This blog is edited from a speech given by Melody at the All Party Parliamentary Group for International students on Monday 18th November 2024. The event marked International Students Day 2024.
As I reflect on my journey as an international student here in the UK, I can’t help but think back to those early days of the COVID pandemic lockdown.
Overnight, we found ourselves confined, separated from friends and family, each of us coping with the silence and isolation in our own way. On 17 September 2020, I felt this contrast so deeply. I remember landing in the UK with few people in sight, but the excitement of finally bringing my hopes and dreams to life fuelled me through the silence. That excitement was quickly replaced by isolation when I was immediately put into quarantine for 14 days, setting the tone for my university experience over the next two years.
The constant switching between the easing of restrictions and going back into lockdown, combined with being far from home in a new country, made me feel the weight of loneliness more than ever. It was during this period that I turned to volunteering – a platform that has always offered me both comfort and purpose. I found an opportunity to volunteer in hospital wards, providing social support to patients who were away from home.
One memorable encounter was with an elderly patient I met in my first few days volunteering. I still remember entering her room and seeing her slowly walking back and forth, enjoying the sun shining through the large windows. She warmly invited me in and asked me to take a socially distanced seat next to her. I instantly felt welcomed and began a conversation. She was local to the city, and within a few minutes of our conversation, I learned so much about Scottish culture, including recommendations like trying Scottish shortbread, deep-fried Mars bars, and, the best one of all, attending a ceilidh – which is something I would do today without a second thought!
This interest in international cultures was reciprocated, as she was so keen to hear about my life growing up in a diverse city. During our conversation, she mentioned her wish to visit my home country and within a few exchanges, I felt as though I was bringing a piece of my world to hers. Our connection grew as she took it upon herself to teach me Scottish slang, such as “aye”, “knackered”, and “wee”, all of which are now a part of my vocabulary. The next weekend, when I saw her again, I greeted her with a “Hiya,” to which she replied with a big smile. This was one interaction that taught me about the local culture in a way I hadn’t anticipated, but one I am very grateful for.
As a volunteer, I witnessed many uplifting moments. I remember when a patient was discharged just in time to attend a family wedding. The whole ward seemed to have an air of excitement for her, with her family members helping her get ready whilst teary-eyed and relieved. Witnessing her leave the hospital all dressed up to reunite with her family was beautiful, offering a glimpse of the joy awaiting her beyond the hospital walls. Yet, there were also difficult days when the silence felt so heavy, especially for patients who hadn’t seen visitors in days. This was particularly hard during the pandemic, where visitors were limited, and travel was restricted.
These experiences left a lasting impact on me, deepening my understanding of how essential connection is to healing, well-being, and what we owe each other as a community. I’ve also come to appreciate that studying abroad spans beyond achievements in the classroom. When an international student chooses to pursue their education in the UK, they choose to become part of the local community and are changed by the experience. Thanks to the UK and the invaluable education I received both inside and outside classes, I was inspired and supported to pursue research with an aim to advance recovery and diagnosis through medical interventions and through fostering understanding and empathy. In such an environment, I am motivated to consider diverse perspectives and bridge the gap between research and lived experiences. Through my studies, I hope to contribute to the UK’s research efforts and healthcare sector. By advancing skills and knowledge in biomedical research, I envision contributing to innovations that support the local workforce and improve healthcare outcomes.
I envision a future where more students like me come to the UK not only to study but also to volunteer in local communities, gain valuable experiences, build beautiful friendships, and contribute to sectors like healthcare, research, and beyond. I am grateful to UKCISA for providing students like myself with a platform to work with leaders and provide a voice for students to help inform policy and practice to deliver a world-class international student experience in the UK. By working together, we can create a more inclusive environment that recognizes and harnesses the contributions of all members of society.
I believe that the journey I began during COVID, from feeling isolated, to becoming a source of support for others, has shown me the power of connection in its simplest form. I am one among many international students who wishes to give back to the UK communities that have welcomed us, especially as we find our footing in a new land so far from our homes.
Just as I have found lasting and meaningful connections in my local community, I envision many future generations of international students continuing to have the opportunity to work together with their peers to foster a compassionate and collaborative global community.
Melody Noella Sequeira is a first-year PhD student in Translational Neuroscience at the University of Edinburgh, and previously graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics and Psychology from the University of Glasgow in June 2024. Originally from India, Melody grew up in Dubai, and she joined UKCISA’s #WeAreInternational Student Ambassador programme as part of the 2021-22 cohort.
