Taking my studies abroad over the summer was an experience I knew could be transformative for both my personal and professional development. When the opportunity was first introduced by the Gold Scholarship Team during a STEP event, I was immediately intrigued.
Finding a summer exchange that suited me and following the clear application process eventually led to two incredible weeks studying at the Comillas Pontifical University in Madrid. This experience stretched my perspective, broadened my skill set, and gave me incredible memories I’ll carry for a long time. I would like to tell you how I made it happen, what the experience was like, and why I think every Gold Scholarship Programme recipient should consider applying for something similar.
The first stage was researching available opportunities to find the right fit. For me, the most interesting course was at the Comillas Pontifica University in Madrid and focussed on Business Innovation and Entrepreneurship. I chose this course to supplement my Master's in Design Engineering, and Spanish was a language I had been learning for some time. Having found the opportunity for me, the next step was navigating the funding process.
Applying required submitting proposals for both the Turing Scheme & Summer Abroad Programme and the GSP opportunity fund. Both applications required a clear, well-justified breakdown of my motivations alongside a detailed financial breakdown of anticipated costs. Justifying the funding and building a realistic budget was a valuable skill to develop, something that actually reappeared during my course when preparing funding proposals.
Once accepted, the preparation stage was easy thanks to the support offered by the University of Bath Summer Abroad Team. Correspondence was clear and efficient, and they had arranged an insightful in-person meeting with other Summer Abroad students, all of whom were also Gold Scholars! This session was really useful for setting expectations, covering everything from navigating solo travel and adapting to new cultures to practical essentials like travel insurance and accommodation.
My host university was equally supportive. After congratulating me on my acceptance to the programme, they signposted several trusted accommodation providers. This took the stress out of finding short-term housing, and I managed to secure a spot close to the campus, making my daily commute simple.
I landed in Madrid on the Saturday before my Monday start, giving me the weekend to settle in and start exploring the city that would be my home for the next fortnight.
From day one, the structure of the programme was well communicated. On Monday morning, we were welcomed and registered at the university. We spent the first half of the day learning about Comillas’ rich history and familiarising ourselves with the campus facilities, followed by an overview of our academic schedule for the next two weeks. Structured ice-breakers made it easy to connect with peers from a wide variety of cultural backgrounds.
While the academic workload kept us busy during the day, there was always time in the evenings to explore. One of my personal highlights was renting a rowboat on the pond in the iconic El Retiro Park.
The course also integrated incredible cultural activities into the schedule at no extra cost. Over the weekend, the host university organised a day trip to the historic town of Segovia, where we saw the Roman Aqueduct and toured historic landmarks and churches. Throughout the second week, alongside our group project work, we visited Madrid's Royal Palace, explored the world-famous Museo del Prado, and watched an authentic Spanish Flamenco performance, which was a real highlight of the trip.
The course concluded on the final Friday with group presentations and written assessments. After presenting our final project, we attended a closing ceremony where we were presented with our completion certificates.
Academically, the programme was the perfect supplement to my full-time degree. It taught me the inner workings of startups and commercial viability of products, essential business concepts that are often overlooked in STEM subjects. The value of the experience also came in how eye-opening it was. It gave me a new perspective and appreciation for the challenges international students face when moving abroad to study. Navigating a new city required adaptability and a willingness to step outside my comfort zone and to integrate into a different culture. Exposing myself to the initial culture shock helped build confidence that I know will serve me well in the future when I embark on similar opportunities.
My advice to any Gold Scholars considering using the opportunity fund to apply for a summer abroad would be to give it a shot. I used the opportunity to learn about other cultures and develop my adaptability, which I think this will be very useful in the future. Working with international students from all around the world opened my eyes to different cultural norms and approaches.
If there is an opportunity that you are interested in, give it a go. The Gold Team and other university teams are there to support you through the process and prepare you in the best way they can. Stepping out of your comfort zone and exposing yourself to new environments is one of the best ways to learn and build unique skills for your future. The opportunities may not perfectly suit your current career aspirations, but I believe this should not dissuade you, as there are still skills to learn that with be surprisingly transferable.
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