Staying in the UK for the summer or going home? International students make this decision each year. Find out how International Student Ambassador Irfan had made the most of his summer this year.
As an international student, moving away from home is a tough decision to make. Moving to a new place, trying to adapt to change, discovering a new city and much more can sometimes be challenging, and summer is the time we look forward to so we can head home and enjoy our country that we miss at times. And so we plan our travels and anxiously await the time, counting down to the days we will step on the plane and fly home. But going home for the summer is not the only option.
From expensive ticket prices, to struggles and part time jobs, to re-sits and sorting accommodation for the next year, to contracts, summer jobs, gaining experience and more, there are a few reasons some students decide to stay in Portsmouth for the summer.
I had to make a choice between staying in Portsmouth or going home too. Paying high ticket prices and giving up summer jobs and experience opportunities to go back home after my first year, made me feel left out once I reflected on my decision after the summer holidays.
So I thought, how can I get the best of both worlds? How can I go home, enjoy the lovely food, culture and meet family and friends as well as work on my future and gain experience, get a summer job and earn some extra money?
And so I came up with this brilliant solution! After my second year ended, as soon as I was done with exams, I headed back home to Kenya to spend 2-3 weeks and surprised my family with my visit - it was so fun to surprise them and I can still picture their reactions! The reason I went home this early was because ticket prices were much cheaper as schools were still on, and I could go visit home and then come back and work over the summer, so I got to enjoy home and Portsmouth too!
Some of the things you can do in Portsmouth during the summer can include finding a part time or fixed term summer job. So you can gain experience, earn some extra money, as well as get a feel of daily tasks and what skills employers are looking for, keeping you ahead of the game.
In addition, walks on the beach, as well as exploring Gunwharf Quays and the Spinnaker Tower is something worth giving a shot! The views from the top of the Spinnaker Tower are breathtaking, and with the perfect sunshine weather, an Instagram boomerang and TikTok video would be a perfect add on to the views.
In case you feel like going out of Portsmouth, you are also able to look out for events, be it the Isle of Wight festival - or a weekend on the Isle of Wight - concerts or live events in London or other cities, plan a day trip to a nearby sandy beach, or be more adventurous and plan a trip to a game park or adventure park.
These are a couple of activities you can explore and do, as well as work and gain experience, and not to forget, also have the opportunity to go home and enjoy home. Planning your summer like this gives you the best of both and enables you to experience and fulfil the different things you would like to do. I hope this will give you some inspiration on how to take make the most of the summer time.