Studying in UK for the past year has been a journey of self discovery, exploration and cultural exchange. As I move on from year one to year two, there are new experiences which are refreshing and challenging.

Since the new academic year started, the OT course has shifted from general topics like biology to OT specific modules related to physical and mental health. Learning about mental health conditions leaves me fascinated and encouraged on how OT can be used to help patients with depression, anxiety, schizophrenia etc. The sudden realisation of how inaccurate the media’s portrayal is dawns upon me. I reflect on my own biased perceptions and how I have played a role in perpetuating such misunderstandings.  As my lecturer says “It’s more dangerous to go out at 3am on a Friday night because of the drunk people around than it is to be in a mental health ward". This is so because of the deeply rooted drinking culture in this country.

Cycling to school has become an enjoyable start to the day. The 15 minute exercise perks me up before lessons start and the familiar faces seen along the same stretch of road gives a pleasant feeling. Moving out of school hostel into a shared house with four British students is a challenging experience because of different cultures, expectations and personalities. It is a big change from the Asian household I grew up in. Sorting out the house rules and adhering to them can be difficult.  Cleaning rotas are rarely followed and money issues can be sensitive. There needs to be tolerance, if not acceptance, to avoid friction. Nevertheless, staying in a student house has its fun moments too. Sharing Chinese and English dinners is interesting and allows cultural exchange. My housemates’ curious and ‘suspicious’ looks when I offer them Chinese food never fail to amuse me. Christmas is celebrated in a big way here, and it is great fun to soak in the festivity and cook our traditional English roast dinner together.

As I am about to embark on my year two placement, I feel excited by the opportunities to apply my theoretical knowledge, but apprehensive of the higher demands and expectations. Practice placement is a large component of our OT education. Each academic year, we have 7-12 weeks of placement in a hospital or community setting. Students are sent to placements away from Exeter (where our school is) and this means additional challenges due to a new living environment. I recall my nervousness and uncertainty in year one as I packed my luggage and hopped onto the train for a 6 hour journey to a part of UK I have never heard of; the butterflies in my stomach as I stepped into the stroke rehabilitation department and met OTs clad in white and green uniform.  This year, I am placed in an orthopaedics department in an acute hospital. I wonder what the new work place and colleagues will be like and whether I can meet the clinical demands and increased responsibility.

Gelato (Italian ice cream) was one of the “highlights” when I travelled in Italy during the December holidays. The romantic Italians, majestic architecture, beautiful music and cheap pizzas left a deep impression on me. Travelling has become a motivation for studying hard during school term. It is always enriching to visit new places and mingle with the locals. Even weekends can be fully made use of by visiting places within UK. I have visited Snowdonia National Park in Wales, quaint towns and fishing villages during long weekends. Hiking is an interest which started in college and I joined the walking club in Exeter. Tramping through muddy farmlands, strolling along picturesque coast lines and exploring the vast English moors have made me more familiar with the local area. It is a great way to meet the locals, enjoy the fresh countryside air and keep fit at the same time.

As 2005 ushers in, I wonder what lies ahead this year.  Whatever experiences and surprises come, I hope to learn, grow and make the most out of this journey.