I already have 3 Higher Education qualifications behind me since leaving High School in 2010 and I am now on my way towards getting my 4th qualification.
I knew that I wanted to get my degree in Photography before I had even completed my diploma. So I am now very excited that I am finally able to work on getting my BA Degree in Photography. Part of the reason for coming to the UK was so that I could try and finally study towards my degree as it wasn't an option back in South Africa as the only BA Degree for Photography was a Fine Arts BA Degree and you then specialise in Photography in the final year and unfortunately that wasn't an option for me as I am not good with the different art mediums such as painting, drawing, sculpture etc.
I am a creative person, I love drawing (I can copy and image but can not draw without a visual) designing products and websites, but most importantly I love photography. My dream is to have my own professional darkroom where I can develop and print my own negatives. One of the reason why I wanted to get my Degree is so that I can share my love of photography with others, so that I could teach both Children and Adults about photography.
I moved to the UK in September 2016 as an AuPair, as being an AuPair has allowed me the opportunity to be able to study further. In January when I moved to a new Host family I started looking into ways of being able to study which doesn't interfere with my responsibilities with the family. I found an institution that would allow me to study online and part time so that I can still keep all my responsibilities. I chose to apply through IDI (Interactive Design Institution) which is affiliated with the University of Hertfordshire.
I chose to apply for the part-time program and also applied for the APL (Advance Program Learning) as I already have a previous qualification in Photography ( as I have already completed a BTEC Level 4 Professional Diploma- Photography, in South Africa) Therefore instead of starting at Level 4 which would add an additional 16 months to my course, I was approved to be able to start at Level 5. By being an APL placement student, it is saving me 16 months as well as £4500.
Being an AuPair is the perfect job while studying and I will most likely be an AuPair for the next 3 years as I don't have any living expenses as your accommodation is included in your contract and as well your host family pays for your food etc. I am very fortunate for my Host family as they are amazing and really encouraging with everything, as long as things don't interfere with me looking after the boy I look after.
If I was still in South Africa I would never have been given this opportunity as I wouldn't be able to afford the course, because of the exchange rate. When I was accepted I made the mistake of converting the cost that I would have paid by the end of the course to South African Rands and it worked out to around R170 000 with the current exchange rate which seems and is a shit load of money (if I was still in SA which I wouldn't be able to afford). I don't earn a lot being an AuPair I get paid something which we call pocket money but because I don't have expenses it allows me to be able to study part-time and pay monthly. Financially I know it's going to be tough as nearly all the money I earn is going towards my money and I can't just go out or go shopping anymore I now have to be very careful with the money I have left. But in the long run it will all be worth it as I will finally have my degree which will give me a lot more career opportunities and also it would give me the chance of earning more money in the end.
The boy I look after is in school full time from 9-3 pm so the hours he is at school I am able to study. So I finally received notice that I have been accepted and have already made my 1st monthly instalment and from June this year I will officially be studying again and in less than 3 years I will be a graduate with a BA degree from University of Hertfordshire. I am very excited to start studying again as just want to start already :)
