Kim and Patrick Biegel

Kim and Patrick Biegel from the USA, have been in Scotland for two and a half years. They talk about why they think it’s a great place to work and study…

Kim is an Outreach and Communications Manager in the Health Department at the Scottish Government, dividing her time between offices in Edinburgh and Glasgow and Patrick is a third year student of Veterinary Medicine at Glasgow University. They live in Glasgow.

Originally from Oldwick, a small town in western New Jersey, Kim and Patrick met following a local steeplechase that is held each year.

"We came over to Scotland just after we got married in September 2004. This is where we began our life together, our first home together is here."

Patrick tells us why they decided to cross the Atlantic to Scotland.

"I was applying to vet schools and thought it would be a fantastic opportunity to attend university in Scotland! Glasgow University Faculty of Veterinary Medicine is one of the oldest in the world (founded in 1862) and the author of the famous vet books including All Creatures Great and Small, James Herriot was a student there."

Kim says: "Before we made a final decision about moving, we decided to check out Scotland to see whether we’d be happy with it.

"We came to Glasgow, walked around, did the open bus tour, went up to the university and thought 'this could be home!'"

"People were so helpful – when we couldn’t find Central Station, a nice lady whom we asked for directions walked us right to the station – at that moment we could tell Scotland was different from any place we had ever been.  And despite the rumours of rainy weather, the sun was shining the whole time we were visiting (we were so surprised!).

"I'd worked in healthcare communications at public relations and pharmaceutical companies. I then got a Masters Degree in Healthcare Communications from the Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey. When I finished the degree in June 2004, it was a perfect opportunity to move to Scotland and apply what I'd learnt. The Outreach and Communications Manager position at the Scottish Government was a perfect fit.

"It's been an amazing learning experience here – in the USA, we only have privatised healthcare but in Scotland it’s socialised healthcare. It's really special that if you're on Scottish soil you're entitled to healthcare. In the USA, people struggle to be able to afford to go to the doctors and it’s a really big issue. Scotland should be very proud of its healthcare system."

Patrick talks about his family connections with Scotland.

"My grandfather's side of the family is Scottish – my great grandfather may have lived here. All I have as proof is an Argyle & Sutherland Highlanders Glengarry cap! I am in the process of trying to track down the missing history but I know my mother's maiden name was Sharpe, which was traced back to the MacDonald clan.

Patrick comments on the difference between working here and in the USA.

"The balance between work and out-of-work life is very different. In Scotland you go to work 9-5, you leave and you enjoy life. You have more time off to spend time with your family.

Kim agrees: "There's more value placed on the family in Scotland. In the USA, on average you only get 10 annual leave days. Work-life balance is definitely better here. There's more time to travel and enjoy life outside of work. 
 
"It would be great to stay here a bit longer after Patrick graduates. Under the Fresh Talent: Working in Scotland scheme, we hope to get his visa extended for a year or two. It would be fun to enjoy Scotland when Patrick has finished university – there's still so much to see and do here!"

Kim adds: "We both love the castles, the Highlands and coming into spring, seeing the fields speckled with new lambs.  We're both country people so love the fact that you can go 20 minutes outside the city and hit the countryside, we especially enjoy Loch Lomond We also love traditional Scottish activities – going to Highland Games and ceilidhs!"

"There's also a great diversity of people at the university – Canadians, Americans, French. I think around 40 - 50% of the students are from overseas,” says Patrick.

"We would absolutely recommend people come and live and work here. It's a great opportunity for anyone – a fabulous place with fabulous people! As an American who doesn’t speak a second language, it's ideal as a common language is pretty important," says Kim.

Patrick adds: "After I graduate, we'd like to live in the Scottish Borders as my goal is to become an Equine (horse) surgeon. I've brought with me what I know from my previous degrees, B.S. in Animal Science from Delaware Valley College and M.L.A.S. from Drexel University College of Medicine, and life experiences and will take back what I'm being taught here and try to incorporate it into what I do in the future. It’s all been really challenging and a great ride – plus it opens up doors for you!"

Related Links

• University of Glasgow Vet School
• Scottish Government
• Scotland's People