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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
