Jennifer Saari
Mathematics Education (MPhil)
Why did you choose Cambridge?
Cambridge has a strong Faculty of Education, and the Mathematics Education course was a perfect fit for my interests. I was also interested in ongoing research in the faculty, particular that relating to comparative education, mathematics, and equity. Before I applied I had read some papers by my supervisor that I found extremely interesting and related to issues in education on which I wanted to work, so that was another big reason to apply. I also enjoy learning in a cosmopolitan, international environment, and I believed I would find that here. I haven't been disappointed!
At the time I applied, I was also enticed by the short duration of the course, as I was planning to return to Finland straight away to work, but my course this year and the environment in the Faculty of Education have inspired me to try to stay to complete a PhD.
What have you gained from the course?
During my current course I have learned an immense amount about how to critically understand and conduct educational research. I have also had my eyes open to many areas of mathematics education to which I was formerly ignorant. My course has a strong international focus, and I have learned a tremendous amount about mathematics education by having the opportunity to see how it differs from country to country. People often think of mathematics education as immutable, but it definitely isn't. I have had some prejudices and false conceptions of mathematics shattered by reading and discussing cutting edge educational research.
What would you say to other overseas students considering coming here to study?
The student at the Faculty of Education are an international and diverse group, which is one of the strengths of coming to study here. My particular program was very welcoming, and everyone contributed to discusses regardless if English was a first language or not. In general, coming to Cambridge can be very intimidating, but there are plenty of people willing to help out and give advice. If something is confusing, reach out to your fellow students, and don't limit yourself to friends from your own country. My closest friends this year have been students with other nationalities, and I think we have learned a lot from each other- not to mention having had a tremendous year.