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When did you join Lancing College?
Third Form.
What subjects did you study for A Level?
History, Business Studies, and German.
Where did you go to university and what do you study there?
Maastricht University, European Studies.
Why did you choose to study at an overseas university?
There are many reasons for this. The study programme offered is the best of its kind and it really offers me a large variety of skills and knowledge to benefit from. The course is very unique in that it is based on problem-based learning (PBL) and also because it covers a wide range of important topics such as European law, economics, politics etc.
Another reason is because the location of Maastricht is unique. Being on the border with Germany and Belgium, it is very easy to travel around to neighbouring cities with fast and cheap connections.
A third reason is because of the quality of education I receive. Maastricht University has exams every 7 weeks instead of at the end of every semester for example. This teaches me to be organised with my time. British universities are much more relaxed with their schedules and do not offer the same level of education in comparison.
How have you found the experience so far?
I have really enjoyed my experience abroad. I have met people from so many different places and almost lost my accent! I definitely have zero regrets about going abroad because there is so much to see and so much to do!
I have learnt a fourth language (Dutch) and developed my German to a fluent level by going on exchange in Switzerland. This has allowed me to interact with the ‘natives’ for example and get a sense of what the natives think of their birthplace.
What advice would you give to a current pupil interested in applying to an overseas university?
TRUST YOUR GUT FEELING! GO FOR IT! I got so much ‘hate’ for going abroad, everyone was so sceptical about me going abroad. People were very doubtful and so on, but this is the wrong mindset and opinion to have.
What are your plans for the future?
I am going to take a year out and work to earn some money. During this time, I am going to apply for a master’s degree. I am currently unsure of what I exactly want to do, so my best bet is to wait, see my options and then make an educated decision.
In terms of long-term future plans, I am interested in becoming a human rights lawyer or working for the UN. But I am also interested in working in diplomacy. But who knows… I like to take life as it comes and see what opportunities I can take.
Do you keep in touch with friends from Lancing?
I am in touch with a nice amount of people from Lancing. I am in some Whatsapp groups and I often call some of my friends. When I return to London, which is very rare, I make sure I see as many people as I can.
During my exchange semester, I received a message from an old friend in Lancing; he was studying in a neighbouring city, so it was really cool to go to a city near my exchange university and hang out.
What advice would you give to a new pupil who is about to start at Lancing?
I would like to advise new students to be open-minded. Never generalise. Students should engage their fellow students with an open-mind and help one another. One key to opening that door to happiness and success is working together and being part of a team.