Vasco Scmidt, Portugal

Second year Marine Biology student
From: Lisbon, Portugal; lived in Brussels, Belgium

"I always wanted to study marine biology and also started diving as soon as age allowed. Like my brothers I came to do my studies in the UK for various reasons. The courses generally take longer in continental Europe and Plymouth also has a good reputation for marine and biological studies.

The University diving facilities linked to my course, was certainly one of the criteria attracting me to this University. I also thought it would be an advantage to do my degree in English to firstly improve it and also because it is likely to be my working language later in life. The location of the university is just ideal for its activities like diving and possibilities for post-graduation are also many and international.

I always wanted to go and work somewhere tropical were the water is 28 degrees celcius all year around. Yearly exchanges, both national and international are also possible at this university.

Since I have started the professional diving course, my diving has much improved and has been very relevant to my degree. I think every marine biologist should know what the environment he works in actually looks like. Even if diving in the UK sounds very cold and unpleasant, it's not. The marine fauna of north-west Europe is in my opinion very pretty and interesting.

The teaching staff are absolutely outstanding and professional. I also made many social contacts with students and staff.

My last point is the unique opportunity to get this course for much cheaper than you would get it outside university."