Blogs

Is it possible to predict the future? This is the story about how I chose to study medicine, and how some random occurrences changed my life.

Right before finishing high school, I had decided to apply for university but did not really know what or where to study. So I wrote down six different alternatives, numbered them one to six and threw a die to decide. The die ended up showing number two – medicine – and from there it all started.

I was born in Sofia, Bulgaria to a loving Christian family. I grew up aspiring to become a medical doctor. Unlike many of the professionals in the sector, my passion for medicine came not from the security of great career prospects but from an earnest desire to help less privileged individuals across the globe. I was determined to emigrate to a nation in sub-Saharan Africa after completing my studies, open my own practice in a rural village, and offer free health services to people in need.

Straight after I finished my psychology undergraduate degree, I knew exactly what I wanted to do: travel and work. As much as I enjoyed full-time study, I had reached what psychologists might term “saturation” and I couldn’t wait to have the independence associated with exploring the world and earning my own pay packet. Ten years on, I’m back in full-time education as a PhD student and discovering the cheapest brands of dried noodles and baked beans again. So…what happened?

The answer is…not really. In terms of academics, you really don’t have to, as almost all courses offered at universities in Hong Kong are conducted in English. The university administrations also use English to communicate with you. If you come to study in Hong Kong knowing only English, you will be just fine. Yet picking up the basics of the local language may make your life easier in Hong Kong.

People go to university for a variety of reasons: it might be for a degree, or it is simply the next step in life, or your parents expect it of you, or you want to make the most out of life. Whatever the reason, the university experience is different for everyone.

I don’t quite remember when I first decided to study public policy. Over the past seven years I’ve been lucky to work with some really talented practitioners in both politics and the public service, and I loved the experience. At a certain point I realised that this meant a career in government – and that was that.

See the Times Higher Education World’s Best Small Universities 2016 table here.

Angelina Pham, a nursing student at Oregon Health & Science University, tells her story:

See the Times Higher Education World’s Best Small Universities 2016 table here.

Aaron Martes, a forensic psychology student, on the benefits of a small campus:

If I had to describe my top three favourite things about studying at a more intimate institution, it would be family, opportunity and adventure.

See the Times Higher Education World’s Best Small Universities 2016 table here.

Alex Lussignoli, an Italian-Swiss student at the University of Neuchâtel, describes his experience at this small university

See the Times Higher Education World’s Best Small Universities 2016 table here.

Robin Meijer, a student at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, on why his campus is the perfect size

I was asked to write a short blog post on how I feel about studying at a pretty modestly sized university. This got me thinking.