“Never Underestimate Yourself”: How Nour Bouzidi Reached Oxford

What made BIS Abu Dhabi special for you?

I joined BIS Abu Dhabi in Y12, having been educated in the French educational system until then, it represented my first experience in an English school environment. The international community at the school made the transition so seamless for me, and provided me with support to build my confidence in English. I was able to grow immensely both academically and personally in my two years at BIS Abu Dhabi, which provided me with skills that I continue to use in my studies today. I also made amazing friends, whom I still regularly talk to!

Which school club, activity, trip, or project inspired you the most?

During my time in BIS Abu Dhabi, I participated in the The Duke of Edinburgh International Award. This experience was great, as it was easily implementable within the IB CAS requirements, whilst being able to take part in the expeditions really improved my orientation skills and independence. I really valued the collaborative aspect of DofE, working towards a common goal whilst also giving back to the community.

What is the most important lesson you learned at BIS Abu Dhabi?

You should never underestimate yourself. The transition from the French to English system during the pandemic was challenging for me. However, the support I received from my teachers and peers allowed me to push myself to the best of my abilities and perform much better than I thought possible. I continue to carry this with me today, knowing that seeking help is an essential part of learning, and to not be the barrier to my own progress due to lack of confidence.

Which university and degree did you choose, and why?

After school, I pursued a degree in Neuroscience at University College Dublin in Ireland. I discovered a passion for neuroscience quite late into Y12, and I had not selected Biology as a subject. But luckily, UCD provided me with the opportunity to study Neuroscience without Biology. During my time at UCD I built a strong theoretical and practical foundation for neuroscience research. I also had the chance to go on exchange to McGill University for a year, which was an amazing experience.

How did the IBDP help your experience at university?

The IBDP was tremendous in helping me settle into university and, to this day, remains one of the most academically challenging experiences I have had. It taught me to manage my time effectively, by balancing multiple deadlines and coursework at once. The IBDP also helped me develop the ability to think critically and recognise the limitations of my research when completing my Extended Essay and IAs, which are essential skills in higher education.

What has been your proudest moment since graduating?

Graduating from my undergraduate degree and beginning my Master of Science (MSc) at Oxford. Both degrees continue to provide me with opportunities to conduct my own neuroscience research from beginning to end and write dissertations independently, which I am very proud of.

What are you doing now?

After graduating from my undergraduate degree, I am now pursuing a MSc in Clinical and Therapeutic Neuroscience at the University of Oxford, which has been an amazing experience. Alongside classes, I am able to do fascinating research, and I am currently completing a project on using brain stimulation for motor rehabilitation in chronic stroke patients.