Laura nemeth

Laura Nemeth

Laura is one of the 18 students in the inaugural cohort of Argentinian Government scholars coming to study in the UK under the BEC.AR scholarship scheme.

Why did you want to study abroad?

I am a nutritionist. I studied at Buenos Aires University and specialised in food science. Since leaving university, I have been working in the retail and food sector and I have really enjoyed seeing the strengths and weaknesses of working in this industry. My professional experience has shown me that in order to progress in the field, I need a greater understanding of the globalised world. I decided to study in the UK because I believe my experiences abroad will make me more resourceful and will contribute to my growth.

How did you choose this university abroad?

I found the BEC.AR scholarship programme online when I started considering studying abroad. The opportunity to meet previous BEC.AR scholars was very influential in my decision to apply to the programme. They all talked with passion about how they had grown both personally and professionally after their experience. Their enthusiasm convinced me to apply.

I was drawn to Europe as I wanted to immerse myself in a different culture and education experience. I also wanted to study in a country with an established food and drink industry which is why I looked at the United Kingdom. The UK also appealed because of its global reputation for higher education, which I’m sure will be very attractive to future employers.

Can you please give me an insight what it was like applying for your study aboard?

The application process for BEC.AR is straightforward. You are required to supply documents relating to your qualifications, work experience and language skills. You are also asked to outline your future plans, which was the part I found hardest. In addition, you need to provide your reasons for wanting to study a masters’ degree and why you want to do it in the UK. The information put together by Universities UK International (UUKi) for the call was brilliant and I found the guidance for picking a suitable university really helpful.

After being successfully selected for the scholarship, I applied to my universities of choice. UUKi was a great support throughout the process. The team managed to deliver a customised and organised service, despite working with many students who all had different demands. It was a comfort to know there was someone there to help me and guide me!

What course are you studying at University of Leeds? And why did you choose it?

In September 2017, I flew to the UK to start a masters’ course in Food Quality and Innovation. I picked this course because I am interested in how innovation can drive development. Innovation in the food industry is particularly exciting because it’s so fast moving, with new products being introduced all the time. I am fascinated by the current trend of using natural ingredients and the demand for a more sustainable supply chain. I would love to use the knowledge I gain from studying in Leeds to help an Argentinian business become more and more competitive in the global market. I think my course will make me stand out in the field and help me to think in a new way.

What do you think you have got out of this experience so far?  What exciting activities are you planning to do during your year abroad?

I’m expecting to have a great time in Leeds. I’m looking forward to trying the food, exploring the surroundings and meeting new people. I want to take advantage of all the opportunities the University of Leeds has to offer because I know this is a once in a lifetime experience. This year will not only teach me valuable new skills for my career but will also help me grow personally.

Do you have any tips and advice to current students thinking of studying abroad?

The main thing to consider is that applying for a scholarship takes time. I found that monitoring BEC.AR’s website and social media very helpful for keeping up-to-date. When the call opens, it’s worth noting the deadline and starting to collect the documents you’ll need straight away because the process can take some time! I suggest keeping a copy of everything you have written for your application too, as you will need it in later stages. I found talking to people who had studied abroad highly valuable. For me, it really confirmed that I definitely wanted to spend a year studying in a new country and being exposed to a different culture. Finally, don’t forget to add in your personality in your application! Show your passion!