Kelsey from the USA talks about her life at Edinburgh Napier University.
Kelsey Austin, MSc Heritage & Cultural Tourism Management
“Going to faraway countries has transcended my passion and become my career”
As an avid traveller and a former travel agent, going to faraway countries has transcended my passion and become my career. I travel to immerse myself in the history and culture of a place foreign to me. Edinburgh is the cultural hub of the United Kingdom with incredible historical sights, culture, and events year round. There’s a pride in Scottish heritage that is infectious - I have yet to encounter it in any other country.
Tourism professionals require a fundamental understanding and appreciation for the historical significance of a place like Scotland. There is no better way to gain a better cognisance than to live it. Furthermore, Edinburgh Napier University's options for internships and networking through events are an integral part of progressing your career and mutually beneficial for both the University and the community. For these reasons, I have chosen to study Heritage and Cultural Tourism Management (postgraduate) at Edinburgh Napier University.
“Having the condensed courses where a postgraduate degree can be completed in a year is a fantastic option”
Edinburgh Napier University offers a wide network of student support options. The CV doctor and academic workshops I have personally used and found very beneficial, especially as an international student adjusting to a different educational system and the expectations thereof.
The libraries on each campus are high-tech facilities that can accommodate group studyor silent study, and there are always computers readily available. I also appreciate how fast-paced the courses are. As an older student who put her career on hold in order to complete a masters degree, having the condensed courses where a degree can be completed in a year is a fantastic option.
Tips from our students
If you're thinking about joining Edinburgh Napier University, read advice from our international student ambassadors.
Read our ambassadors' advice
“Edinburgh is in no way an overwhelmingly large city like London”
I came to Edinburgh as a backpacker in 2013. I instantly fell in love with the city - it's by far the most photogenic place I've ever lived.
Edinburgh is a great city in that it has everything you could want: great restaurants, bars, live music, cultural attractions, history, scenery, museums, but it's in no way an overwhelmingly large city like London.
I quickly felt at home when I moved here - public transportation is easy, affordable, and efficient, locals are friendly and welcoming, and even as a full-time student I felt I had time to explore the city and other parts of Scotland.
“Heritage and cultural tourism management has raised my awareness of career options I had no idea were available”
Once I graduate, I intend to continue my career in the travel industry. My masters course in heritage and cultural tourism management has raised my awareness of career options I had no idea were available. I am now interested in working with destination marketing organisations in my home country of the United States of America (USA). For example, with California State Parks, or with museum organisations in the USA or the United Kingdom in communications, events management, marketing or operations.