Mathilde Henri joined the International Centre for Island Technology (ICIT), Heriot Watt University’s Orkney campus, as part of a Masters in Geology in France. By completing the Masters and carrying out an internship at ICIT, she graduated with an MSc in Geology Engineering and an MSc in Renewable Energy Development. Here’s what she had to say about the course and Orkney…
Why did you choose to come to Orkney?
I have been in love with Scotland since I was young and I had the opportunity in my French Engineering School to study abroad for a year so I thought I should take it. Apart from that, I have always been concerned about the environment and interested in renewable energies, which is why I chose to come to Orkney to learn more about it. Actually, if I had stayed in France I would have specialised in Oil & Gas—so this was a life changing decision!
What do you enjoy most about Orkney?
The pub! No, I’m joking (partially). I really enjoy several things about Orkney that I will really miss if I leave—the landscapes; being able to see the sea and seals every day; the fresh air; the relaxed and quiet atmosphere; the social life that allows you to meet lots of different people. Also, I love that the weather is so changeable – every 10 minutes can be a different season! Everyone becomes so happy when there is even a bit of sunshine.
What was your learning experience like at ICIT?
Amazing! It was far better than I could have imagined! First of all, the staff are great and available to help whenever needed. This makes it a very nice environment to study in. The facilities are good and the fact that the classes are quite small is enjoyable and helps to create bonds with everyone on the course.
The website said that the courses are ‘intense’, but as I had been through hellish French preparation schools in the French system it didn’t feel too bad for me. We had lectures until 1pm at the most (which was great as it allowed us lots of time in the afternoon). We did have a few weeks when we had several deadlines very close together, but it wasn’t anything unmanageable or insane. On the whole, it was quite relaxed and enriching.
The Masters course that I completed (Renewable Energy Development) is quite universal, which is good because the lectures are understandable for everyone with any kind of background. I feel that I learnt a variety of useful things which now enable me to do jobs I would have not considered before.
What clubs or activities did you take part in whilst in Orkney?
A lot! Sports-wise I joined the racketball and karate clubs in Kirkwall, I played squash with the other students every week in Stromness, I cycled (when the weather allowed!), I played volleyball in both Kirkwall and Stromness. There are also a lot of festivals throughout the year and we went to all of them, I also volunteered in the Folk Festival which was a great opportunity to meet new people and watch the concerts for free! Some of the students also set up weekly music nights where we could get together and play.
We did a lot of things together as students; we went for walks, on adventures (seeing all the sights of Orkney!) and we often went out looking for the Northern Lights. We also actively contributed to the local economy by going to the pub several times a week!
Would you recommend Orkney to other students?
I would definitely recommend coming to Orkney! But only to those that are motivated enough and do not mind rough weather. There are so many good sides to Orkney that it compensates for the bad weather, but I can understand that for someone that isn’t that motivated, or is not keen on socialising or joining clubs would feel depressed. And there is no point in that! Orkney should be a place that you enjoy, not endure.
Studying in ICIT makes you close to the companies working in renewables and consultancy; as close as you could be! Coming to Orkney and ICIT was perfect for me because it happened at a time in my life when I really needed to get away from my previous environment and do something completely different. I met so many great people and had such a good time that I can easily say that it is the best choice I could have made. I do not regret it one bit and will always look back on it with a smile on my face!
Mathilde loved Orkney so much that she, like many of our other students, stayed on a got a job here. She now works for Aquatera Ltd., a renewables consultancy firm, based right next to our campus.
Find out more about studying at ICIT at www.hw.ac.uk/schools/life-sciences/research/icit.htm
