You did it! You’re accepted to ACES woohooo!! 🎉

But wait… visa? flight tickets? packing? bank card? SIM plan? Don’t panic, we’ve got you. In this episode, Verlyn, Edna, Kath and Hamza share all the must-know tips and tricks to make your move to Oban smooth and stress-free. So grab a cuppa, tune in, and let’s get you ready for your first semester in Scotland!! 🤩📚🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

And.. make sure to stick around until the end because we’ve got some fish facts and jokes for you! Here’s a teaser: What do you call a fish that practices medicine?? 💊🐠 Find out at the end of the episode! 😆

🕰️ Timestamps:

(00:00) Intro

(02:08) What to do after getting the acceptance email

(03:57) Visa or what to do if you don’t need a visa to go to the UK

(08:57) Flights to the UK

(13:57) Accommodation in Oban

(19:13) Bank account 

(21:41) SIM card

(25:01) Packing (what to and what not to pack)

(31:25) Customs at the UK

(32:29) Advice for future ACES students 

(33:51) Some fun fish facts and fish jokes 😆

Thank you for listening and see you in the next pond! 🐟💙

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Special thanks to:

🎙️Speakers: Verlyn, Edna, Kath, Hamza

🎬 Socials: Zoe

👩🏻‍🎨 Design: Jojo & Zdenek

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Music by TunePocket and TP Tube

Kicking off our special ACES series, we’re beyond thrilled to welcome none other than our amazing program coordinator, Prof. Elizabeth Cottier-Cook, as our special guest! 🎉

Together with Verlyn and Alessio, Prof. Liz takes us on a journey through everything ACES. We explore the history of the program, what makes it unique, and the incredible success stories of the alumni.  Plus, we dive into application tips for future applicants! 

Here’s to an inspiring episode – happy listening! 🎧🚀🌟

🕰️ Timestamps:

(01:11) Introducing Professor Elizabeth Cottier-Cook

(04:44) What does ACES-STAR stand for?

(09:20) The history of ACES

(15:32) The mobility of ACES and what makes ACES unique

(22:34) How rapid aquaculture is growing

(23:54) Success stories of alumni

(28:30) Aquaculture is not just about “fish” 

(30:21) Application process - What makes an applicant stand out?

(39:54) Already have a masters? You can still apply!

(40:47) Tips for future applicants 

(47:06) More FAQs (do you have to have a scuba diving license to apply? do you have to know how to swim? do you have to come from an aquaculture background?)

(50:39) What the speakers think about Oban (where you will do your first semester!)

(53:40) Final words for future applicants

(55:11) Special request from Prof. Liz (future episode? 👀)

Thank you for listening and see you in the next pond! 🐟💙

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Special thanks to:

🎙️ Speakers: Prof. Elizabeth Cottier-Cook, Verlyn, Alessio

🎬 Socials: Zoe, Kath, Hamza

👩🏻‍🎨 Design: Jojo & Zdenek

🖋️ Writers: Verlyn, Abirami, Swapnil, Zdenek, Kath

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Music by TunePocket and TP Tube

Join Verlyn, Jojo, Kath, and Haris on an exciting adventure into the world of postgrad scholarships! In this episode, we’re taking you on a fun and informative “hunting trip” to help you score a spot in top postgrad scholarship programs. Whether you’re dreaming of a fully or partially funded master’s degree in Europe, the Middle East, the UK, the USA, Australia, New Zealand, or Asia, we’ve got your back.

We’ll unpack everything you need to know—types of scholarships, where to find them, tips for crafting winning applications, and how to navigate the unique requirements in different regions. Let’s get started on turning those study-abroad dreams into a reality! 🎓🌟

Check out the timestamps and the list of scholarships we covered below!

🕰️ Timestamps:

(00:56) Europe & Middle East:

Erasmus Mundus

-              ACES-STAR

-              Marine Biotechnology

-              IMBRSea (Marine and Coastal Management)

-              Aqua Health

Turkey Burslari

VLIR-UOS (Belgium)

(20:18) United Kingdom (Chevening, Women in STEM)

(29:50) The USA (Fulbright)

(35:30) Australia (Australian Awards) 

(41:58) New Zealand (Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships)

(42:53) Taiwan TIGP PhD Scholarship 

(48:02) Final words for those interested in scholarships

Thank you for listening and see you in the next pond! 🐟💙

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Special thanks to:

🎙️ Speakers: Verlyn, Jojo, Kath, Haris

🎬 Socials: Kath, Zoe, Hamza

👩🏻‍🎨 Design: Jojo & Zdenek

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Music by TunePocket and TP Tube

🎙️🐟 Welcome to The Pondcast! 🐚🌟

Join international Master’s students in Aquaculture as they share their unique adventures both “in the water” (exploring the world of aquaculture) and “out of the water" (navigating the highs and lows of student life and living abroad).

Whether you're in the field, considering it, or just curious about the lives of postgraduate students studying across Europe, The Pondcast has stories, insights, and laughs to offer.

Don’t miss out—subscribe on Spotify and dive into our journey! 💙

🎙️ Verlyn, Jojo, Zdenek

Music by massobeats - honey jam

In our debut episode, Verlyn, Jojo, and Edna sit down to explore the world of international students, sharing personal stories and experiences that many can relate to.

We chat about what it truly means to be an international student, from the reasons we decided to study abroad to the emotional rollercoaster of adjusting to a new culture. This episode is a mix of personal stories, laughs, and reflections on how this journey has shaped us into who we are today.

Featuring honest conversations, practical advice for future international students, and a look into life beyond borders, this very first episode sets the tone for many meaningful discussions to come✨

🕰️ Timestamps:

(00:00) intro

(01:06) who are we and past universities 

(02:34) why did we study abroad

(05:06) first culture shock

(08:20) language barrier

(14:21) settling in, reverse culture shock, where is our actual ‘home’?

(20:26) did we experience exclusion and racism?

(25:16) homesick

(28:05) studying abroad is a rewarding experience 

(30:05) how studying abroad shaped us

(31:44) would we recommend studying abroad?

Thank you for listening and see you in the next pond! 🐟💙

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Special thanks to:

🎙️Speakers: Verlyn, Jojo, Edna

🎬 Socials: Zoe, Kathrine, Hamza

👩🏻‍🎨 Design: Jojo, Zdenek

🖋️ Writers: Verlyn, Jojo, Swapnil, Zdenek, Maricruz, Abirami, Edna

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Music by TunePocket and TP Tube