Degree an ‘adventure’

Astudent from the first ACES cohort reflected on her Scottish ‘adventure’ before moving on to Greece with her fellow academics. Brazilian Patricia Alves Pereira said: ‘Looking back on my first six months with ACES, it has been a real adventure.

‘In Scotland, I have enjoyed learning about aquaculture and the environment, sustainability and how we can help make the industry greener.

‘In Crete I hope to study more about finfish aquaculture but I have already learnt so much.’

The 24-year-old graduated in biological sciences from the Federal University of Paraiba, in Joao Pessoa, Brazil, but sought a Masters degree abroad.

An internship at a marine conservation laboratory inspired her to pursue marine science research and, as she searched for international courses, the Erasmus+ ACES joint Masters degree stood out.

‘I wanted to study abroad, I wanted to see different places and I wanted to work with prestigious academic centres,’ said Patricia. ‘I also needed a scholarship, so the ACES programme was perfect for me.

‘SAMS UHI is a small university campus, so it was really nice to have a community that embraced me so easily.

‘I have found the lecturers very approachable and lectures are more participative than I have been used to, so it encourages you to engage with discussions rather than just take notes. I really enjoyed that.

‘The close links between research and industry is something we don’t really have in Brazil and I feel that the ACES programme prepares you for a career in both sectors.

‘I particularly enjoyed looking at how we reduce the environmental impacts of aquaculture, because my real passion is in conservation.’

Her advice to interested students is: ‘If you are looking for an adventure, then go for it. You won’t regret it.’