Meet Heather

From the Richmond, Virginia, studying MSc Wildlife and Conservation Management

United States country page

"When me and my friends graduate, it’ll be so hard to say goodbye.’’


Hi, I'm Heather Williams, from Richmond, Virginia in the USA, and I’m studying MSc Wildlife and Conservation Management. After figuring out what I wanted to get my master’s in, University of South Wales was one of the first universities that popped up that offered this program. I was thoroughly excited by the description of my master’s program as it said we would get a lot of hands-on experience, many opportunities to travel, and learn about a wide variety of animals!

There’s never a dull moment while studying Wildlife and Conservation Management. The professors go above and beyond to help their students while also challenging us to expand our knowledge of wildlife. Also, we have plenty of opportunities to take what we’ve learned in the classroom and apply them. We even got to do a seal survey!

My advice to international students

Student holding a welcome sign at a USW Open Day in Treforest

Attend the International Welcome Programme, you’ll get so much for free!

Four students playing pool in the students union.

Be open to joining the many clubs and social groups offered at the Students Union

two members of the faculty of business and creative industries team having a conversation at a desk, smiling

It’s okay to ask for help! Your professors will be so friendly and they’re here to help you

A group of students cooking in a shared kitchen.

If you’ve grown up in the city, there won’t be as many fast food restaurants here than you’re used to! I’ve become quite the chef now!

Student holing a lacrosse stick and wearing a USW Women’s Lacrosse tshirt.

Always branch out and try something new

PEOPLE AT THIS UNIVERSITY ARE SOME OF THE NICEST PEOPLE I HAVE EVER MET.

Heather

MSc Wildlife and Conservation Management

A student from the USA looking at the camera

This summer, I will have the opportunity to finish my dissertation in Transylvania, Romania for six weeks! There I will be studying the agricultural impact on wildlife species populations, and I couldn’t be more excited! If you’re considering pursuing a higher education and you want a change of scenery, the United Kingdom is a fantastic place to start. My heart will always belong to Wales!

I thoroughly enjoy the student night club Eclipse! One of my favorite moments was when they brought a cut-out of Harambe and David Attenborough during the busiest points of the club. Everybody really loved it and they were so excited.

My classmates and I have really bonded since the start of our term. When we all graduate, it’ll be difficult to say goodbye, but I know that we’re destined for great things.