Foreword: I figured it was time you heard a different perspective. So ... today's guest blogger is Abigail, a wonderful young woman who I met through the Cavite Chorale (The UWI - Cave Hill Campus choral group) in Barbados who recently completed her MSc. Marketing Management and Strategy at the Plymouth University who I asked to give her perspective on studying in the UK.
"FERNWEH" (n.) An ache for distant
places; the craving for travel
11th July,
2014. That was the day. After immense contemplation and deliberation, I had
finally decided. That was the day I would pick up my life to begin my adventure
– my year-long European journey before heading back to Barbados. You see, I absolutely
LOVE England and I was willing to do whatever it took to postpone my return to
Barbados. I had convinced myself that the more I postponed my departure from
England, the easier the trek home would be, the less I would miss England, the
faster I would re-adjust to my not-so-missed island lifestyle. Most of all, I
truly believed that in the time that I waited (lagged and delayed) I would
receive a clear sign as to what my future had in store for me.
Apparently,
international students usually have a love-hate relationship with England. Mine
though, was a love-love-more-love relationship from the very start! Within
weeks of applying to Plymouth University, I was accepted for my programme. I
was awarded a part scholarship from the University towards my tuition fees. I
was afforded the opportunity to work with the University's accommodation team
and thus earned myself free accommodation and monthly pay. Thus, I required and
was quickly able to secure minimal funding for the rest of my trip within a few
weeks of my acceptance. Just like that - I had it in the bag.
Plymouth is
about a 5 hour drive away from London - which was the only bummer. However, it
truly is a self-sufficient little city, and I rarely ever needed to make the
trek to London. I really liked my programme; my flat was beyond decent and my
flatmates were God sent. I didn't have many friends, but a solid few were all I
needed. It was cold and rainy most days (cold and slightly sunny on others) but
I adjusted quickly, grabbing the opportunity to embrace as many fancy coats and
knee high boots as I could lay my hands on. This cold, grey country sucked me
in and seduced me all at once.
I often
indulged in long walks along the waterfront, and I stared at the gorgeous old
buildings for hours. Late night movies and a bottle of wine with my flatmates
were a monthly must. All-you-can-eat Chinese buffets were sinfully delicious
and ridiculously affordable, not to mention the corner kebab shops especially
when I had the midnight munchies. Old castles, theatre shows, the malls, the
sales…the sales … the sales! The pubs (OMG ... the pubs!!), live music, summer
barbeques, restaurants, clubs, parties, pre-drink before the parties…and more
parties. UGH… I did not want to leave!
It was 11th
July, and I waited for my flight alone at the airport. I just had to accept
that I had travelled to England on a mission which I had accomplished to the
best of my ability. It was time to return home. "At least you'll have the
beach…", I thought to myself, wiping away the last of my tears. I just had
to believe there was something bigger and better in store for me… and truly,
there was. Within the first week of my return to Barbados, I was interviewed by
one of the largest distribution firms on the island and shortly after was hired
as a Brand Manager for a major account. A little intimidating, I'll admit, but
more than enough Band-Aid for my British blues!
I miss the
cold days. I've never been happier or felt more liberated than on days that I
walked home by myself. Nowhere to be, no one to answer to, just me walking home
alone. A chunk of my heart will forever remain in England, but I think that's a
fair price to pay for that 'once in a lifetime' kinda experience.
No comments:
Post a Comment