Joy Balta

Joy Balta from Lebanon is undertaking an MSc in Human Anatomy.

Why did you choose to study at Dundee?

The University of Dundee is an internationally recognized university. And when it comes to my course which is MSc Human Anatomy, the University offers a unique curriculum that brings people from all over the world. In addition, the Centre for Anatomy and Human Identification has a prestigious reputation and is led by the famous Professor Sue Black.

What are your plans after graduation?

As I am sponsored by the Lebanese American University, I am expected to go back to Lebanon and teach in the Gilbert and Rose-Marie Chagoury School of Medicine.

What information do you think applicants need to know before starting this course?

Because my course is a highly specialized one, I expect that applicants would know enough about the topics covered in it. Nevertheless, I would ensure all applicants know that this is going to be one of the most challenging and exciting experiences they have ever had.

What is the most enjoyable thing about your degree and why?

The most definite aspect would be the soft fixed embalmed cadavers that we get the chance to fully dissect as part of our course. The Thiel embalmed cadavers are soft fixed cadavers that are only used in Dundee, out of all the universities in the UK, US and Canada.

What was your best university experience and why?

I think in parallel to the excellent academic experience, Dundee has a unique student life. And that's not only my opinion as Dundee was recently ranked first for student life by the Times Higher Education (2012). It is really rare to find a place where you can get good education and enjoy a superb student life.

How is Dundee different from Lebanon?

This is one of the questions that I get from all of my friends here. The first thing that people expect is the weather, but it's not that different as Lebanon has 4 seasons and in winter it snows up the mountains and the temperature drops below zero. The second thing that people expect is cultural, but Lebanon used to be called the "Switzerland of the East" because of its international aspect. To answer the question I would have to say the Scottish traditions would be the major difference between Dundee and Lebanon.

Do you have any advice for potential new students from Lebanon?

Dundee is the place to be!