School of Social & Environmental Sustainability

Ieuan's Story

When choosing to study Global Sustainable Development, Ieuan discovered that the University of Glasgow’s School of Social & Environmental Sustainability was the ideal fit. Although born in England, he grew up in Chiang Mai, Thailand, attending an American system international school. Like for most new university students, moving to Dumfries was the first time he was to be living away from home, although the smaller size of Dumfries and the campus helped with easing into university life. 

“When I was considering what I wanted to study at university, I started by looking through the long lists of possibilities. In high school I loved being able to do lots of different subjects, and so I found it difficult imagining studying one thing all the time. I will say though, it doesn’t hurt that this programme offers me the opportunity to draw on knowledge from a range of different disciplines all the way from Ethics to Economics to Ecology.” 

As he narrowed his options, he began to ask himself what is truly important, what subjects are worth dedicating four or more years to, and what career could bring genuine fulfillment for him. 

“Sustainability is important, not because there aren’t thousands of other meaningful and fulfilling and essential jobs that we need people to do; but because, today, the society in which they exist, is in jeopardy, and sustainability might just help reinvent it.” 

Ieuan was also drawn to Dumfries by his strong sense that the staff and School community truly understand the complexities behind Global Sustainable Development.  

“I chose to study here in Dumfries because I got a strong impression that the faculty, the community here, understands the contradictions at the heart of the phrase Global Sustainable Development. (For instance, can economic growth ever be truly sustainable?) And they have a philosophy of sustainability which is willing to challenge the status quo assumptions of our present global order, which clearly need to be re-examined.” 

Academically, Ieuan has been able to experience a real mix of subjects in his programme. He has enjoyed his core courses alongside fun electives like Spanish - made better by lecturers who not only review any additional work but also make time to answer further questions during breaks. 

“I'm grateful to my lecturers who always actively engage with my questions during rest breaks in the middle of extended blocks of teaching. The breaks are framed as being for us students, but I am conscious that professors need breaks too, which makes me extra grateful for their willingness to encourage my appetite for learning!” 

Beyond the classroom, Ieuan has embraced opportunities to shape campus life. Taking on roles such as ‘Class Rep’ and ‘Student Ambassador’ to help make a difference within the campus community. 

“The other thing that has been so key to my settling in here are the chances to invest in, connect with, and in a small way help shape the Dumfries Campus community. Partially due to my experience growing up in a relatively small school and social community, I really enjoy having a sense that I know and am known by the community I am part of. As part of this desire to foster the relationships I have with people on campus, I've enjoyed taking on the role of Class Rep for my degree cohort and becoming a Student Ambassador to help share with others the best bits about our unique School here in Dumfries.”