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Matt Osborne
Twenty-seven year old Matt Osborne from Nova Scotia in Canada has always been into sport.
So, when he decided he wanted to combine this passion with his undergraduate degree in landscape architecture, Scotland was the only choice. Matt is now studying for a Masters in Golf Course Architecture in Edinburgh.
"This is the only place in the world I could have done this course as a Masters," Matt explains.
"The application process was really easy, no different from applying to a school at home and they even allowed me to do my interview by email."
Matt has found Edinburgh to be far more cosmopolitan than he ever imagined:
"When you think of Scotland back home, you picture the very traditional image of a man in a kilt, but part of coming here is to find out what it's really like.
"It's a similar size to Halifax where I grew up. Edinburgh is small and big at the same time, which I really like. It's close knit but there's lots to do as well. I really like the Meadows. It's always packed at the weekend.
"I haven't travelled much in Scotland yet but I definitely want to go up north to see the Highlands and Aberdeen.
"Of course I want to visit all the golf courses I can. As part of the course they try to schedule in trips to golf courses, St Andrews and so on. I'm really looking forward to that."
Matt's family and friends are all taking the opportunity to come over to Scotland while he's here.
His parents have already visited a few times and his friends are waiting for the Edinburgh International Festival in August to take advantage of visiting the city.
When people back home ask what Scotland is like, Matt tells them:
"The Scottish people are really friendly. There isn't really any negativity. People here seem to care that you are here, which is nice.
"The weather in the winter is wet but that's not too bad. Compared to the winters back home I prefer this!"
Matt knows his time studying in Scotland will benefit his future career:
"It's amazing to learn about golf course architecture in a place where the courses are such a natural part of the landscape. A golf course architect's aim is to try and achieve this elsewhere in the world, where the conditions aren't as ideal.
"These days golf courses are really in tune with the environment unlike in the 1960s or 1970s.
"Back in Canada people were surprised to hear that it was possible to study golf course architecture but Scotland is the perfect place to study this subject because golf courses are such a natural part of the landscape.
"Also, when you are growing up you always see the Scottish courses on television but it's totally different seeing them in person."
Matt has some useful advice for anyone else thinking about studying in Scotland.
"First of all, look into applying for scholarships in good time and secondly, sort out a bank account as early as possible, as it often takes a long time to set up."
With the course and life in Scotland such a success, Matt is applying for a work permit to stay an extra year and hopes to find work at a golf course or in landscape architecture. And of course, he's planning to fit in some travelling round Scotland too!
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