Scottish educational experience provides crucial step on student career path

A Masters student is encouraging her friends in India to follow in her footsteps by studying at GCU.

Pranali Khatri is set to graduate from the MSc Advanced Physiotherapy Practice course in November this year after making the decision to leave Mumbai in September 2022.

We sat down with Pranali to hear about her experience of studying in Scotland and how it’s developed her both personally and professionally:

Background and interest in Physiotherapy

“I completed my Physiotherapy Undergraduate in May 2022 when I was still in Mumbai. I then worked in one of the city’s most prestigious hospitals, Nanavati Max, between July and August before starting my Masters at GCU in September that year.

“I initially decided to study Physiotherapy because I had a real interest in treating patients. I’ve always been interested in healthcare and showing compassion to others.”

Coming to Scotland

“My course in India was very broad overall so it was difficult for me to narrow down what I wanted to study. I eventually decided to focus on neuro and muscular physiotherapy because I was particularly interested in these types of conditions as I focused quite a lot on this throughout my Undergraduate.

“I wanted to do a Masters to basically enhance my skills and gain more knowledge overall. I also wanted to get the opportunity to experience life as an international student. Many of my relatives and friends have studied and worked in Scotland, so I heard a lot about how friendly everyone is. I had actually heard of Inverness and the famous Scottish Highlands – as well as the whisky! I had also seen a lot of videos on social media which gave an insight into what life was like at GCU – it looked really fun.

“When I arrived at Glasgow Airport, the taxi driver taking me to student accommodation actually played Indian music for me in the car! I was very surprised but it was nice that he did that and it made me realise that the people here are very kind – just like my family and friends had said.

“Since coming here, I’ve had the chance to visit the likes of Loch Lomond, St Andrews and Stirling. It really helped me settle into living life here.”

Studying MSc Advanced Physiotherapy Practice at GCU

“I’ve faced some challenges throughout my studies but I’ve always found the University to be very helpful. I’ve worked closely with the VISA Team and the Careers Service throughout my studies, and they’ve really supported me with whatever I’ve needed.”

“We have two compulsory modules on my course - Advanced Research Methods and Advancing Professional Practice. I also completed a dissertation on pre-operative rehabilitation around knee osteoarthritis. I enjoyed the process of writing my dissertation and even learning about how to complete the likes of a literature review – that was something I’d never done before when I was back in India.”

Diploma in Football Medicine (FIFA)

“I completed the Diploma after finishing my dissertation because I wanted to gain more knowledge around football and the role of a sports physio. There is a very high risk of ankle and knee injuries in football due to the twisting and turning. This is something I’m interested in potentially doing in future alongside my focus on neuromuscular conditions.

“I also have an interest in swimming injuries because it’s a sport I really enjoy. There are a lot of injuries in swimming despite it being non-contact, so they are very different to the injuries you get in football.”

Graduation

“I can’t wait for that feeling when I know I’ve finally made it. There have been a lot of ups and downs, so I’m ready for this moment.

“I’m very grateful to the University and it’s staff members. They’ve made the whole experience of studying here so much better. My lecturers have provided so much support, but I’ve also been helped by the likes of the GCU Students’ Association Advice Centre.

“My plan from here is to get a job with the NHS and stay in Scotland – I really like it here. I’ve already spoke to some of my friends back in India and encouraged them to come and study at GCU. It’s been the perfect place for me to study and Glasgow has been a great place to stay.”

Find out more about the MSc Advanced Physiotherapy Practice course at GCU

By Ross Clark    
Got an SHLS or GSBS story? Email me at Ross.Clark@gcu.ac.uk or message me on Twitter