rajani. Delve into their unique journeys in studying abroad, navigating London, cultural adjustments, teaching styles and more.

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At UCL GBSH, we believe that diversity is our greatest strength. Our international students bring a wealth of perspectives, ideas, and experiences that enrich our learning environment and prepare us to tackle the complex challenges of global healthcare management. 

As we navigate the intricacies of healthcare systems around the world, we draw inspiration from our diverse backgrounds and collective wisdom.  

Together, we celebrate cultural differences, foster cross-cultural understanding, and cultivate a sense of belonging that transcends borders. It has undoubtedly been quite a cultural adjustment for our postgraduate cohorts, given their diverse backgrounds. Let’s hear about their experiences, shall we? 

"As the professor mentioned during the induction week, pursuing graduate studies here as an international student presents its challenges, and indeed, I found myself quite busy in the first few weeks of the semester. Balancing numerous details in daily life while also prepping copious academic materials before each class kept me occupied. To be honest, it wasn't until the first reading week that I fully adjusted to the hectic pace of life. 
Adapting to the shift in teaching style was also a concerted effort; transitioning from primarily passive learning during my undergraduate studies to active engagement in classroom discussions now demanded not only preparing answers to questions in advance but also participating in discussions with classmates from various countries during the seminars. However, it's worth mentioning that many of my colleagues at GBSH come with professional experience in the healthcare sector, enriching the content of our classroom discussions and providing me with valuable learning opportunities."

For many international students, studying abroad is both a thrilling adventure and a significant adjustment. From adapting to a new educational system to navigating the cultural nuances of life in London, each student's journey is as unique as their background. 

"As English is not my first language, I found it quite challenging to complete all the assignments and participate in class, as I felt quite shy and afraid to say something wrong. I was very scared for the first term and mostly kept silent. However, UCL provided good support and academic writing training, and my batchmates have been very nice and I slowly gained the confidence to speak up more in class. It has been quite a journey for me but I’ve grown a lot through it."
"I was very motivated during the first few weeks at UCL, but as Professor Nora mentioned, we were all overstimulated with all the newness around us; from new experiences, new people, new places, and so much decision-making. Most of us had moved away from family and were living alone for the first time, and it was a lot to process. A lot of us faced our first major slump around week 6 of term one, where we were emotionally overwhelmed from the sensory overload, the seasonal depression was setting in, and we were more than halfway through the first term and stressed about our upcoming assessments. While all of it has been an adjustment, with many ups and downs, we found our footing eventually, and the professors and support from UCL support and wellbeing really helped. I can say for sure that we have all grown through all the cultural changes, learned more about ourselves, and have learned to love and appreciate people from all backgrounds."

From exploring London's vibrant neighborhoods to engaging in thought-provoking discussions in the classroom, each student finds their own path to success at UCL GBSH. 

As we reflect on the diverse stories and experiences shared by our international students, we are reminded of the power of global collaboration and cultural exchange.  

At UCL GBSH, diversity is not just a buzzword; it's a way of life.