Studying abroad is a dream shared by many South Africans, with an average of 12,000 doing so each year. Irrespective of whether you return home with your new skills, or make your relocation permanent, a global education makes you more employable.

Sable International’s study advisers have helped thousands of students further their education in another country. One of them is Meghan Rossouw, 22, from Edenvale in Gauteng, who is now studying towards a BA (Hons) Primary Education at Teesside University in Middlesbrough in the UK.

Here Meghan shares her experience of how she navigated her journey from realising she wanted to build a life overseas to the emotional rollercoaster that came with leaving home and settling into her new life.

What motivated her to study abroad?

I felt I had a better opportunity for my future. I knew that one day I would like to live and work abroad and studying in the UK gave me that opportunity.

My mom is a British citizen and my great-grandparents were from England. It made choosing the UK the obvious choice for me. I always wanted to be a teacher and Teesside University was offering a brand new course in primary education that piqued my interest. I liked that they had a course focusing on practical learning and being in the classroom.

See also: Studying abroad in the UK: A pathway to British citizenship

On leaving friends and family behind

It was one of the most difficult things I have ever done but I knew that I had a greater opportunity in the UK. My family and friends were all so supportive of my decision. My mom came with me and we now live in North Yorkshire. Having her with me has made this adventure easier and far more exciting.

I am not homesick at all. Most of my family live in the UK and I have made plenty of new friends here. I miss my friends and family in South Africa, but I speak to them most days. There is always someone to call and catch up with.

I also miss Fizzers and green cream soda. You don’t get them here and I lived off them in South Africa.

Life in the UK

I am a people person and make friends with people relatively easily. I have made lots of friends in the short time I have been here. I work in a part-time position and have made friends through there as well as through uni.

My mom and I have also made friends through a South African group. It’s made up of expats who have lived here for as long as 30 years. My experience has been amazing. The Northern people are welcoming and lovely. Many have made efforts to welcome us and invite us to join clubs and activities.

I study in an area full of immigrant families from all over the world. People are lovely and have created a diverse and interesting culture. I can't think of anything negative. The weather was a culture shock. It’s not as rainy as I expected. The summer is stunning. The winter is windy. But it's all super beautiful.

An average day

I live in a semi-rural area so it takes a bit of walking to get to most places. Most days start at 07:00. I get dressed, have brekkie and get on my way to uni. It starts with a 10-minute walk to the bus stop, then a 45-minute bus ride into Middlesbrough. Then another 10-minute walk to the uni campus. Lectures start at 09:00 so I like to spend about 45 minutes to an hour in the library. Lectures are from 09:00 to 16:00. Then I make my way back home. Weekends are full of adventure. Going to new places and finding new things to see.

Summer holidays consist of part-time work and reading my books. And a bit more adventure a little further from home.

Advice for people considering studying abroad

Go for it. It has been the best experience I could ask for. It’s hard at times and easy at others, but you meet amazing people and experience different things.  Also if you are coming to the UK buy a good quality raincoat. I did not and I regret it every day.

Future plans 

I plan to stay in the UK. I am training for a highly needed teacher degree and hope to make a difference here. I have fallen in love with the people, the culture and the environment.

If you are keen to study abroad, Sable International has access to over 400 top institutions across 24 countries. We have direct access to the university admissions teams, making it easy for you to apply and get your enrolment letter. Our qualified study abroad advisers can assist you with the application process, visas and everything you need pre-departure.

For more information about how to study abroad get in touch with us at study@sableinternational.com or call us on +27 21 657 1543

We are a professional services company that specialises in cross-border financial and immigration advice and solutions.

Our teams in the UK, South Africa and Australia can ensure that when you decide to move overseas, invest offshore or expand your business internationally, you'll do so with the backing of experienced local experts.