A student from Ghana, who is completing a Master’s degree at the University of Worcester, has praised his experience before the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission.
Samuel Kyei was one of four Ghanaian scholars currently studying in the UK as part of a Commonwealth Scholarship selected to give a presentation to this year’s cohort from Ghana.
“I was honoured to speak on behalf of my colleagues, the 2019/20 scholars, and represent the University of Worcester,” said Samuel, who is completing a year-long Master’s in Public Health at Worcester.
“I shared the support I have received from the University and the Students’ Union. I emphasised the great experience I had in terms of inclusivity, academics and volunteering opportunities. This was all drawn from my experience with the University. I look forward to more and even greater opportunities to tell the world about the University of Worcester.”
The Commonwealth Scholarship Commission in the UK (CSC) is a scheme sponsored by the Government’s Department for International Development. It is designed to support innovators and leaders of the future from across the Commonwealth while attracting outstanding talent to Britain’s universities.
The Scholarship pays for Samuel’s fees, while the University provides accommodation and pays a stipend to cover Samuel’s living expenses.
Wanting to study in the UK, Samuel chose Worcester for his first time outside of Ghana based on its achievements.
Samuel said the pandemic and lockdown had not been without its challenges, but that the University had been there to support him. During his studies, he even got the opportunity to engage with colleagues on a project on COVID-19 and BAME populations in Worcester.
Outside of his studies, Samuel was voted in to the role of International Students Officer in Worcester Students’ Union, supporting other international students. He was also selected by the Union to represent it at the 2020 National Union of Students (NUS) conference, and at the 2020 NUS Liberation Conference.
He also did voluntary roles, working with the elections committee of the Students’ Union and supporting the mental health of dementia residents through the Students’ Union’s Worctogether project.
“My experience at the University of Worcester has been an exciting adventure,” said Samuel. “I enjoyed the lecturers’ support and other university support services, the natural greenspace environment, the friendliness of the Students’ Union and the International Experience Team.
“I can attest that the University of Worcester is a great university that has students’ interest at heart and goes every length and breadth to make us feel comfortable and integrated. I will always call this university my home.”
Samuel is in the UK working on his study, but will be leaving for Ghana very soon. He hopes to go on to support rural health development in Ghana.