\u201cAt 18, I was ready to start university like my friends. I\u2019d applied, been accepted and registered, but a medical incident forced me to take a break,\u201d said Megan.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis pause from the treadmill made me re-evaluate my future and I decided that rather than follow the traditional path, I wanted to explore the world and embrace new opportunities.<\/p>\n
\u201cI secured a role teaching English as a foreign language and moved to Spain, but deep down, I knew I didn\u2019t want this to be my path forever. I still wanted to return to education and achieve a degree.\u201d<\/p>\n
Finding the OU<\/strong><\/h2>\n![\"A](\"https:\/\/www.open.ac.uk\/blogs\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/Megan-1-245x300.jpg\")
Megan studying whilst living in Bali<\/p><\/div>\n
A chance conversation with a stranger introduced Megan to the OU and provided her with the flexible study approach she was searching for.<\/p>\n
\u201cI found out about the OU whilst on the overnight bus from Barcelona to Paris. I was sat next to a lady from the UK whose daughter was a current OU student.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt sounded like it might be the perfect solution, as I could study in any location in the world and carry on with my teaching role.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe OU\u2019s flexibility also meant that I could start my studies when it was right for me. Following a stint back home in America due to COVID, I moved to Bali with two friends to begin my next adventure, as well as my OU studies.<\/p>\n
\u201cMy friends were even inspired to join the OU after seeing how easily it slotted into my life. It was great when we were all studying, as we would have regular study sessions together.<\/p>\n
\u201cI also had the option to increase or decrease the pace of my studies depending on what else I had going on. Whether I wanted to study one or two modules at a time, it was up to me \u2013 I was in control.\u201d<\/p>\n
Ambitions for the future<\/strong><\/h2>\n![\"A](\"https:\/\/www.open.ac.uk\/blogs\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/Megan-5-218x300.jpg\")
Megan at her graduation ceremony<\/p><\/div>\n
Since completing her degree, Megan has moved to Washington and is looking for a role that will utilise her new skills. She also has some words of encouragement for others considering a career-strengthening qualification with the OU.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt feels surreal that I\u2019ve now finished my degree, but it feels so good. All of the hard work was worth it.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m now living in Washington as it\u2019s a hub of activity for social work on an international level. I\u2019m hoping to secure a job working at an NGO, where I can support refugees.<\/p>\n
\u201cChoosing to study with the OU was one of the best decisions I made.<\/p>\n
\u201cWith the OU, it\u2019s possible to say yes to everything. I’ve lived on three different continents, travelled to 31 countries and supported myself by working the whole time. I\u2019ve been able to do all of this without accumulating any debt.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf you\u2019re looking for a study option that will give you so much more than just a degree, then the OU is for you. Earn while you learn and build your experiences by exploring the world. It\u2019ll prepare you for the career of your dreams.\u201d<\/p>\n
Megan studying whilst living in Bali<\/p><\/div>\n
A chance conversation with a stranger introduced Megan to the OU and provided her with the flexible study approach she was searching for.<\/p>\n
\u201cI found out about the OU whilst on the overnight bus from Barcelona to Paris. I was sat next to a lady from the UK whose daughter was a current OU student.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt sounded like it might be the perfect solution, as I could study in any location in the world and carry on with my teaching role.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe OU\u2019s flexibility also meant that I could start my studies when it was right for me. Following a stint back home in America due to COVID, I moved to Bali with two friends to begin my next adventure, as well as my OU studies.<\/p>\n
\u201cMy friends were even inspired to join the OU after seeing how easily it slotted into my life. It was great when we were all studying, as we would have regular study sessions together.<\/p>\n
\u201cI also had the option to increase or decrease the pace of my studies depending on what else I had going on. Whether I wanted to study one or two modules at a time, it was up to me \u2013 I was in control.\u201d<\/p>\n
Ambitions for the future<\/strong><\/h2>\nMegan at her graduation ceremony<\/p><\/div>\n
Since completing her degree, Megan has moved to Washington and is looking for a role that will utilise her new skills. She also has some words of encouragement for others considering a career-strengthening qualification with the OU.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt feels surreal that I\u2019ve now finished my degree, but it feels so good. All of the hard work was worth it.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m now living in Washington as it\u2019s a hub of activity for social work on an international level. I\u2019m hoping to secure a job working at an NGO, where I can support refugees.<\/p>\n
\u201cChoosing to study with the OU was one of the best decisions I made.<\/p>\n
\u201cWith the OU, it\u2019s possible to say yes to everything. I’ve lived on three different continents, travelled to 31 countries and supported myself by working the whole time. I\u2019ve been able to do all of this without accumulating any debt.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf you\u2019re looking for a study option that will give you so much more than just a degree, then the OU is for you. Earn while you learn and build your experiences by exploring the world. It\u2019ll prepare you for the career of your dreams.\u201d<\/p>\n
Megan at her graduation ceremony<\/p><\/div>\n
Since completing her degree, Megan has moved to Washington and is looking for a role that will utilise her new skills. She also has some words of encouragement for others considering a career-strengthening qualification with the OU.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt feels surreal that I\u2019ve now finished my degree, but it feels so good. All of the hard work was worth it.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m now living in Washington as it\u2019s a hub of activity for social work on an international level. I\u2019m hoping to secure a job working at an NGO, where I can support refugees.<\/p>\n
\u201cChoosing to study with the OU was one of the best decisions I made.<\/p>\n
\u201cWith the OU, it\u2019s possible to say yes to everything. I’ve lived on three different continents, travelled to 31 countries and supported myself by working the whole time. I\u2019ve been able to do all of this without accumulating any debt.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf you\u2019re looking for a study option that will give you so much more than just a degree, then the OU is for you. Earn while you learn and build your experiences by exploring the world. It\u2019ll prepare you for the career of your dreams.\u201d<\/p>\n