The International Student Experience is a podcast dedicated to showcasing the unique stories of students from around the world who have chosen to study in the UK.
Topics include what it's like to come to the UK for the first time, how to navigate getting to Swansea, creating a community for yourself while away from home and the best places to go for a coffee when you're here!
Latest episode
Series 2, episode 8 - Going with the flow, adapting to life in the UK, Narottam Tiwari
In this episode we talk with Narottam Tiwari from Nepal, who shares his journey of adapting to life in the UK while pursuing a Master's in Healthcare Management at Swansea University. From overcoming cultural differences and loneliness to building connections through student societies and work, assisting new international students and supporting minority students' mental well-being, Narottam's story highlights the importance of going with the flow and embracing new experiences. He also discusses his aspirations to make a difference in healthcare both in the UK and back home in Nepal.
Series 2, episode 7 - Pressure is what makes diamonds. Haikaeli Kinyamagoha, Tanzania
In this podcast episode, Haikaeli Gillard Kinyamagoha from Tanzania shares her journey in healthcare, with a focus on pharmaceuticals and indigenous practices. Through her platform, Balcony Series, she uses art to simplify and spread complex health information. One significant project, a short documentary titled "Mwanahiti", explores the Zaramo people's traditional methods of teaching sexual and reproductive health to young girls. Despite budget and cultural challenges, the project was successfully documented and showcased at the 2023 Zanzibar International Film Festival.
Series 2, episode 6 - From China to the UK, the challenges of studying abroad. Barry Liu, China
In this episode, we meet Barry, originally from China who has spent eight years in the UK. He’s now studying International Accounting and Finance after shifting from a Chemistry degree at the University of Bristol. Barry decided to pivot to accounting and finance, a field more aligned with his family's background in finance. Barry shares his experiences living in Swansea versus Bristol and his hometown in China. He also discusses his part-time job at a Swansea letting agency, which has offered financial support and valuable experience. Despite the tough job market and challenges of returning to offline interviews, Barry remains hopeful about his future in China.
Previous episodes - Series Two
Series 2, episode 5 - Studying Abroad: Bridging Cultures and Finding My Own Way. Lucie Lefler, USA
In this episode Lucy Lefler, from Columbus, Georgia, shares her journey from reading Harry Potter and Percy Jackson to studying ancient history and English literature at Swansea University. Lucy delves into her passion for Roman mythology, her explorations of historical sites in Wales, and the cultural contrasts between Swansea and her hometown. She emphasizes the importance of community and friendships in her adjustment to UK life, and reflects on the independence gained from studying abroad.
Series 2, episode 4 - Stepping Stones. Srushti Mande, India
Srushti Mande from Mumbai, India, is pursuing an MSc in Virtual Reality at Swansea University. She shares her journey from studying computer science in India, working at a multinational company, to exploring VR and eventually moving to the UK. She highlights the pivotal role of the Global Wales Postgraduate Scholarship, which enabled her studies. Srushti discusses the challenges and excitement of her first international flight, the importance of community among international students, and balancing academic, work, and social life in Swansea.
Series 2, episode 3 - You network is your net worth. Joshua Benn, Guyana
Joshua Benn, a Guyanese attorney, is studying at Swansea University on a prestigious Chevening scholarship, pursuing an LLM in Oil, Gas, and Renewable Energy Law. Inspired by Guyana's 2015 oil discovery, he aims to fill the legal expertise gap in his country. Joshua credits his success to his uncle and the supportive Chevening network, which helped him through the application process. Now, he's paying it forward, guiding future scholars and giving back.
Series 2, Episode 2 - Navigating autism and loneliness while at University. Therese Elnar, Philipines.
In this episode, Therese, who moved from the Philippines to the UK to study, shares her journey with autism, diagnosed in 2022. She contrasts the stigma and lack of support she experienced in the Philippines with the more inclusive environment at Swansea University. Despite ongoing challenges with social interactions and mental health, she talks about the extensive support and reflects on the value of the ongoing assistance in managing her autism and adjusting to university life, while acknowledging the continued struggle with loneliness and adapting to her new surroundings.
Series 2, Episode 1 - "I was born to create change" Oluwaseun Ayodeji Osowobi, Nigeria.
In the first episode of series 2, we welcome campaigner and activist Oluwaseun Ayodeji Osowobi. A Swansea University alumna with an MA in International Relations, Oluwaseun is an Obama Foundation Leader in Africa and British Council’s Study UK Global Winner for Social Action 2023. She passionately advocates for women's rights and safety, working to reduce gender-based violence through her Stand to End Rape initiative. Tune in to hear how she overcomes challenges and achieves her goals, supporting women and girls on their recovery journey and creating lasting change.
Previous episodes - Series One
Episode 1 - International Medical Dreams - Overcoming Adversity in the Pursuit of Becoming a Doctor. Safia Shirzad, Afghanistan.
Explore Safia Shirzad's remarkable journey, where she defied the odds and found her place in healthcare and the online gaming community. Motivated by a personal tragedy, Safia discovered the "Pathway to Medicine" course, excelling in diverse modules, ultimately earning a first-class degree. Beyond academics, Safia's passion for advocacy shines through her volunteer work, assisting disadvantaged communities and supporting humanitarian causes.
Safia's digital prowess extends to building a vibrant gaming community, forging connections and friendships across the digital landscape. Through her platform, she inspires others to pursue their passions.
Episode 2 - Empowering women worldwide – what happens when you believe in yourself and take action. Bethel Ohanugo, Nigeria
Driven by the pursuit of breaking tech barriers in healthcare, Bethel Ohanugo from Nigeria was a recipient of the Eira Francis Davies Scholarship. Bethel embarked on Swansea University's MSc Health Informatics program, driven by her mission to empower women in tech. Her journey unfolds against challenges of homesickness and isolation, which she conquered by embracing Swansea's vibrant culture and university events. Bethel's transformative path led her from clinical practice to the world of informatics, fuelled by her ambition to create change. Listen in to gain insight into Bethel's journey and her commitment to empowering women, making waves in the tech industry and beyond.
Episode 3 - How to overcome any adversity in your life through perseverance and purpose. Kuuku Anim, Ghana
Listen to an inspiring journey of resilience, knowing yourself, and the importance of having support. Meet Kuuku Anim, an student from Ghana, who has overcame adversity to pursue his passion for legal technology. This episode delves into Kuuku's unwavering determination in overcoming adversity, drawing strength from family and mastering accessibility hurdles. Join us to explore a range of interests spanning from cooking, swimming and playing baseball and football, all while being blind. Become inspired by Kuuku's unyielding resolve, which continues to shape the vibrant international student experience at Swansea University.
Episode 4 - Breaking Cultural Barriers in the Pursuit of your Passions. Lan Wei, China
In this episode we're delving into the inspiring journey of Lan from China, who studied an Undergraduate degree in Translation and Interpreting. Lan's story takes us from the bustling streets of Beijing to the city of Swansea in the UK. Lan's story is a testament to the power of seizing opportunities, breaking cultural barriers, and pursuing your passions. She started her educational journey in Beijing, where efficiency and conformity were the norms for her. However, her life took an unexpected twist when she came to Swansea, discovering a world beyond textbooks and exams. From collaborating with local musicians to performing live at the Swansea Fringe music festival, Lan has fearlessly explored her interests.
Episode 5 - How working part-time during university can open doors to exciting opportunities. Rewa Gupta, India
In this episode we meet Rewa Gupta, who moved from India to Dubai and then to the UK where she completed her BSc in Psychology at Swansea University. Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, Rewa's commitment to volunteer work propelled her from volunteer to Trustee of a volunteering organisation, fostering specialised initiatives and fundraising. Her experience underlines the transformative power of part-time work and volunteering.
Rewa's path reflects her evolution from being home-sick to self-assuredness. Her journey highlights the significance of venturing beyond comfort zones, acquiring skills, the rewards of part-time work and embracing new experiences.
Episode 6 - The value of saying 'YES' during your university experience. Christian Rodriguez-Howell, Spain.
In this episode we follow Christian's adventures, from studying civil engineering to exploring the world, and discovering the beauty of saying "yes" to life's opportunities. Hailing from Spain, Christian's path to higher education was far from conventional, navigating the limitations of the Spanish education system that left him with little choice during A-levels. But that didn't deter him from pursuing his dreams. Join us as we explore his incredible journey from sunny Spain to the vibrant landscapes of the UK, where he embarked on his university adventure at the tender age of 17, all while adjusting to a new culture and making lifelong friends during a global pandemic.
Episode 7 - Embracing every experience and the benefit of never stopping on the path towards your career. Madhav Pandya, India.
This episode features Madhav Pandya from India, who turned the problems facing his education during the Covid pandemic into an opportunity to study abroad in the UK. Studying BSc Computer Science Madhav has been able to seize every opportunity presented to him, during his time at Swansea becoming a Student Ambassador, a teaching assistant, a Digital Content Creator, President of the Indian Society, Creative Director of the Hindu Society, taking a year to study in industry all while running an incredibly successful YouTube channel on the side! Join us as we unravel Madhav's story, a testament to unwavering determination, unyielding commitment, and the art of seizing every opportunity that comes his way. This episode is a celebration of a student who not only navigates the challenges but also carves a path marked by triumphs, making the most of every moment.
Episode 8 - Planning ahead, being adaptive to change and finding your own community through University societies. Lexie Stewart, Canada
Embark on an inspiring journey with Lexie Stewart from Canada, where she shares her experience as a Law undergraduate at Swansea University. Lexie's academic pursuit, facilitated through a partnership with Trent University in Canada, led her thousands of miles away from home. Despite the distance, Lexie discovered a profound sense of belonging and community in Swansea.
Lexie discovered early on she was the child of donor insemination and looked into this extended family of half-siblings. This extended family instilled in her the invaluable skill of creating community wherever she goes—a skill she fondly refers to as finding her "little village," as her Mum calls it. Lexie's narrative unfolds as she fully immerses herself in the vibrant tapestry of university life, actively participating in diverse societies like the Choral Society, Tea Society, and Canadian Society. Through these engagements, she has not only built connections but has firmly planted her roots in the UK.
Meet our host
Meet the host of the International Student Experience podcast, Daf Turner. Daf is currently the Campaigns and Content Manager in the International Marketing team, having worked at the University in a few roles since 2013.
Daf is one of the Co-Chairs of the University's LGBT+ Staff Network, who's work has contributed to the University being recognised as the top education provider in the UK in the Workplace Equality Index.
Outside of work, Daf is an ardent music enthusiast, evident from his tenure as a presenter at a local radio station hosting his own weekly show, and can usually be found wearing headphones and curating diverse playlists. He also has a passion for film and creativity, which he showcases online in being a cosplayer and hand crafting film props and costumes. He also finds joy as an amateur baker, chef, and mixologist in his spare time.
