Staff Interview with Rachel Davies
Get to know Queen Mary University of London's staff!
Rachel has worked in the work and volunteer abroad and university sector for 13 years and joined the Global Opportunities Team at QMUL in May 2017. Originally from New York, she studied abroad at the University of Westminster during her undergraduate degree. Following graduation, Rachel returned to the UK to work and then again to complete a Master’s degree. She has lived and worked on three continents, traveled to 30 countries and has called London home for over nine years, recently becoming a British citizen.
What initially led you to studying abroad in London and later on begin working for Queen Mary University of London (QMUL)?
When deciding on where to go to college, I knew that I wanted to study abroad. London was far enough away from New York, but not too far for someone who had never left North America! I spent the spring semester of my junior year at the University of Westminster studying film, media, and theatre and had the most amazing time. The experience was completely life-changing for me.
I couldn’t wait to return to London after graduation and then spent nine months working in London and traveling around Europe. I returned to New York for a little more than a year working and planning my next adventure. I next set off for New Zealand, working in Wellington. I traveled extensively around the country, spent Christmas in Fiji, and ended with a five week whirlwind trip along the eastern coast of Australia.
When I returned from Australasia, I knew that I wanted to work in the field of study, work, and volunteer abroad. I had previously obtained my work visas to the UK and New Zealand through British Universities North America Club (BUNAC) so took up a post in their Connecticut office where I supported students and young people to obtain work visas to Australia, Canada, Republic of Ireland, New Zealand, and the UK.
I missed city living so I moved to Boston to work for Global Vision International within a similar role. Both roles were incredibly rewarding as I was facilitating abroad experiences which I knew would be life changing for many participants. I was very interested in working in a study abroad office at a university because that had been the catalyst for my overseas adventures and knew that a Master’s degree would help me realize this goal.
I enrolled on a Higher and Professional Education Master’s degree at the UCL Institute of Education in London over nine years ago because it was a world class institution which also happened to be in one of my favorite cities! At the same time, I started working at Goldsmiths, University of London.
At the completion of my degree, I continued to work in various professional services roles in Admissions, the Department of Theatre and Performance, and Governance and Legal Services. It was also during this time that I met and married my English husband. After more than five years at Goldsmiths, I moved to a Quality role at QMUL in January 2015. I was excited to move to a new university with such a great reputation for teaching, learning, and research. I got to know the Global Opportunities team at QMUL and jumped at the chance to join them when the Global Opportunities Administrative Officer role became available.
Describe a typical day as the Global Opportunities Administrative Officer.
One of the best things about my job is that I get to help students on a daily basis. I support incoming study abroad students from initial inquirer, to applicant, to participant, and finally alumni. Adjusting to the UK can be overwhelming, so my role can be quite pastoral. I’m always happy to chat to and help our students. I have great relationships with colleagues in academic schools, Advice and Counseling, and Residences, and work closely with them to ensure that our students are settling in well to living and studying in another country.
How does your own experience living and working abroad influence the work you do?
I bring knowledge and understanding to my role having lived, studied, and worked abroad myself. Having been through the same experiences as the students that I help daily, I find it easy to see things from their perspective. I’m excited when each new cohort starts at QMUL because it reminds of my first few days figuring out my way around the University of Westminster and London. I pursued a role in study abroad because it was one of the best decisions that I made as a college student and I deeply enjoy guiding students through their own experience with empathy and enthusiasm.
What advice would you share with others hoping to work abroad?
Be prepared to step out of your comfort zone to work abroad. It is a hugely rewarding experience, but overwhelming at the same time. It takes time to get used to another country’s culture, but be patient, because it will happen. Immerse yourself in the culture and experience all that it can offer.
Are there any qualities you think are important in global opportunities? If yes, what are they?
Global opportunities should provide the opportunity to take part in a different perspective whether that be through studying, traveling, or working abroad. Getting people to broaden their horizons and think more globally will create more culturally aware and adaptive citizens.
Why do you think it’s important for people to travel and live outside of their comfort zone?
It’s so important for people to travel and live outside of their comfort zone in order to expand their horizons. They will learn about other cultures and grow as an individual. It will allow them to understand more about the wider world to better understand their own place in it.
How has living abroad impacted you as an individual?
I think that I’m more culturally aware and open-minded to differences. Living abroad has taught me that I can step outside of my comfort zone, challenge myself, and still thrive. I love learning about the different cultures and customs wherever I’m living and am open-minded to trying new things whether that be cuisine, sports, music, or art. I’ve taken up a lot of British customs, but also share American customs with my family and friends, like Thanksgiving! Since becoming a British citizen in May, I’ve managed to perfect the classic Victoria sponge cake and taken up netball, albeit a bit less successfully!
What lessons have you learned while abroad that you hope others get to experience on their own?
Be adventurous! Try traveling on your own for a bit. It may seem scary or daunting, but it gives you the freedom to do exactly what you want. You’ll meet people along the way and some of them may become lifelong friends. Have the courage to go off the beaten track while abroad because these are often where the best experiences occur.