Laurie Hearty

Name: Laurie Hearty
Born: Quebec, Canada
Lived in Scotland: 7 months

Canadian student, Laurie, is in her first year of a three-year PhD in Social Policy at the University of Edinburgh.

"The University of Edinburgh is one of the world's leading universities. Its excellent reputation, interesting and lengthy history, and willingness to be flexible in meeting my individual learning and work/life balance needs are what initially attracted me to study there," explained Laurie.

With 25 years of government service with the Province of British Columbia in Canada working on policy, program development and service delivery, under her belt, Laurie was looking for a change of scenery.

She chose Scotland as she was looking for a cultural experience in a country she knew to be very warm and welcoming. Her experience of Scots in Canada as gregarious also helped her make the decision to make the move.

"My expectations have easily been exceeded; and when the amazing friendliness of the Scottish people and the natural beauty of the city and countryside are factored in, I am confident my decision to study in Scotland was the right one.

"The people, the people, the people! For me, everything comes back to the people I have met, from the supportive faculty and students who have made my time intellectually stimulating, the social policy postgraduates who have created an amazing learning community and even the 'stranger' who readily chats about anything from the ever-changing weather to devolution politics.

"I am constantly struck by the welcoming and indeed, the positive approach to life of the Scottish people. They have a pride in their country that is evident in the stories that are told and in the confidence with which they are told. Whether talking about the immense natural beauty or the history of Scotland, the message is of the importance of experiencing it, of living life, and of taking the best of this forward. It is this connection to people and place that resonates with me the most.

"The warm welcome has provided the solid base for integrating my pride in Canada with my eagerness to learn more about and become part of this wonderful country of Scotland.

"I especially enjoyed tutoring in the Canadian Studies course – it enabled me to learn more about the long and respectful relationship our two countries share and it reinforced my commitment to building on this knowledge and to contributing to the university and the city during my time here."

Once Laurie finishes her PhD she is open to the idea of staying on in Scotland and extending her ties here. One option would be becoming part of the Centre for Canadian Studies' Visiting Scholar programme. Positions of one month up to one academic year are available, enabling overseas visitors to contribute to research and teaching at the centre.

"I think the Centre for Canadian Studies has been a terrific bridge between our two cultures."

Related links

• Centre for Canadian Studies
• Visiting Scholar Programme