Let’s face it, the information cycle is a reasonably gloomy place in the mean time, so we’ve determined to take a special perspective. That is our try to search out our happie place (discover the pun we’ve acquired going right here?).
This common column goals to carry you constructive information, flashes of inspiration and a heat, fuzzy feeling that can nourish your soul. We need to have a good time worldwide pupil success and colleagues who go above and past. Get entangled and ship us the great things so we are able to share the love.
We recognise that on this unpredictable market, actual challenges exist – and that that is nothing greater than a sticking plaster – however generally there’s energy in in search of the positives.
I used to be born in Lagos, however I used to be made in Swansea
Michael Ijaiyemakinde, worldwide pupil
This week, we determined to examine in with a few of the worldwide graduates we’ve met within the UK over time to see how they’re getting on.
These tales are a easy reminder of why we imagine within the transformational energy of examine overseas and the facility to vary particular person lives (together with our personal).
Franka Zlatic – Learning overseas reinvigorated my worldview
“Spending six years finding out within the UK profoundly formed my educational and private growth.
“Immersed in a various, intellectually stimulating atmosphere, I gained each theoretical grounding and the boldness to pursue impartial analysis. Residing overseas additionally allowed me to journey extensively throughout Europe and past, which broadened my horizons in methods I hadn’t anticipated.
“I met individuals from all walks of life, encountered totally different worldviews, and had the time of my life – experiences which have deeply influenced how I relate to others and strategy my work. Later, working at a legislation college in India additional deepened my understanding of migration, identification, and postcolonial dynamics – subjects central to my educational focus.
“Partaking with college students and students in a culturally totally different but intellectually wealthy context challenged me to adapt, mirror, and develop. Each experiences, educational rigour within the UK and sensible, cross-cultural engagement in India, outfitted me with a singular mixture of analytical perception, international perspective, and resilience.
“Returning to my house nation, Croatia, I introduced again not solely data but in addition a way of function and a want to contribute to native educational debates with a broader, transnational understanding.
“These worldwide experiences positioned me competitively for a postdoctoral position in Croatia and reaffirmed my dedication to inclusive, globally engaged scholarship.”
Michael Ijaiyemakinde – finding out in Wales was the making of me
“I used to be born in Lagos, however I used to be made in Swansea.
“Each time I say this, I get the identical response – raised eyebrows, shocked expressions, and generally even pushback: you’re not patriotic.
“However right here’s what I actually imply. Rising up in Nigeria, life was fast-paced, pushed by outcomes, and sometimes outlined by expectations. Whereas it gave me resilience, it didn’t communicate my love languages or give me the area to search out myself. I used to be all the time doing – however hardly ever being.
“At 17, I moved to check at Swansea College in Wales. Swansea’s a small metropolis, typically neglected. However for me? It grew to become a sanctuary. It was in Swansea that I skilled assist that wasn’t transactional. I met managers, mentors, and on a regular basis individuals who lived out values like empathy, service, and endurance – individuals similar to you who’re studying this now.
“You didn’t simply educate me – you confirmed me. By means of kindness. By means of consistency.
“You helped me shed mood points, rebuild my vanity, and rediscover my voice. Swansea didn’t change who I used to be. It merely gave me permission to turn out to be it.
“What constructive message am I attempting to move on right here? What ideas to assist my colleagues keep constructive in tough instances?
“The precise atmosphere can change the whole lot: not as a result of the place you’re from is unhealthy – however as a result of generally you want a brand new setting to unlock the following chapter of your progress.
“Is the present atmosphere you’re in serving to you turn out to be the perfect model of your self? Or is it holding you again from discovering who that model actually is?
“If not, possibly it’s time to search out your Swansea.”
Filip-Matej Pfeifer
Born in Slovenia, Filip attended the College of Ljubljana College of Sport, then transferred to the UK in September 2024 to pursue his grasp’s diploma and proceed his rowing profession.
This summer time he won’t solely graduate together with his diploma in worldwide enterprise from Oxford Brookes College (OBU) – he may even compete on the world-famous Henley Royal Regatta in July.
Filip represented OBU on the 2025 BUCS Regatta the place he took the silver medal within the males’s Single Sculls, setting a brand new rowing file for his UK college workforce and has competed internationally in each the European Rowing Championships and the World Rowing Cup.
On Could 30, he reached the semi-finals of the Single Sculls on the 2025 European Rowing Championships in Bulgaria.
Enormous due to the Scholar Sports activities Firm for holding us up to the mark with Filip’s achievements as a global pupil athlete within the UK. We’re all cheering him on!
Have you ever acquired some constructive information to share?
Assist us to showcase the perfect of worldwide schooling by sending us your testimonials, love letters and inspirational ideas to editorial@thepienews.com labelled ‘Happie place’. And bear in mind – good vibes solely.
