Andrea M. Fernandes, Mumbai
MSc in Physiotherapy- Neurological Route

Andrea M Fernandes comes from Mumbai, Inida and started her MSc in Physiotherapy (Neurological Route) in September 2007. Andrea is one of two Sheffield Hallam students honoured with a Commonwealth Shared Scholarship Scheme award for the 2007/08 academic year. 

"It had always been a dream to complete my higher studies in the United Kingdom. When looking at options available to me, I have to confess the cost was very daunting. Not willing to let go of my dream that easily, I spent hours researching at the British Council office in Mumbai, India and on the internet.

"Fortunately, I was chosen and for the Commonwealth Shared Scholarship Scheme and for this I am thankful....my dream finally had a chance. I was coming to Sheffield Hallam University to do an MSc in Physiotherapy- Neurological Route. 

"I believe that there is much to be done in the field of rehabilitation of Stroke and other Long Term Neurological Conditions in developing countries like India. I feel fortunate as a Physical Therapist to be able to be part of this rehabilitation process. I expect to hone my skills and take what I learn here to improve Stroke and neurological rehabilitation.

"I am thankful to the staff at Sheffield Hallam University for their assistance with making arrangements to arrive in the UK. After a week in Sheffield, most of my fears and apprehensions had vanished into thin air and I started to get my bearings.

"Sheffield is truly a beautiful place. Its clean, scenic, has good, reliable public transport, food to suit almost any palate and most importantly has some of the friendliest people I have met. One thing that stood out even in my early days in Sheffield, is their ready, warm smiles and their willingness to help.

"I study at the Collegiate Crescent campus, one of two campuses at Sheffield Hallam University. The old buildings with their quaint architecture, the trees and grassy patches make me feel at peace and I am happy to be there. 

"My tutors give me valuable guidance and equip me with the necessary tools while encouraging me to think ’out of the box’, to develop my own ideas, to question, to reason and make informed decisions regarding my clinical practice.

"A two week clinical placement is part of my course, and I am sitting at the edge of my seat in anticipation. I will be able to put into practice the techniques and skills I have learnt so far while learning more about how persons with neurological conditions are rehabilitated in this country.

"There is never a dearth of things to do in Sheffield. There are parks like Endcliffe Park and Whitely Woods, both fantastic places to take a walk or just take a picnic lunch and spend the afternoon in the park. The Winter and Botanical Gardens are both must visits as is Chatsworth House. There are also cinemas, bowling, pool, restaurants offering practically any cuisine under the sun and of course lots of shops with plenty of temptation to shop till you drop ... or go broke, whichever comes first.

"Though Sheffield has grown on me and leaving will be bitter-sweet, my dream beckons. My duty is to utilise all I have and will learn here to evaluate, inform and change practice in the field of rehabilitation physical therapy in a developing country like India."

Contact
Stella Hensman
International Office
Student and Academic Services
Sheffield Hallam University City Campus
Sheffield
S1 1WB 

Tel: +44 (0)114 225 3880
Fax: +44 (0)114 225 4768
Email: international@shu.ac.uk
Web: www.shu.ac.uk/international