Inés Isern del Barrio originally studied Environmental Engineering in Spain, which included courses in botany and field studies.

But she thought that it lacked the creative focus she was looking for and while staying in Edinburgh, she came across the Garden and Greenspace Design course at SRUC.

Despite the challenge of studying in another language, the 27-year-old from Madrid said the support of the lecturers helped get her through. “Studying abroad, not using your mother tongue was a challenge, especially at the beginning,” she said. “I had to put in more time and effort than I would have done if I were studying in Spanish.

“Most teachers are always trying to help you to achieve your grades. They are also really friendly and that makes you feel at home. This was especially important for me as I come from a different country.”

In her spare time, she helped in the glasshouse to get some practical experience. Three years later, Inés is graduating with a BSc degree and has already been offered a job as a garden designer, in Chichester.

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