Jack pursued his Master’s degree in Political Communications at Goldsmiths University of London. He found the programme via Studyportals. We asked Jack about his experience of searching and applying to a university abroad.
Tell us a bit about yourself. What is your name? How old are you? Where are you from?
My name is Jack Nassar, from Rawabi, Palestine.
Where are/were you studying and what programme? What degree and how long is your programme?
I am studying a Master’s in Political Communications at Goldsmiths, University of London. It’s a one-year programme.
Why did you want to study abroad?
My interest in the UK and its education system stems from childhood, as Britons wrote most books that I read and studied in school. I am looking to achieve my Master’s degree in the UK to learn more from its renowned education culture and its rich, diverse communities.
Goldsmiths has a fantastic reputation and a critical way of approaching studies. I have a real desire to further my knowledge and develop new critical skills. My professional career has exposed me to Palestinian governmental figures and businessmen, consultants and non-profits; all keen to make a contribution to peace.
My most recent role has made me aware how much media biases and political communication, and lobbying, in Palestine, U.S. and the UK, all play a fundamental role in the highly charged conflict. My career, varying from government to the private sector has also exposed me to different organisational approaches and mindsets.
I am an inquisitive person - curious about different cultures, religions and civilisations. My interest in reading, brief studies in the U.S., as well as my travels and interactions with foreign visitors have all driven greater curiosity in me. In order to better understand people, I believe one must be open-minded and appreciate different perspectives.
What were your main priorities when choosing your university and your programme (e.g. academics, accommodation, university services & facilities, personal & professional development, city & culture, cost & funding, practicalities, social life)?
I was looking for one of the best-accredited universities with a great reputation and for a programme that will help me in reaching my goals in life and career.
Was this your first study choice? What other universities did you consider? What was the main reason for your final choice?
I applied to a few different British universities and was accepted in all of them; but I chose this programme because the subject matter was exactly what I was looking for, which others didn’t offer.
Did you know from the start that you wanted to study in that particular country and city? Why did you choose this particular location?
Yes, I knew that I wanted to study in the UK; it didn’t matter which city though. I applied for this programme because I believe it will help me in reaching my goals and will provide me with the knowledge and techniques that I would need.
Did you find your study programme on Studyportals? How did Studyportals help you in your decision process?
No, not on Studyportals. However, Studyportals helped me a lot in making up my mind and applying to different universities and programmes. Studyportals provided me with much information and many details that were very helpful to me.
Did you take a language test (e.g. TOEFL, IELTS) when applying for the programme? If yes, which one did you choose, why and how was your experience with it?
Yes, I took the IELTS. It was a good experience.
What would be your advice for students from your country that consider studying abroad?
Studying abroad is the best opportunity to experience, grow, learn about new cultures, regions, food, religions and people. It is a once in a lifetime experience, I will never regret or forget.
Seeing how different lifestyles can be, is amazing and sometimes it changes your mind and way of thinking and observing, from the start making you appreciate more what you have, do or experience.
I recommend that every student goes abroad for a lifetime experience of learning, making friends, travel and fun. Just do it and you will love it.
Why would you (not) recommend this particular city / university? How would you rate your experience on a scale from zero to ten (0 – It was a total disaster, 10 – I had the time of my life)?
So far, I would rate it 10. It is such a great experience, not just the classes and education; but, also, living here is great.
Is there anything that you would do differently if you could do it over again?
No, I feel so great and grateful! Every day I learn and experience something new.
What was the biggest surprise in your study abroad adventure?
New way of thinking and observing.
Were you inspired by Jack's story?
