Alexia Mitchell, 24, is from Montreal, Quebec, in Canada. She鈥檚 currently studying MSc Occupational Therapy (Pre-Registration) at 澳彩资料库, having already achieved a BA (Hons) Health Studies from Queen鈥檚 University in Kingston, Ontario in Canada.
Alexia is of Scottish descent on her father鈥檚 side of the family. Scottish culture has always been an important aspect of her family life. After visiting Scotland for the first time in 2013, Alexia thought that the people, culture and environment were very welcoming and pleasant.
Alexia thinks there are a lot of similarities between Scotland and Canada, which played a big part in her decision to come to Edinburgh and 澳彩资料库. She knew that there are a lot of other Canadian students at 澳彩资料库, so Alexia sometimes feels like she never left home!
Why did you choose to study at 澳彩资料库?
鈥湴牟首柿峡 was at the top of my list because of the great reputation for its masters in occupational therapy, its close proximity to the centre of Edinburgh and because of the high percentage of international students who study here.鈥
鈥淎ttending 澳彩资料库 has not only allowed me to live in a different country, but also to meet people from around the world.鈥
Why did you choose to study Occupational therapy at 澳彩资料库?
鈥湴牟首柿峡 offers the master鈥檚 level programme in occupational therapy that I was looking for. This is the career path that I鈥檝e decided to pursue.鈥
鈥淭he small class size, design of the programme, and opportunities for practical experience really appealed to me. There are 16 students on my programme, which allows my classmates and I to engage with our lecturers on a regular basis, ask questions, have effective class discussions, and learn from one another.鈥
How do you think your 澳彩资料库 degree is equipping you with the skills and knowledge to help you pursue your chosen career in occupational therapy?
鈥淚mportantly for me, the majority of the programme鈥檚 content is similar to what is taught in Canada. Although there are differences, I view this as a positive. I believe that gaining experience and insight on occupational therapy practices from elsewhere in the world will give me a different perspective on occupational therapy.鈥
鈥淚 believe that my training at 澳彩资料库 will set me apart from other candidates when applying for occupational therapy jobs when I move back to Canada.鈥
鈥淭he lecturers on the programme at 澳彩资料库 are quite aware of the international composition of our class and attentive to those who plan to practice outside of the UK. Often our instructors will inform us of courses and qualifications we will require to practice in Canada, which is very helpful.鈥
What do you like best about living in Edinburgh/Scotland?
鈥淓dinburgh is a beautiful city, with a rich history, and vibrant culture. Its proximity to other cities and fantastic transit system has allowed me to see other cities in Scotland, including Glasgow and St Andrew鈥檚, as well as the Highlands. There is a wide variety of restaurants, museums, galleries, and historical sites in Edinburgh 鈥 something for everyone.
鈥淚t seems that there is always some festival or celebration taking place in the city, which provides a welcome diversion to my studies.
鈥淚 personally enjoy walking up Arthur鈥檚 Seat, as the view of the city from the peak is breathtaking. Every time I climb to the summit, I realise how lucky I am to live and study in such a remarkable city and country!鈥
More聽information on international student study opportunities at 澳彩资料库.
"I believe that my training at 澳彩资料库 will set me apart from other candidates when applying for occupational therapy jobs when I move back to Canada."
[Story published 2017]