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The International Mentor Scheme

I wanted to become an international mentor to help other international students through the process of studying and living in a foreign country, to make it less daunting and a positive experience for them, and to also pass on what I have learnt through my experiences. I have been an international student throughout my studies, as I did my Bachelor's and Master's in the Netherlands as an Italian student and now in the UK. I went through the joys and struggles of being an international student, the excitement of living in a new place, discovering a new culture, making strong friendships, but also struggling with a different language and adapting to a new way of living.

Why Bangor?

I chose to study at Bangor for the excellency in research and facilities in my school of study (Psychology). I am pursuing a PhD in Neuroscience, and Bangor was the perfect fit for me in terms of the quality of research, the facilities available (such as an MRi Scanner and EEG labs), and the great student support.

Most beautiful thing about being an International Student at È«Ãñ²ÊƱ?

Bangor is a small city, so you really get a sense of community from the moment you start living here. I enjoy how students are a major part of the town life, with a very lively students union full of student clubs to try out. I personally enjoy trying lots of new sports, especially outdoor sports, and Bangor is perfect for that as it is surrounded by nature.

The most difficult thing about being an International Student?

Being away from home is a hard one. It is easy to feel lonely and miss family and friends when you first arrive in a new place. I think that period of transition is so important, and having the right support makes all the difference. Personally, I am very thankful to all the people that helped me when I first moved away from home (university staff, students, locals), every encounter helped me feel more secure and settled.

Clubs and Societies

I like to try different sports all the time. Lately I have been trying out pole dancing, paddle boarding, and surfing.

What social activities do you enjoy?

I enjoy meeting friends for dinner or a 'panad' (cup of tea in Welsh), going on walks together, or playing board games. I enjoy live music, going to comedy clubs, the theatre, or other cultural events.

Advice for new International students

Be curious and open minded, this is a chance to immerse yourself into a new culture and a new lifestyle. You have the opportunity to meet people from all over the world, and to visit lots of new places. Finally, it is a time for personal growth, because it is in challenging times that you discover what you are really capable of, so don't be afraid to challenge yourself.