THE UNIVERSITY of Worcester is celebrating the arrival of its latest two Commonwealth Scholarship students.
James Abrokwah, from Ghana, and Divya Madhusudhan, from India, will spend the next year studying at the University under the Commonwealth Shared Scholarship Scheme.
The scheme, which was set up by the UK Department for International Development (DFID) and UK universities, supports scholarships for students from developing Commonwealth countries who would not otherwise be able to study in the United Kingdom.
James, who is studying for an MSc in Applied Psychology, said: “Without this scholarship I would never have had the opportunity to study in the UK for a Masters.
“I’m finding the course great, but very challenging, which is a good thing.”
The 27-year-old, who hopes to become a clinical psychologist on his return to Ghana, applied to several universities and was accepted on all, but chose to come to Worcester for its course offering and its small community-based city.
“Worcester is a really lovely place and the course is very much what I want to do,” he added.
“I am so pleased to be here and hope I do well in my studies.”
Divya, 22, who is studying for a masters in Public Health, added: “I’m really excited to be studying in UK and at Worcester. I am enjoying my course thoroughly; the tutors are great and all the people here are really friendly. The Commonwealth Scholarship programme is very competitive so I was amazed to be accepted.”
Divya, who studied at RV College of Physiotherapy in Bangalore, would like to start her own Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) back in India, concentrating on public health issues.
Professor David Green, University of Worcester vice chancellor, pictured here with James and Divya, said: “Highly skilled graduates working in such vital areas as public health and clinical psychology are essential for social and economic development.
“The University of Worcester is delighted that James and Divya have chosen to study with us this year before returning to contribute their skills to further the development of Ghana and India respectively.
“In recent years the University’s international impact has grown significantly with graduates working around the world in health, business, education and sport. We are very pleased that the University and our City have been selected again by two such outstanding young Commonwealth scholars.”
