Dr. Rashesh Mehta
Dr. Rashesh Mehta, 28 from India is studying an MSc in Public Health and Health Promotion
Background:
I completed my schooling at Don Bosco High School in Bombay and then went on to study a six year medicine course at the Odessa State Medical University in Ukraine. I have beautiful memories of the Ukraine as I spent the most crucial years of my life there which I will never forget.
After graduating, I came back to India and started working in a hospital as Chief Medical Officer. I’ve always been motivated by my parents, who have always pushed me forward in life when I’ve been stuck. My father always taught me one thing – nothing is ‘IMPOSSIBLE’ but it should be read as ‘I-M-POSSIBLE’.
Why Bangor?
Whilst I was working as Chief Medical Officer in India, I realised that there were weaknesses in the management sector of the hospital. I decided to study an MSc but I wasn’t sure whether to study in Australia, New Zealand or the UK. I started doing some research online and I came to the conclusion that I would go to the UK because of its education acceptance level in other countries.
How did you choose Bangor and your course?
To be very frank, I hadn’t even dreamt of coming to a place like Bangor. I had applied to many universities within the UK and also in different fields. My friend told me to apply to Bangor because it is a good place for studying. I was made aware that Bangor was quite a small city but I was more concerned about studying rather than just socializing. My course - MSc Public Health and Health Promotion was perfect and just how I wanted it to be. All the modules suited my needs and I knew this course would enhance the quality of my work and upgrade my skills in the future.
First few days at Bangor…
Bangor seemed so small to me in comparison to Bombay and the place seemed so quite and so it was a bit difficult for me to adjust for a few days. Little things like the fact that the shops closed at around 5:30pm was a shock. Nevertheless by the end of fresher’s week it was all becoming nice and familiar. After a few weeks everything was fine and no problems at all. It just felt wonderful being at Bangor.
Making friends…
It was very easy for me to make friends and get-together with people from different countries and cultures. There was no problem at all in mixing with different people from different places with different minds. It was just wonderful getting to know everyone here.
Clubs and Societies…
I am member of the Indian society, mature students, and Seren (Student Newspaper) to name a few. Every day is a new experience for me and I feel challenged and motivated.
The Course…
I just love my course. It covers all aspect of health and its relation to other fields. It teaches you about management, education & promotion, economics, leadership skills, quality & change management, sociology and psychology, maths and statistics, research methods, nutrition, behavioural science etc.
The most important thing is the support and the help I receive from the tutors, professors and lecturers. Any problems, anytime even if they are busy they will take time out to meet me and help me out.
Hobbies and Interests…
I like playing badminton, table tennis, cricket, and baseball in my spare time. I also like to have get-togethers to socialise with friends of different cultures. I write for the University’s newspaper ‘SEREN’ on health topics, I mentor school children in Bangor and guide children at Caernarfon Youth Club.
The best thing about Bangor…
The scenic beauty is the best thing about Bangor with its lovely mountains, waterfalls, pastureland and sea. It’s the most natural beauty I have ever seen and felt.
The people here are very friendly and they will help, guide or support you if you are having trouble.
The Future…
I have plans to settle down in the UK if I get a job in a Public Health related fields or if I get funding from the University I will study my PhD (as suggested by my course director).
Advice to international students thinking of coming to Bangor
If you want a good balance when it comes to studying and social life, then Bangor is the right place to come to. Students look at the 3 “F’s” – Faculty, Finance & Future and Bangor meets all the criteria. Bangor could be the best place for you as it is for me!!
Croeso i Brifysgol Bangor (Welcome to the University of Wales, Bangor)
