A heartfelt thank you
Every year, thanks to the generosity of alumni and friends around the world, the University provides international and home students with the opportunity to come and study at Sussex on a scholarship programme. Brittany Schultz is one such student. Here is her letter to alumni.
Dear Supporters,
First of all, I want to say a huge thank you! This Masters has been a far-off dream of mine for some time and I could not do it without a scholarship. I cannot believe I am finally here, and time is already flying by…
Before moving to England, I spent four years living in Singapore, teaching English to students between three and 12-years old. As rewarding as it was, I knew I wanted to transition to refugee education because I had previously worked with refugee mothers and their toddlers at a non-profit in Arizona. I decided to pursue a Masters degree to make this possible. The University of Sussex has the best development programme in the world and the International Education and Development MA was perfectly in line with my goals and interests.
Now that I am here, I have been blown away by the depth of knowledge and expertise of my professors who seem to have worked in every major international organisation in this field. The course is better than I could have imagined and is challenging my beliefs and changing my perspective constantly. I have been delighted by the resources available to me at the University and have been spending a lot of time at the Library and in the Student Centre, reading about theories in the field.
Teaching English in Singapore.
The majority of the people on my course are also international students, so most of us are in the same boat, building a life in a new country. I am thankful that my fellow students have all been warm and welcoming and I have found it easy to make friends. I am learning about different cultures and from their experiences teaching around the world.
Sussex has provided me with many opportunities to get involved and I have applied to be a Student Ambassador. I also have a volunteer training session coming up with IntoUniversity – an organisation that partners university students with a disadvantaged youth for academic, social and emotional support with the future in mind. I am looking forward to working with this organisation.
The course is better than I could have imagined and is challenging my beliefs and changing my perspective constantly.”
Outside of class, I am finding time to explore Brighton and the surrounding areas. One of the things I love most about living here is the proximity to the South Downs National Park. On the weekends I have been enjoying finding new hiking trails through the woods and hills, and at the seaside. The Seven Sisters cliffs are breathtaking and the rolling hills continue to amaze me.
After living in a big city at the equator for years, it has been refreshing to experience the nature and seasonal changes that the Brighton area offers. My partner is British, and she has proved a good tour guide.
We sometimes take trips to nearby towns. One weekend we went further afield, to Cardiff, with friends and explored some castles. We have a trip to Stonehenge coming up soon too! I am hoping that I will get a chance to explore more of the United Kingdom over the summer and would love to spend some time in the Lake District.
Lastly, I must mention that I absolutely love all the food here! The roast dinners, cream teas and fish and chips by the sea have been filling my soul, as well as my stomach.
All of this would not be possible if I had to work to support myself during my studies, so again I would like to say a heartfelt thank you for supporting my scholarship! I am keeping you in mind as I complete my MA this year in beautiful Brighton.
Yours gratefully,
Brittany Schultz
Exploring the south coast and Seven Sisters cliffs.