Sara Eva Acosta

MSc International Development: Poverty, Conflict and Reconstruction

What were you doing before your Master's programme?

Before coming to Manchester I was working at the UN. I loved my job but I felt that I needed to get more applicable theoretical knowledge regarding poverty and conflict to fully address people's requirements.

Furthermore, as a person who was completely dedicated to Colombia's case, I felt I needed to take some time away inquiring about other countries that have gone to similar processes in order to gain a broader insight of conflict.

Why did you choose to study this Master’s course at The University of Manchester?

The University of Manchester is recognised worldwide because of its research in the field of development. Not only because the international rankings recognises this as such, but because of the qualities of its researchers. Here, you don't need to attend other universities to be in touch with their top academics on the field - because they are your teachers here!

Have you undertaken any fieldwork as part of your course?

We are going to Uganda in late March! I'm really excited about it because I’ve never been to Africa before and it’s a dream come true. Furthermore, although I have worked on the field before, it’s very important for me to learn how fieldwork is done here to compare with my own experience.

How would you describe your student experience so far?

It’s very demanding but mostly satisfying. Here I have been able to wonder about my own experiences and the way I was experiencing the world. As a person who has advocated her life to the protection of Human Rights, it’s very satisfying to meet people who are pursuing the same goals.

Moreover, the University is a very multicultural and I feel sometimes I have learned more about my classmates' experiences than from the books as we are always comparing our countries and our thoughts.

How is your international student experience at The University of Manchester?

Manchester is incredibly multicultural - I have friends from countries that I did not even know about before! Furthermore, there are places in the city dedicated to culture and of course to food as well. For example, just going to buy groceries in the curry mile is like being in 20 different countries in the same street!

What are your plans for life after graduation?

I'm part of the exclusive Manchester Gold Mentoring Programme so I have high hopes of finding a job thanks to this exclusive net.

Furthermore, I know that a Master’s degree from this university is an excellent inclusion in an application, recognised everywhere.