Hello, my name is John Vincent Reyes, but you can call me JV. I am a registered pharmacist from the Philippines, exploring a new chapter of my academic journey in beautiful Malta. I came to this small island in the Mediterranean to pursue an affordable Master’s in Pharmacy and develop my career.
I go to advanced classes every week and practise my pharmaceutical skills in an ideal setting: a local pharmacy with tradition. One thing that I love is having my accommodation two minutes away (by bus) from the capital city of Valletta, which is heaven for my passion for the art of photography.
Why I Chose to Study in Malta
This Master’s degree in Malta was a great opportunity for me. When I learned about it from my mentor back home, I had already worked for five years as a pharmacist. But my salary wasn’t high enough to allow me to pay for graduate studies.
On the other hand, Malta is currently facing a shortage of pharmacists, so the local Medicines Authority set up a programme together with the University of Malta to attract international talent. This programme offers a scholarship and a fellowship, which implies working 20 hours per week in a local pharmacy. Not only was I going to afford my studies and gain international experience, but also be able to put into practice what I learned during my classes.
Why I Chose Pharmacy, even though my first choice was Accountancy
If I’m being honest, Pharmacy was not my first choice. Before starting my undergraduate studies, I saw myself with a career in accounting or in any case doing some type of office job.
However, a good friend of mine told me that Pharmacy is really interesting, so we ended up applying together for the Pharmacy programme. Even though he moved to a different course eventually and it took me a while to find my passion for this field, I slowly came to love it. I became more curious and interested as I got into more complex learning of chemistry and pharmacology. The more I learned, the more fascinated I became with the impact of pharmacy on healthcare and patient care.
By the time I graduated with my Bachelor’s, I had become really passionate about Pharmacy.
Challenges I faced in the Application Process and Studying Abroad
Moving to Malta for my studies was not without challenges. During the application process, the most stressful part for me was getting my visa. Because we don’t have a Maltese embassy in the Philippines, my documents had to be processed in Beijing, and that typically means a waiting period of up to three months. However, I was fortunate to receive assistance from the University of Malta, and so my visa arrived in about a month and a half.
As for the rest of the application process, it all went smoothly because the process at the University of Malta is very simple and straightforward.
Nevertheless, once I moved to Malta, I had to handle challenges of a different nature. Being so far away from home can be difficult. I had to adjust to living independently, taking care of everything myself, and getting used to all the new things like transport and the style of teaching. But I enjoy it all, and I feel that I’ve learned a lot already.
Also, the academic system in Malta is quite different from the one in the Philippines: there is a big focus here on practical and clinical skills. I only have two theoretical courses, and my placement is in a local pharmacy where I can practise and integrate the information I learn. The local pharmacist who takes care of us is really nice and supportive. She’s been working in that pharmacy for over twenty years and is truly knowledgeable.
Overall, I think networking is more important than anything. I have made a lot of new friends since I came here, and it keeps me happy. So, no matter what the issue is, just ask for help and talk to people. That’s my advice to all international students.
Apart from that, keeping up with your hobbies is also important. I love photography, and Malta is a very beautiful island. I have taken so many pictures since I moved here!
My plan for the future: go for the Doctorate
After I finish my Master’s degree, I plan to apply for a doctorate in Pharmacy at the University of Malta as well. The programme initiated by the Malta Medicines Authority also covers doctorate degrees. I want to learn more and be able to contribute meaningfully to this field.
We don’t always know what we want to do straight away. There’s a big difference between the office jobs I thought I wanted and the lab work I enjoy today. But I discovered my true passion by trying and experimenting, so today I know where my passion truly is.
Don’t be afraid of being wrong or making changes. It usually turns out for the best.
