MSC IN ENVIRONMENTAL CHANGE AND MANAGEMENT FROM THE UNIVERSITY OF OXFORD IN 2001-02

When I was selected as a Chevening scholar almost a year ago, I was shocked that I had been given a chance to go to Oxford and read for the MSc Environmental Change and Management. What an opportunity: travel to the UK, study at one of the best universities in the world, and meet some of the most astounding people I've ever known! And now with my time here drawing to a close, I can say with confidence that my experience has exceeded all my expectations and going to miss life here in Oxford.

My course focused on the broad scientific, economic, and management issues surrounding environmental change and with events like the Rio +10 Sustainability Summit in Johannesburg next September, it was an ideal time to examine how truly complicated the issues are. One of the best things about a university like Oxford is that it attracts the pre-eminent thinkers in the field, be it biodiversity conservation, energy policy, or international aid and the environment. Having access to these resources is wonderful and it is often a shock to realize that the people who made the most important discoveries in your field are, or were, studying at Oxford.

My classmates were also a great source of information, be it in an academic setting or informal pub chats. Through fieldtrips, kayak polo tournaments, and other fun events, our class of 30 has made connections which will last throughout our careers. The college experience was similar with brilliant people from around the world, each with their own interests, backgrounds, and sense of humour. Of course the best thing about this is that wherever I go, be it Cambodia, Ecuador, Poland, or even Saskatchewan, I'll have friends from Oxford near by.

It's hard to summarize the past nine months in just a few short paragraphs. Since last September so much as happened in my course, Oxford, the UK, and indeed the world that I feel honoured to have been given an opportunity to study these new challenges with the support of the British Council. I'll be sad to leave Oxford but I know that I will carry my experiences and new friends with me throughout my future endeavours.