International MB ChB student profile: Ahina
Ahina is from Hong Kong and is currently in the second year of the MB ChB. Before coming to Warwick, she completed an undergraduate degree in Psychology and Language Sciences at UCL and worked in an eating disorders unit in London. It was there that she decided to make a career switch and pursue medicine.
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Why did you decide to study medicine at Warwick Medical School?
I knew people who studied graduate medicine at Warwick and they spoke positively about the experience. In particular, the fact that it was a postgrad only course was a big draw. Prior to starting at Warwick, I had lived in England for a long time and was on the BNO pathway to citizenship so it felt natural to opt to continue in the UK.
How did you find the transition to life and study in the UK?
I had lived in the UK since I was 15 so it was not a big adjustment to the country. On the contrary, moving from London to Coventry was quite an adjustment as the public transport system is very different.
How have you found the MB ChB so far and how have you found your overall Warwick experience as an international student?
I have enjoyed my time on the MB ChB so far, the student community is very nice and supportive. As an international student it felt a bit lonely at first as compared to my undergrad degree as there are very few international students on this course.
The highlights so far have been the teaching at SWFT (South Warwickshire Foundation Trust). The doctors are so patient, welcoming, and good at teaching; I learnt a lot and appreciated that it was often one doctor to two students (e.g in bedside teaching and clinical supervisor consultant teaching) so I had ample time to ask questions comfortably.
Have you been involved in any extracurricular activities?
I have done some dance and ice skating. There are some nice gyms nearby too.
What tips do you have for other international applicants?
If you can, talk to different people (doctors, medical students in the UK) before applying. It can help give you a better idea of what you are getting in to and help inform your decision about what you want to do going forward. Living in campus accommodation in first year really helped me make friends. This was not only key to helping me settle in but also helping me explore different study methods and resources available.