Californian native Zia studied for an MSc in Public Policy at Bristol as a Fulbright Scholar. In this piece, she discusses her motivations for studying abroad and the common themes that connect the study of social and public policy across the Atlantic Ocean.
Choosing Bristol
Before moving to Bristol, I worked in advocacy and campaigning, with a focus on climate justice, affordable healthcare, government transparency, and increased protections from gun violence.
Each of these experiences gave me a taste of policy and inspired my decision to pursue an MSc in Public Policy, ultimately leading me to the University of Bristol.
Zia Saylor
My decision to pursue a degree abroad was fuelled by my deep belief in the power of learning from others and engaging in cultural exchanges. I researched schools with strong policy programmes, international engagement, and a focus on anti-poverty policy, and was ultimately drawn to Bristol for its Poverty Institute. I visited the city to see if it might be a good fit and fell in love with the vibrant artistic and activist culture central to Bristol.
As a Fulbright Scholar, I had the wonderful opportunity to be a part of a community of collaborative changemakers from across the U.S. who are engaged in cultural exchange with the U.K. This unique opportunity opened more doors for academic and personal development, as well as opportunities to learn from British culture while sharing that of my home.
The opportunity to learn by immersing myself in another country’s policy sphere has proved invaluable to my development as a policy thinker. Engaging with the community in Bristol has taught me how many similarities there are among struggles that individuals face in both countries, and how at the root of all policy making is the human experience that is ultimately shaped by policy decisions. Particularly in the energy poverty sphere, in which my current research engages, experiences may differ based on local customs and regulations, but ultimately many experiences carry common themes.
How does the programme relate to your current role and career aspirations?
My goal with policy work is to improve the lives of others, particularly with a focus on anti-poverty policy and increasing empathetic policy responses to times of hardship. At the University of Bristol, I have learned more about different ways such policies can be implemented and conducted research of my own on programme efficacy; cultivating knowledge and skills that will support me in my dedication to helping others.
What advice would you give to an international student with an interest in policy making?
I would encourage them to pursue a degree abroad! The opportunity to experience the way others live in the world and understand for yourself what different lifestyles and cultures feel like is a non-tangible but invaluable part of your education. Learning in a new way, collaborating with individuals across cultures, communicating and empathizing in new scenarios, are all remarkable skills that will ultimately make you a more flexible and adaptable changemaker in whatever field you enter.
Zia is currently studying for a PhD with the School for Policy Studies at the University of Bristol. Her thesis focuses on electrical load-shedding impacts on multi-dimensional well-being in South Africa. She is funded by the South West Doctoral Training Partnership, and is working alongside Dr Julia Gumy and Professor Dave Gordon.
Read more about Zia’s experiences at the University of Bristol.