We're celebrating our international student community during the week 15-19 November, centring around International Students' Day which takes place on 17 November. Some of the student photographers who feature in the ‘Explore Edinburgh’ exhibition, chosen from more than a decade of entries into the annual International Student Photography Competition, told us about their student experience and their reactions to being selected for the exhibition. Giada Barzaghi Giada's photo is on display outside the Bayes Centre. "I graduated from my BSc Hons in Ecological and Environmental Sciences with Management in July 2020. I am now studying an MSc in Economics and Data Analysis in Bergamo (Italy), where I come from, but I am considering coming back to Edinburgh/the UK after completing my postgrad studies. I lived in Edinburgh for 3 years (as I spent my third year abroad in California)." Image On being selected for the exhibition "The news of being selected came completely unexpectedly and I feel honoured for being chosen among many great candidates. The news also gave me the chance to reflect back on my time at the University of Edinburgh and definitely made me feel nostalgic about that beautiful time of my life." "The photo is very special to me as the meadows were the stage of some sweet Edinburgh memories: from picnics and volleyball games with friends to some nice sunrise runs, from rushing to my classes in between KB and George Square to taking some meditative breaks when studying at the Central Library. I always loved walking through the meadows and see their beautiful colours change with the seasons, and each time I couldn’t help stopping to take a picture. Even now, looking at this picture and thinking about that magical place gives me a sense of tranquillity, and it makes me smile and feel grateful for the wholesome time I spent in Edinburgh." Did you feel you had to overcome any difficulties or challenges in Edinburgh? “One of the greatest challenges was to adapt to a new climate, but then I learnt how to find more energy from within and some comfort from a warm cup of tea and a piece of cake.” What were your highlights of Edinburgh? “I have so many great moments it’s hard to choose some! I would definitely mention going up Arthur’s Seat to watch the sunrise (even more marvellous when it was snowing) and many astonishing sunsets. Cycling to Portobello or the Pentlands on a sunny day were some of my favourite activities too. Field trips with my classmates were also great fun.” How do you feel about being an alumna of the University of Edinburgh? “I feel proud of myself for graduating from such a prestigious university, especially coming from a small town in Italy. Sometimes it still feels quite unreal to me, and I am grateful for being given the opportunity to study in such an inspiring place. I really grew up a lot, as living in such a different environment made me discover new sides of my personality and helped me cultivate new passions.” Do you have a message to share with other international students on International Students Day? “Studying is important, but I would encourage you to get involved with the uncountable opportunities you can find in such a bright and inspiring community, as well as to take breaks and enjoy the astonishing natural.” Danghatai Wongthanaroj Danghatai's photo is on display outside the Health and Wellbeing Centre. Image “I was an MSc student reading Synthetic Biology and Biotechnology. I originally came from Bangkok, Thailand, and the photo was taken in my first year in Edinburgh. I applied to the University of Edinburgh because the research output and the teaching standard is highly recognized worldwide, and, essentially, the school is excellent in the scientific research that contributed to the circular bioeconomy – my passionate research field.” On being selected for the exhibition “I took this photo when I first hiked up Arthur’s Seat with my classmates at the beginning of the academic year. The picture was my first impression of the city where I realized how close to nature we are while also in the heart of the city. I was also surprised by how athletic people are and seeing dogs running around everywhere was so heart-warming. This photo holds so many memories, and it always brings back the good vibes I shared with my friend during my time in Edinburgh.” “I am honoured that the photo is featured in the exhibition. The pandemic makes the 2020 class very unique. I have missed so many festivals and activities, though being a part of this exhibition addresses my contribution to the University, and I am genuinely grateful for it.” What were your highlights of Edinburgh? “One of the highlights of Edinburgh no one should have missed has to be the Pentlands. It was the place I visited most throughout the year. The Pentlands looks different each season; you will never get bored of it.” Wayne Wu Wayne's photo is on display outside the Noreen and Kenneth Murray Library. “I'm currently studying Design Informatics, potentially working towards memory carriers and digital legacy. I'm from China and what I studied there is industrial design; its need for attention to details got me obsessed in observing and recording our daily life.” Image On being selected for the exhibition “That photo was taken the first time I went to Arthur’s seat with friends on my first weekend in Edinburgh last year, as you know most Postgraduate programmes last for only one year, so now most of my friends that time have gone back to China while I'm starting my second year here, It’s hard to get used to living in a city where you have a lot of memories of your friends after they’ve left, and the news this photo was selected just arrived at the start of my second year here.” “It really reminds me of the time I spent with my friends last year, but more importantly, it reminds me of the perspective I had when I first came to Edinburgh, which makes everywhere you visit and everyone you meet so special, and it's also something I'm losing now. I hope what I write here can let you know at least a bit about what this news means for my experience in Edinburgh, it feels like I literally left a footprint in Edinburgh, and also about how this news reminds and encourages me in terms of my second year here.” Do you have a message to share with other international students on International Students Day? “I hope all the international students will have some great memories in Edinburgh and make the best of every day here.” De Rui Lee De Rui's photo is on display outside the Michael Swann Building. “I was born in Singapore but lived abroad in Hong Kong, Beijing, Shanghai for more than half my life! Edinburgh was where I studied my undergraduate and postgraduate in Architecture. I spent 6 amazing years here and totally fell in love with the place. My passion for architecture definitely extends into travelling has often as I can around the world. I do miss trekking and capturing the vastness of the Scottish Highlands.” “Currently, I am back in Singapore working as an architect under the urban redevelopment authority that is responsible for planning the country’s built environment. Really enjoying the work here and glad to be actively contributing to the city that I live in!” Image On being selected for the exhibition “What an honour and privilege! I am so thrilled to have the opportunity for my work to be featured in a city that has given and means so much to me. As cliche as it may be for what many would consider a “classic” view, this viewpoint overlooking the city ranks as my all-time favourite. Not forgetting to mention the many trips and cold wind I had to endure before getting a shot I was satisfied with! I will forever treasure the experiences and memories that this beautiful city has provided me with!” Sachinda Dulanjana Witharana Sachinda's photo is on display outside the Bayes Centre. "I come from Sri Lanka, one of the most beautiful islands in the world which is also well known for its hospitable people. Winning the prestigious Chevening Award given by the UK government paved the path for me to study at the University of Edinburgh. Being very enthusiastic about diplomacy, international affairs, and politics, I studied MSc International & European Politics, which has a special focus on European Union. I came to this beautiful city in September 2020." On being selected for the exhibition: "I won the People’s Choice award [in the 2020 photography competition] after being voted by nearly 1000 people. When I received the news of being selected for the exhibition, I felt so happy because I remember how so many people loved that photograph when I posted it on social media for the first time. Now they can all celebrate this achievement with me!" "Even though this photograph was randomly taken in the meadows on a misty afternoon, I feel that it tells us a story with a deep meaning which is a combination of affection, love, nature, and human connections." Image How do you feel being an international student? "Being an international student of the university, I felt that I am part of a truly diverse community. As I was involved in many extracurricular activities, I could meet students from different parts of the world. This networking experience was the highlight of my university life in Edinburgh." Did you feel you had to overcome any difficulties or challenges in Edinburgh? "I came to Edinburgh in September 2020. To be honest, it was not easy for an international student to survive in a new city when there was an ongoing global pandemic. However, with the support of the university services which were available to international students, I was able to cope up and make my university experience a fruitful one. I also had my own coping mechanisms and, obviously, photography was one of them!" Do you have a message to share with other international students on International Students Day? "'Your network is net worth'. This is one of my favourite quotes and I cannot think of any better message to share with my fellow international students on International Students Day, than this quote. The University is a great place to work on your net worth because it allows you to build a diverse network which will comprise of incredibly inspiring personalities who will carry the legacy of this prestigious university." Learn more about the photo exhibition and competition Visit the photo exhibition and competition page Read more International Students' Day stories Read the International Students' Day feature This article was published on 2024-06-24
