Beatriz's academic journey from Brazil to London Metropolitan University began with a rich passion for knowledge and a willingness to widen her cultural experiences.

Currently, Beatriz is studying a Masters in Criminology and Psychopathology at London Met University, having moved over to London from Brazil on the International Students House and London Met postgraduate scholarship.

Her parents made the selfless decision to sell their family home back in Brazil to finance the education of their two daughters - Beatriz and her sister.

This gesture of love and devotion has unwaveringly motivated Beatriz throughout her studies, in pursuit of a future in the field. Beatriz explains that she hopes to honour her parents' sacrifice: "My parents moved to a smaller, more affordable place so I could study psychology, even when I doubted my ability to handle two demanding degrees at once. Their belief in me kept me going.”

Not only did this moment help to shape Beatriz’s academic goals but it also fueled her desire to make a meaningful impact in the world, an impact that is rooted in helping other people. As Beatriz notes, "When you travel abroad, mainly to study, it's not only about academic knowledge, it's about life experience, about understanding other people's perspectives, understanding different things, and changing your mind.”

Beatriz’s decision to pursue a masters in Criminology and Psychopathology was largely driven by years of experience as a clinical psychologist in Brazil, as well as an interest in further study. Throughout her time as a clinical psychologist, she has worked with victims of domestic violence and sexual abuse, alongside individuals with various mental health conditions. Due to this, she describes being drawn to the intersection between psychology and criminology, a niche where she feels she can make the biggest impact.

She also shared the challenges of transitioning from Brazil’s approach to psychology and criminology to the UK’s: "I realised that criminology is approached differently in every country. I was initially worried that my experience in Brazil wouldn’t translate well to the UK, but I’ve come to appreciate the new perspectives I’m gaining here..In Brazil, I was used to working in settings where psychological services were desperately needed, but often unaffordable. I made it my mission to provide affordable mental health care, even if it meant earning less.”

Beatriz’s past experience has given her an understanding of the complexities of the mental health system, and how different countries address those issues.

Beatriz’s course at London Met, though slightly different from her initial expectations, has been of immense value. "I expected criminology to focus more on real crimes and psychopathology on conditions like narcissism, but I’m happy to discover that it’s much broader. I’m learning about things I never anticipated, which keeps me curious and engaged," she says.

This curiosity also comes to light with her current work experience as a teaching assistant in a special educational school for children and adolescents with autism, called the Windmill School in Barnet, London. She finds joy in making a tangible difference in their lives: “I feel very useful when I am helping someone to solve one problem, even if it is something small to you, it’s big for the other person.” Beatriz always yearns to help other people and finds value and fulfilment working with those in need. "It's incredibly rewarding to help these children, and it reaffirms my desire to continue working in fields where I can make an impact.”

Beatriz came to London on a scholarship with the University and the International Students House, which is a huge achievement. “I was not able to come to London without the scholarship and that makes you feel safe, you feel brave, and you feel like, 'Oh, I can do this. I can do that.’”

Naturally, moving abroad from your family, friends and culture is difficult. Beatriz says that a feeling of safety is fundamental to cope with this. "I like to feel safe. You know, the way my mom raised me, my father, my family, they are teachers, so every time everything was planned, everything was very well organised all the time.”

She describes feeling a similar way at London Met: “My professors at London Met, they are amazing, they made me feel so safe, they are so supportive."

The support and encouragement she has received from the academic staff has allowed her to face challenges with heightened confidence, so that she could flourish and grow as an academic, whilst learning about London and exploring its cultural diversity. She adds: “Knowing I had a safety net made me feel brave. I felt I could take on more difficult tasks, knowing I wasn't alone.”

This feeling of safety that Beatriz highlights extends to her interactions with her peers at the University. The International Students House is a charity that is dedicated to helping international students get the most out of their academic studies and their new life abroad. It also provides international students with a strong sense of community within the house, as they can meet international students from a wide range of countries and backgrounds. Knowing others were in her position, Beatriz says that this support made her “feel safe, you know, because I was so scared. I'm going to a place, and I will only have people that speak English, but when I saw that, not only me, but other students from other countries were struggling with the language too...I felt very welcome."

After being so close with her family back home in Brazil, it was so beneficial for Beatriz to meet like-minded peers, which provided her with a sense of belonging and comfort in a short space of time. Living in the International Students House (ISH), Beatriz found herself in a truly multicultural environment, which she describes fondly:

"I met people from different countries, different places. I heard about different religions that I never heard about, that I never had contact with. I have one friend here from Nepal. The other day she took me to the temple. She's Hindu and I never saw that in my life. In Brazil we have, like, a very different background about religion. But the first time I got a dip in, like, Muslim religion, Hindu religion, it was here because my friends, they are Hindu and Muslim.” She adds, “It’s been amazing to see how they stay connected to their roots through religion. It’s taught me so much about the world beyond what I knew in Brazil."

It is clear that this cultural immersion has not only broadened her knowledge of other cultures, but has also provided her with a sense of belonging and a feeling of safety in a new country.

Upon completion of her degree, Beatriz visualises a career in the field of psychology and criminology, with a focus on addressing and correcting some of the fundamental mental health issues that lie within the criminal justice system. She also discussed the possibility of utilising her psychotherapy skills with her passion for working with neurodivergent people. From our two conversations with her, it is clear that she has genuine love for the field, appearing most happy when she discusses helping others. This clear empathy and professionalism combined with her knowledge and personal skills will allow her to thrive in the field.

Beatriz is considering the possibility of staying in the UK after her degree is complete, in order to gain more experience in this field and to broaden her horizons, as London is home to a wealth of opportunity. However, she remains open to returning to Brazil, as that will always be the place where she can best help her family and community.

"I’m here because of my parents, and I want to give them the best life possible, whether that’s in the UK or Brazil," she reflects. She explains that her father recently completed a degree of his own, and how proud of him she is for this achievement. Her family is a source of extreme support and motivation for her, just as she is for them.

Beatriz’s journey from Brazil to London has been about more than just her academic achievements. It’s been a personal journey of cultural exploration, resilience, motivation, support and friendship. Her story is one that teaches us to embrace new opportunities, whilst highlighting the importance of family and personal support.

London Metropolitan University

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