Shweta Bhardwaj

Indian alumna Shweta Bhardwaj values the multi-cultural friendships she made at Edinburgh, and is now using her studies here to help those at risk of HIV.

Why did you choose the University of Edinburgh?  

I was attracted to the University of Edinburgh due to its powerful pedagogical resource, vibrant intellectual atmosphere and a comprehensive curriculum.  I was sure that the University of Edinburgh would meet the criteria of intellectual rigor that I have set for myself, for my education, and for the organisations which I shall serve in future.

In many ways, studying and living in Scotland is different from studying and living in India because it  provides an excellent opportunity to meet people from all over the world and all walks of life, gain deep-rooted knowledge of other people’s cultures, their way of life, and help us appreciate our own.

Apart from gaining a world class education at the University, I also made a lot of friends from across the world and that is really so valuable for me. It is so nice to strike a bond with people who come from such varied cultures and places.

Tell us about your experiences since leaving the University

Currently, I am engaged as Senior Program Officer with FHI 360, a non-profit human development organisation, managing a US Centre for Disease Control and Prevention funded project at national level to improve coverage, quality and scale of HIV interventions in the eight north-east states, with a focus on people who inject drugs.

It is so nice to strike a bond with people who come from such varied cultures and places.

Alumni wisdom

Edinburgh is stimulating, enriching and inspiring