This year, Kaplan collaborated with National Geographic Learning to create a competition for students and recent alumni. They were invited to submit creative entries, which were reviewed by a panel of representatives from Kaplan and NGL, plus students and alumni. The winners had their submissions included in Kaplan and NGL’s third joint anthology.
There were many outstanding entries — from videos and poems to short stories and essays — reflecting the incredible creativity and talent of Kaplan’s global community.
This year’s theme: international student wellbeing
Kaplan Pathways’ Project Developer for Alumni Engagement, Jennifer Donald, explains why this theme was chosen for 2024.
“Wellbeing is something that’s very important to both Kaplan and National Geographic Learning, and so we wanted to use this year’s theme as another way of showing our students that it’s okay to talk about and prioritise your wellbeing, and that we are here to support them with that.
“Wellbeing can mean lots of different things to different people, and so we knew that as international students and alumni, our participants would have an incredible range of stories and insights to share with others.
“We hope that the anthology will be a source of inspiration to new students for many years to come. Some of our participants even shared top tips and helpful information on finding support, so it’s a great additional resource for new students to use alongside the wealth of wellbeing materials and support offered to students on our programmes.”
Giving international students a voice
Jennifer added that the National Geographic Learning competition was a great way to amplify student voices, as it invited them to share stories that others may connect with.
“It might feel overwhelming when someone first moves to a new country to start their studies, especially if it’s the first time they’ve ever lived away from their family and friends.
“In the anthology, those who have been through the same thing share their own experiences of dealing with homesickness and other difficult feelings, and talk about how they ultimately came through them. Their work is an inspiration because they have been through difficult times, overcome challenges, and shared their insights for the benefit of others.
“They’ve shared advice, wisdom, and useful information, and we hope that this will help other students feel reassured — reminding them that if they are struggling with their own wellbeing, it’s okay to talk about it and there is lots of support available.”
Insights from one of the winners
Tahani from Kuwait, who studied Graphic Design at Nottingham Trent International College, was one of the winners for the award for Video with Narration (featured on pages 17–18). She explains why she entered the competition, and what international student wellbeing means to her.
“My motivation for entering the National Geographic Learning competition stemmed from my intense homesickness. I struggled mentally and was hesitant to seek help, avoiding the issue because admitting it made it feel too real.
“Eventually, I reached out to the College’s wellbeing team. Their support helped me through a difficult time, and I created this video to support others who are homesick and may feel alone.
“In my video, I openly shared my experience with homesickness and depression, issues that are often overlooked, especially in the context of studying abroad. Many people assume studying abroad is all privilege and glamour, but the reality of extreme homesickness is rarely discussed. I wanted to be a voice for those struggling, letting them know they’re not alone.”
Tahani’s advice to other international students
“Don’t be afraid to acknowledge when you’re struggling. Write down your emotions to understand them better, and reach out to college staff, especially the wellbeing team, for support. If needed, consider therapy—it will help clear your mind.
“Remember, you’re not alone, and challenges lead to growth. Make the most of your time in the UK by joining clubs, meeting new people, and stepping outside your comfort zone. Learn to enjoy your own company, embrace your flaws, and believe in yourself—you’ve come this far for a reason.”
How Kaplan can support your wellbeing
If you study with Kaplan International Pathways in the UK, our partnership with Student Minds makes it easy for you to find the mental wellbeing support you need. On top of that, you can access Kaplan’s own dedicated support, along with your university’s on-campus support staff. Students can also access a 24-hour assistance programme helpline, where they can access advice and counselling.
If you are thinking about studying in the UK but don’t know where to start, our friendly team is here to guide you on every step of your journey. Just get in touch and an Education Advisor will be happy to explore your options with you.
