Alastair Brady from the US chats about his experience of studying the HND Illustration at City of Glasgow College as an international student.
Why did you decide to study at City of Glasgow College?
I wanted a course that offered real-life experience in the creative industries and I was able to find that here. City of Glasgow College is in the heart of Glasgow with great student life and plenty of art inspiration about the city.
What do you like most about studying at City of Glasgow College?
I like the array of facilities available throughout the college that you wouldn’t normally have anywhere else or all in one place like the student store for art supplies, studios for independent work, and quality printing services. They are vastly more affordable than outside the college. I also like how the college helps direct students to community opportunities and events.
Why did you choose to study at City of Glasgow College instead of in your home country?
The coursework here is centered only on what you signed up for. In the US, the equivalent degree and quality of education I received here in 2 years could take 6-8 years mostly consisting of classes that have nothing to do with my degree. I love that I’m able to concentrate only on what I came here to study! City campuses also feel safer to me than any school campus in the US.
Why did you choose your specific course and what do you like most about it?
I’ve always wanted to take Illustration but it’s a very rare degree to find in the States, so I was glad City of Glasgow College was one of the few places that offered it at the level I wanted. Especially in my second year, I liked how much control I had over my design choices and the live-client projects. My lecturers offered a lot of guidance and encouragement and helped me excel in my work.
What do you plan to do after you finish your course?
I’ve accepted an offer to move on to the BA Design course at the college so I’ll be back soon!
What do you enjoy about living in Glasgow?
Glasgow has great restaurants, historical venues, clubs, shops, and events which means making friends and having a good time is easy, and the people in Glasgow are always really friendly. Everything is really connected and you don’t have to go far for anything.
Why did you choose to study at City of Glasgow College in particular?
I wanted my art education to have a more holistic approach that prepared me for the industry and the college offered a route for this. I was also told it was one of the top colleges in Scotland with plenty of international students already in attendance, Americans included.
Would you recommend City of Glasgow College to other international students? If so, why?
I’d say, as an American, the college has a lot to offer in quality of education and services available on campus that I wouldn’t expect at this level from any college in the States. I expect other international students coming from a similar educational system would find the college refreshing.
Do you have any tips for other international students coming to study at City of Glasgow College?
There are lots of opportunities to take advantage of like events, volunteering, and more where you can make connections so keep a lookout for them. Also, everyone in my course has been super friendly so don’t be afraid to sit next to someone new the first day - most of the friends I made my first day are still my friends today!