Interview with Gemy – 2017 WSS Alumni

Writing about web page https://warwick.ac.uk/study/summer-with-warwick/warwick-summer-school/

We recently spoke with Gemy - who joined us in 2017 for our Public Policy and Economics course (now Politics and Globalisation). Gemy kindly answered a few questions for us about her experience of our Programme, her reasons for applying and how the course and experience has helped shape her future.

What was your background before applying to the Warwick Summer School?

At the time I applied for the Warwick Summer School, I was an BSc Economics fourth year student in the University of the Philippines Los Banos. I have already taken some of my major economics subjects. Also, I am a member of the UPLB Economics Society - an exclusive organization for Economics students in our university.

Why did you apply to the Warwick Summer School?

During college, I really wanted to have an international experience to go out of my comfort zone. As I was looking for an opportunity abroad, it was at the right time when Casey sent an invitation to our organization, the UPLB Economics Society, about the Warwick Summer School. From there, I stopped looking for other opportunities because I found the perfect one. I applied to the Warwick Summer School because of its Public Policy and Economics course offering. Back then in college, my favourite major subject was Public Economics and when I saw that WSS offers one, I did not hesitate to apply for it. I was curious as to how public policy works in the UK, as a developed country, as compared to the Philippines, a developing country. The excursions included in the course and the British accent are plus factors!

What did you gain from attending the Summer School?

Aside from the knowledge that I have gained from my chosen course, I have made friends with different cultures, backgrounds and stories as mine. The friendships I have formed were not just for the three week summer school duration, as three years have already passed and I still feel connected and updated with their lives through the different social media apps.

What did you enjoy the most about your experience at WSS?

I enjoyed all of the experiences I had at WSS - the first dinner at Raven’s Ait Island, the super fun curry karaoke night, the Wicked musical at Apollo Theatre, the planned trips to different parts of London with my new found friends; but if I had to choose one, it would be our last excursion as a class. We had a Parliament guided tour and some of my classmates decided to see another tourist spot. We then went to the National Museum and I enjoyed it the most because it was spontaneous. I thought we were just going to see the Parliament and will head home afterwards, but I am happy my classmates decided to bond more.

Was there anything particularly unique about WSS that was a highlight for you?

Something that is particularly unique about Warwick Summer School is the inspirational guest speakers. I got to meet a lot of great speakers from different walks of life, from the Nobel prize winner George Arkelof to the paralympic gold medalist Kelly Gallagher, whom I will never get a chance to see if not for the Warwick Summer School. I did not only gain knowledge in public policy and economics, made new friends, experienced the UK culture and its rainy weather, but it has also given me inspiration about life from their speeches.

Would you recommend WSS to others and why?

Definitely! It has exceeded my expectations! It is a full package experience as you will get to learn about your course, about the UK culture, as well as you will have ample time to visit new places with your new found friends.

How has WSS helped to shape your future studies/aspirations?

My experience in WSS is life changing as I got to know about the Public Policy and Economics in the UK and the UK culture at the same time as I got to know more about myself in a span of three weeks. It has helped me realize more of the future that I want to be in where I can make a change in my country by providing a better interpretation of the policies and the laws.

Thanks, Gemy for speaking to us! We are so pleased you found the experience so worthwhile.

Helen Knight : 04 Feb 2021 09:00 |  Comments (0) |  Report a problem