HGSE Admissions Blog

Throughout the year, we’ll introduce you to several international students sharing their experiences, insights and advice.

Tell us about yourself. Where are you from and what program are you in?
My name is Ateka Tarajia, and I am from London in the U.K. I am currently on the Specialized Studies Master’s program – a program that allows you to create your own combination of courses for those whose interests have not been met by the other Master’s programs at HGSE.

What made you want to come to HGSE?
A number of things – as my undergraduate degree was in Education, I already had an idea of the areas of education I was interested in, and these areas were not addressed in Master’s programs taught in the UK. I also had an interest in learning about American culture beyond what I had seen on television growing up, so this year is as much a cultural exchange experience as it is an academic one. A combined scholarship awarded by Fulbright and the Kennedy Trust also meant that it was more affordable for me to complete a Master’s at Harvard than anywhere else, and without which I would not have been able to accept such an opportunity.

What are your goals for after graduation?
After graduation I intend to keep furthering my professional aim in education – increasing access to Oxford and Cambridge in the UK; helping those from underrepresented backgrounds gain admission in order to increase representation in institutions of power and influence. My place will always be in the urban classroom.

What has been the hardest part so far?
Being from the UK, I didn’t think the change in culture would be significant. But the U.S is notably different from the U.K. I think getting used to that change in culture has been a little difficult, but it is getting easier the more familiar things get.

What has been your favorite part?
Living in the Cronkhite dorm building is my favourite part. I have met people who have become dear friends in a short period of time: shout out to Anwar, Na’Shantea, Sandra, Emnet, Shawn, Santhiya, Jeremy and Wura! Meal times and late night chats have been a great source of happiness. I would highly recommend international students try to gain accommodation in a dorm building, it has helped keep the homesickness at bay!

Is there anyone that made you feel particularly welcome?
My professors have been a great source of support. I highly recommend taking a class with Professor Karen Mapp, who not only is a brilliant teacher, but really cares about her students. Professor Mapp’s class ‘Leadership in Social Change Organisations’ is unmissable.

What is your advice for prospective international students?
Do your research, and be organized – that goes for the HGSE application, but also for funding opportunities (there are many available if you put in the time to look for them). I created a spreadsheet of tasks for everything I was applying for – the academic application, as well as several scholarships. I broke each application down into tasks needed to successfully apply, allotting adequate time to each task and creating a calendar to see what I was working on each week. As I had a full time job, I saved Saturdays to work on my applications. If I needed extra information on any part of any application, I would reach out to HGSE Admissions or the scholarship office, and get as much information as I could – people were always happy to help.