Information for current students

Dijuan (Julie) Cao

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University of Glasgow MBA Candidate | UK Chevening Scholar 

My aspiration to further develop my business and marketing skills and to build connections brought me to the UK, and more specifically to the University of Glasgow. I was fascinated by the castle-style campus – and over 560 years of history. It impressed me that the university is a member of The Russell Group, which represents leading UK universities, and that the MBA programme is triple accredited by AMBA, EQUIS and AACSB. 

My one-year study at the University of Glasgow has been life-changing. As part of the Glasgow MBA and Chevening community, I was able to meet people of different nationalities and industries which opened my mind to all kinds of perspectives. Being one of five members to represent the Adam Smith Business School in the John Molson MBA International Case Competition in Canada was one of my most valuable experiences, and one of many valuable learning opportunities that extended beyond the classroom. 

Living in the city of Glasgow has been an amazing experience. People are always so welcoming and friendly. The city is full of vitality with art galleries, museums, music, and sports events, as well as opportunities to experience unique Scottish culture. I had so much joy learning ceilidh dance, tasting local gin and whisky, and enjoying the lively nightlife to balance busy study. Glasgow also offers a perfect location to explore the stunning Highlands with its spectacular mountains and lakes, historic castles, and beautiful beaches. 

With all the experience and knowledge gained at the University of Glasgow, I plan to return to my home country after graduation and continue my career progression in marketing. I am also looking forward to becoming an entrepreneur and strengthening ties between China and the UK. 

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Karim Mamdouh

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University of Glasgow MBA Alumni | UK Chevening Scholar 

I’m the co-founder of Bare Entertainment, a leading media content creator that recognises the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region’s growing need for high-end family-based content. My work spans international content markets and conferences where producers and distributors from around the world meet to buy and sell content. It was important to me to add an international context to my professional profile and studying in the UK, with its highly reputable education system, was key.

I initially applied for the MSc in International Business at the University of Glasgow, but the programme convenors contacted me to propose the MBA might be a better fit for my business profile and desired learning experience. This proved to be the right decision and fit perfectly with the momentum of my career. I finished top of the class in the MBA programme and won the Class of 1980 MBA Prize, the Anna Ritchie Memorial Prize for the Best Dissertation in the Subject of Management, and the Professor Raymond Miquel Trophy and Cash Prize for the Best MBA Consultancy Project.

My time at the University of Glasgow could not have been better. Glasgow is such a wonderful, friendly city, and accepting of differences. I made life-long friends and met valuable mentors. I still have a monthly catch-up with my amazing supervisor, Professor Donald MacLean, and keep in contact with many other professors as well.

Capitalising on the experience and knowledge I gained during the Glasgow MBA, I just started a new position as head of content and innovation in an ed-tech startup that raised 2.4M USD pre-seed funding (the region's largest pre-seed!). In this new role, I plan to evolve online education opportunities in the MENA region.

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Jonathan Siahaan

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University of Glasgow MEd Inclusive Education Alumni | UK Chevening Scholar

Before coming to Glasgow, I graduated with a Bachelor’s in Education from Atma Jaya Catholic University of Indonesia. I have taught in various settings and countries such as Vietnam, Poland, India, Indonesia, and Malaysia. I have also worked along with Disney Education team in the United States.

Despite the broad teaching experience and the knowledge, pursuing a master’s degree in the UK had always been a dream for me. I did not know it was possible, until one of my colleagues introduced me to the Chevening Scholarship. After further research about Chevening, I have learned that the scholarship has clear goals and missions within my line of interests, specifically for bringing an impact through education.

As a teacher, I have always been concerned about the implementation of inclusive education in developing countries, which became my motivation to be an expert in the field. In the process of selecting Chevening Partner Universities, the University of Glasgow was instantly my first choice. It was the only university which offered an inclusive education course beyond my expectation. Inclusive Education: Research Policy & Practice MEd from the University of Glasgow instilled in us, the knowledge to become a researcher and policy maker in the field.

Having completed my study at the University of Glasgow, it was a decision I would never regret. The lecturers delivered a quality of teaching above my standards and challenged me to my limit. Through my studies, I also had the privilege to be taught directly by Dr Margaret McCulloch and Dr Ines Alves, whose publications I came across without knowing I would be actually studying in the university.

I can say Glasgow is top of the list of where, I would no doubt would like to call home one day, among other countries I have lived in for the past 7 years. Glasgow is really a city that has it all within a walking distance, from sightseeing, a little bit of nature, to life’s entertainment. In short, I had a wonderful time in Glasgow, made friends for life, and had an unforgettable life experience.

Facilitating inclusive knowledge for teachers in Indonesia through workshops and seminars in terms of practice is my next big dream for the country. At the time of writing, I am employed to support individuals with learning disability with ENABLE Scotland and having my internship in Early Years Setting. I am confidence by utilizing the knowledge I have gained from MEd in Inclusive Education, from the best School of Education in the UK, would help me break the education barriers starting from my hometown.

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