Studying abroad provides focus: MSc Applied Economics

Hoziane Amen is studying the Msc Applied Economics on a scholarship honouring her friend. Here she gives her thoughts on the beginning of her year's study journey.

Before I applied to Strathclyde Business School, I was working at the National Bank of Rwanda (NBR), the central bank in Rwanda, as an economist in the monetary policy and research department.

As an Economist at NBR, I realised that I needed more knowledge to be able to bring more to the table, and the MSc Applied Economics is among the qualifications needed for my career to progress.

I knew about Strathclyde as one of the best young economists I knew, Samuel Baker, had done his master’s degree at Strathclyde Business School. The application process was very smooth, and the staff at the business school were very kind to guide me through the whole process.

Tragically Samuel Baker passed away a few months before I applied to SBS. I was excited and overwhelmed when I was accepted onto the programme and, what’s more, with a joint scholarship from the University and NBR in honour of Sam, it meant a lot to me. 

Sam was my best friend, and I just couldn’t believe that I was going to honour him in this way. We always talked about getting further and further in our studies, about getting our PhDs at a young age, and becoming the youngest Economists in Rwanda with PhDs. Sadly for Sam this will not be but I feel that on being accepted at Strathclyde to do my Masters, this is a start to the dream we both had.

I love Glasgow, the scenery and historic buildings remind me of olden times. I just feel like I am in a movie, with all these beautiful antique buildings. It’s my first time in the UK and while I find the weather can be very cold and wet I am enjoying Scotland a lot.

Studying away from home gives me something to look forward to – knowing that I will be going back home with a new qualification and that helps me focus more on my studies. I also studied away from home for my undergraduate degree in the US so I knew what it would be like to study abroad and I love that I now get to explore the UK.

So far, I think the programme is very challenging and educative - and that’s the best part because I love new challenges.

It’s early days in the programme but I hope to leave Strathclyde with new skills and a better understanding of Economics and I’m looking forward to the rest of my time here.

About Hoziane Amen

Hoziane Amen is studying the MSc Applied Economics at Strathclyde Business School.