My Global Opportunities as a Chemistry Student

Name: William Osborne
Degree subject and school: MChem, School of Chemistry
Type of opportunity: Summer volunteering and research year abroad

Where did you go?
1st was a short volunteering trip to Kenya. We taught in primary schools and learnt about sustainable development. Had the opportunity to go on Safari, visit sanctuaries, visit and learn about the largest slum in Africa, and live with a host family.

2nd was a year abroad in Dunedin New Zealand at the University of Otago for my year abroad. I was a member of staff at the university completing a year of chemistry research whilst also completing several modules of distance learning from Cardiff. Trip was 9months, ended by COVID! First half I lived with other international students in a kiwi-hosted flat, second (after some travels) I lived in a private house share.

What motivated you to take up a Global Opportunity?
The Kenya trip was just an incredible, funded opportunity that I knew I would not get anywhere, anytime else in my life. I wasn’t very confident that I would be very good at the job in hand and I was not altogether sure I would be comfortable in such a different environment, but I decided I wanted to challenge myself, get uncomfortable and grow.

Same rationale went for the NZ year abroad. The opportunity presented itself and I knew I would be stupid not to just go for it.

How has your placement been beneficial to your studies as Cardiff University or your future career?
I work[ed] at Infineum which is a leading chemicals and additives company, formulating engine oils. Over 2 years, I have been in Customer technical service, product ownership and now Im in the engineering department as a field trial/performance testing coordinator. Time abroad has made me a rounder person. I think my soft skills benefited mostly – I’ve been lucky to have bonded with people from all over the world which I think gives me a leg up in my cultural understanding, social skills and networking. I think it has also helped my sense of identity and perspective, so mentally I’m stronger at work and understand where my value lies.

What were your top highlights from your time abroad?
In Kenya, I couldn’t get over the safari trip!

For NZ, a 3 week road trip around NZ South Island with my brother when he came to visit. Although it was more like a 2 week road trip (my minivan broke down), we managed to immerse ourselves in the beautiful landscapes of New Zealand, do a 3 day Great Walk and have a real wholesome true experience. Special times.

What would you say to a student that was unsure about spending a period abroad?

Time abroad IS for you. As long as the financial and organisational support is there for you, you have the opportunity to have an experience wholely on your own terms. It seems like everyone does it, but when you leave University you realise how few people really get that opportunity, how many fewer actually take it, and how significant that experience will feel for you as you grow as an adult. Do it for you, not for the CV. The benefits will manifest in different forms, but they will be there.

I feel quite passionately that this is something people should strongly consider. It’s the people who don’t usually do it who would benefit the most I think. Cardiff Uni global opportunities, keep supporting this!