My name is Stefano Bostic and I am currently pursuing my masters’ degree in International Trade and Finance at the Leeds Beckett University, Leeds, United Kingdom.

 

How did you decide on where and which schools you wanted to apply

for? (What did you look for in a school?)

My interest in the aforementioned course started while reading for my Bachelors of Law degree two (2) years ago. Since then I envisioned a career with the World Trade Organisation or with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade in my homeland Barbados. Knowing what I wanted to pursue as a postgraduate degree was the easy part. The difficult part was deciding where I wanted to study until I was invited to the United Kingdom by my uncle during the summer. At that point, I took it upon myself as an opportunity to further my studies. As he lives near Leeds, I immediately started to look for Universities within close proximity that offered courses in International Trade and/or International Business and it was at this point that I discovered Leeds Beckett University.

What solidified my decision to study at Leeds Beckett was its high employ-ability statistics.

How would you advise someone to prepare for this big change?

First and foremost, I would begin by telling them “always be sure of what you want”. As this is a big step, it includes big responsibilities and even bigger risk in the event that you get it all wrong. Take some time to contemplate; consider where you want to be in life and what you expect to get from your decision. After you have done that, begin applying to schools which fit you criteria, always remember that your criteria should include your values and beliefs as a person.

Be sure that you train yourself of making independent decisions. You will have to make a lot of them.

Do you recommend working on campus?

I encourage anyone to work on campus notwithstanding that I am not. The advantage to that is the fact that universities pay higher salaries; Universities knows your struggles quite well and attempt to compensate you graciously for your time. Working on campus also offers greater security.

How do you manage your time?

I manage my time by keeping a daily diary. Setting out your daily tasks helps you to manage your workload.

What do you do when you are homesick?

Due to the advancement of technology I believe that becoming homesick only occurs in the event of a power outage (lol) and one is unable to connect with his love ones via social media. However, I appreciate that not everyone is technological savvy and as a result I would advise students to walk with a picture or something that reminds them of home. I remember when I was leaving to pursue my Legal Education Certificate in Trinidad; I walked with a picture of my family which I placed on the fridge. I also took a Barbados Mug and Towel as a reminder of where I came from.

How do you relax when you are overwhelmed?

Gym, Gym and more Gym!! I head to the gym whenever I am feeling stressed. I am a lover of TV shows so I would watch a few episodes of some great show before resuming studies. However, not everyone is the same and I would encourage students to find something they enjoy doing and use it as their escape route when things become difficult to manage. I STOP, TAKE DEEP BREATHS AND RELAX!! That works for me.

What do you wish you knew before moving for school?

I wish I had a basic understanding of Economics as well as having a basic understanding of a foreign language.

Any advice?

My advice is incorporated in the above answers.