Meet the OU's International Students

The Open University is launching the International Open Diaries; five short films featuring incredible OU students and alumni from different corners of the world.

Following on from the UK Open Diaries that were launched in summer 2018, these new diaries have a distinctly international flavour. They offer a unique insight into what it’s like for students living, studying and working in different countries and on different continents around the world.

The films highlight the flexibility of The Open University’s qualifications, the opportunities for career and life transformation and the quality of the student support services.

Meet Sridev

Sridev studying at his computer — Sridev: Palakkad, India

Sridev is from Palakkad in India. He’s studying for a BSc Natural Sciences (Astronomy and Planetary Science) and was surprised to be able to carry out practical experiments as part of his course, including using the OU’s remote-access, robotic telescopes in Tenerife, Spain. Sridev said:

“Initially, when I was joining The Open University, I thought that I would have to make a compromise on the practical aspect since it was distance learning. I was really pleasantly surprised on how The Open University is making technology available to its students, how they’ve curated this whole holistic experience so that you don’t have to miss out on the practical aspect, even though you’re studying at a distance.
“For example, in my first project, I had to access a telescope which was located in Tenerife, right here from my laptop. I could control the telescope while sitting at my home in India. That was a pretty cool thing to do and I never knew that was possible.”

Meet Colm

Colm is originally from Ireland, but is currently living in Budapest, Hungary. He chose to study for a BEng Engineering with the OU so he could continue working.

“One of the things about studying with The Open University is that it comes with you everywhere.
“The first two modules I did were in Dublin. I got the opportunity to move to Budapest in Hungary and I’ve taken The Open University with me when I have been to France, Germany, Austria. I’ve been able to get the nice balance of still going to college but also getting to see the world and travel and explore.”

Meet Rain

Rain is from Antipolo, Philippines and is studying for a BSc Psychology. She chose to study with the OU after extensive research, to ensure an OU degree would be internationally recognised and help her with her future career plans.

“You are getting high quality education and, at the same time, if you are like me who has gone through hard times in the past, you can start anew and at the same time pursue a degree.
“The Open University gave me the chance to rediscover myself not just through my studies, but also in my personal life.
I’ve had problems with anxiety and feeling like I wasn’t doing enough, or that I wasn’t doing an assignment properly. My tutors have been very helpful and accommodating, making sure I am doing the right thing, and encouraging me to believe in myself more.”

The diaries also feature award-winning MBA graduate Tillmann from Berlin, Germany and Talia (pictured above) from Johannesburg, South Africa, who was inspired by the Blue Planet II series, which was co-produced by the OU and the BBC.

The films are available online, and will feature in a major new campaign with BBC Worldwide.