The big difference for DS was studying somewhere where, only a quarter of the students were from the UK. This meant that three quarters had already made quite a big decision to study outside their own country, largely because they thought their career prospects would be enhanced by a degree from somewhere with an international reputation. It means that next steps, internship applications etc, have been part of the conversation from the very beginning. Indeed students in their first term have to be limited to three appointments with the careers office.
It has made things easy for us, as DS has been able to work out at an early stage what he does, and does not want to do. And has understood, almost from the beginning, the results that are needed. He is also very aware, partly through experience, how ferociously competitive it is to get a good internship or graduate job.
He is the only Brit out of almost 40 on his Masters, though there are lots of Europeans and Americans. Quite a number, like DS, are hoping to be accepted for a PhD programme in the States. Again the peer support is providing invaluable. We have little idea what he is talking about, but he seems to know.
Looking back, DS will have gained as much from the ambitions and focus of his peers as from course content or careers office services. Its a bit like school. If your friends know what they want to achieve and are working hard towards these aims, you tend to follow.
DD is taking a more obviously vocational degree, and already is finding there is a tension between her 30 hours a week contact time and general University life. She may find it easier to share with other medics next year, even though she had hoped to avoid medic cliquishness, and may have to quit her University sports team in favour of the less demanding medic team. Effectively she too is having to focus on friends who share her ambitions.