Celebrating Our Diverse Community

Our Cultural Ambassadors are students in SPS from different countries around the globe. Here they share insights into life in their home country and their experiences adapting to a new life in Scotland, as we celebrate our diverse and welcoming community within the School of Social and Political Sciences.

Tuba Kazmi

Cultural Ambassador Tuba reflects on her experience of coming to Glasgow from Pakistan, what she misses most from home and the new places she has found. 

Joshua Isleta

Joshua talks about the opportunities he has had to try new things in Glasgow, the challenges of the weather, and how to embrace change.

Abu Ahad

Postgraduate student Abu celebrates his achievements, what he misses about Bangladesh and highlights the wealth of resources on offer during his studies as a mature student.

Contessa Gonzalez

Contessa, originally from California, describes how quickly she has felt at home in Glasgow, the warmth of the people she has met, and the historic architecture of the University that is so different to the Spanish influences at home. 

Laura Cueter

Colombian student Laura describes the pride in sharing her culture and experiences, and how she has grown to enjoy the cooler climate in Scotland.

Mariami Asratashvili

Mariami reflects on her life-long dream of leaving Georgia to study abroad, and embracing life in Glasgow during her studies. 

Shiyi Yang

Chengdu native, Shiyi, describes how much it means to be able to bring traditional Chinese culture and its beauty to Glasgow, showing it to the people she has met whilst studying here.

Yue Yu

Yue Yu talks about her home city of Beijing, the difficult decision to leave, and the happy connections she has made in Glasgow. 

Juan Feng

Originally from Henan in China, Juan remembers a small act of kindness one rainy afternoon and discovering the Confucius Institute on campus that made Glasgow feel like home. 

Siyeon Kim

South Korean student, Siyeon, describes the diversity at the University, the beautiful coastline of Busan, and the different landscape found in the green spaces of Glasgow.

Kenneth Sunday

Kenneth reflects on the challenges of moving to a new country, the variety in his day back home in Abia, Nigeria, and the value in pushing yourself to embrace change.

Zhanna Chavaha

Ukrainian student Zhanna talks of her pride in her achievements, the emotional decision to leave her hometown Kolomyya and begin a new chapter in the UK, and the sense of community she has found in Glasgow.

Matthew Baldacchino

Originally from Malta, Matthew talks of his time split between Glasgow and the two islands within the archipelago, the work he does as an activist, and his hope to make Europe a more inclusive, safe place to live.