Desiree Sehlapelo

Name: Desiree Sehlapelo
Age: 33
Born: Limpopo, South Africa
Arrived in Scotland: September, 2005

Scotland has made a lasting impression on Desiree Sehlapelo – so much so that she is keen to stay on and work here on completion of her current studies.

Desiree will finish her Masters course in Environmental and Sustainable Development at the University of Glasgow in September 2006.

"I have thoroughly enjoyed my time in Scotland," she said. "My experience in Glasgow has been very international thanks to the opportunity to study with colleagues from so many other countries."

Career plans

A graduate in Town Planning at Johannesburg University, she was working for a Masters degree in Management before she came to Scotland.

"I'm very grateful to have been given the chance to further my studies in Scotland," she added. "They wouldn't have been possible without the award of a Scottish International Scholarship.

"With support from the Fresh Talent programme, I would like to find work in Scotland, ideally in planning and environmental management or project management.

So much to admire

"Having endured one Scottish winter, I'm now better prepared for the cold weather when it comes! Mind you, the summer heat-wave has made all that a distant memory, at least for the time being."

It's not just the weather that has pleasantly surprised family and friends who have visited Desiree. "They were struck by just how beautiful Scotland is," she explained.

"The lush greenery really caught their imagination as did the expanses of water, reflected in the scenic views of the country's lochs and islands.
 
"Scotland is such an interesting place; I would recommend it to anyone who is considering a visit, whether on holiday, to study or to work."

Information correct at June 2007