Ayjemal Gurbanova: International MSc in Securi­ty, Intelligence and Strategic Studies

Ayjemal is a graduate of International University for the Humanities and Development of Turkmenistan, majored in Journalism, International Sports, History and Arts Journalism. Her main interest areas: international relations and cooperation, strategic partnerships between countries and analysis of possible threats.

Her prior choices, which she had found in the Erasmus+ Course Catalogue and applied, were Euro Culture and International Journalism, “… however, they didn’t accept me :( …" So, that was my last option from Erasmus which I was waiting for “we are sorry to say, but you were not selected” phrase. But then, I was thrilled when I read the word “nominated!!! :)"

I have chosen the University of Glasgow (UofG) not only for its fame and being among the top UK Universities, but it is also a part of Erasmus Mundus institutions. All the administrative and management of the entire program responsibilities are carried out by UofG. Moreover, even though students study during different semesters at additional universities, it is the UofG final mission to hold the graduation ceremony.

I have also been awarded two other scholarships for study as an alternative path; however, the program has become my hard-won achievements which I can be proud of!

Undoubtedly, the first thing that you face overseas is being homesick. I missed my land, nature, friends, family, and my pets so much! I did not even throw Turkmen candy packages since it reminded me of my home…

The approach I used to tackle with that was my engaging in the University clubs and societies. I enrolled in dance courses and made new friends.

The second challenge, I experienced, was sharing a dormitory room with my course mate. Staying in your home country, you know and understand everybody, but outside, we encounter major cultural differences and diverse understanding and interpretations of the same topic. The way I managed that was my patience, understanding, compromising, and avoiding any potential conflicts.

The UofG, established in 1451, is ranked 13th in the world according to the QS World Sustainability Rankings, it has 8 Nobel Laureates connected to the University. Students are taught by dedicated and passionate academics in a flexible and innovative learning environment. With its 43,000 students from 140 countries, it has been ranked in the UK's top 20 for graduate employability. There are also 300+ student clubs and societies.

University of Glasgow is committed to building an inclusive and welcoming community for us all. Through widening participation work UofG encourages, prepares, and supports students who are under-represented in higher education to achieve entry to university.

As our backgrounds are diverse, it is hard to get well in the first days. But after a couple of months, you start remembering fellow students’ names and countries where they come from.

There are always gatherings after studies to walk in parks or have dinner together, and then, you start to look closer at each of your classmate... Not only with classmates, there are other events running by the university societies where you get the chance to meet other students from different departments. I would say now, I have plenty of friends with whom we have good time together!

Though it saddens me to know, we need to move next semester to another country without knowing anyone or anything and also searching for new friends…

You need to adapt to this nomadic lifestyle, and at the same time having friends from different parts of the world is a really great feeling!

For future Erasmus+ students I wish an incredible journey filled with discovery, growth, and boundless opportunities!

May this experience broaden your horizons, enrich your knowledge, and deepen your understanding of different cultures. Embrace the diversity around you, learn from it, and let it shape your perspectives.

Wishing you courage, determination, and endless inspiration on this remarkable adventure!

Let your time in the EMJM program be a stepping stone toward a future filled with accomplishments and global connections!

Good luck!