Eduvos Psychology and English graduate, Jaco-Henri Saayman, talks to us about his Eduvos journey and his upcoming learning ventures abroad.
Why did you choose to study at Eduvos?
After my final exams in my Matric year, I wasn’t sure what I wanted to study and where. I knew I wanted to study at a private university for the security it provided.
One day, while walking through Tyger Valley Shopping Centre with my mom, we came across Eduvos. I attended an open day and fell in love with the Tyger Valley Campus. I liked that it was a smaller campus and that I could see a sense of safety and community - as opposed to bigger public institutions where I would have been seen as just another number.
Why did you decide to study Psychology and English?
I had shown more of an interest in psychology after a family member I was very close to passed away. I felt that studying Psychology was my way of honouring them and helping others.
What was your student experience like?
It just feels unreal that three years have flown by, it almost feels too short, but I really had such fun. I got to know a lot of people and made new friends. I felt so comfortable with my classmates and lecturers that it felt like a mini family and a safe space, where I wasn’t just seen as another number. It was a unique experience for me, Eduvos was a safe ground for everything. You can be whoever you want to be, and you’re accepted no matter what.
Covid obviously interfered for a part of it, but once we could return to campus, we got to relive the campus experience we all craved.
What are your next steps?
I’m currently working for a company called Webtoon, a digital comic platform known worldwide.
I first discovered Webtoon in my 1st year, I read through the stories and fell in love with some people's art styles. I currently help with translations, script writing, colour palettes and designs.
I may have the opportunity to apply for a scholarship through them and study in South Korea, which will only happen in 2024, as I still need to wait for my official graduation ceremony. I will then need to complete a year in language studies, to learn the language to the best of my ability, and then I will start my Masters in Behavioural and Cognitive Neuroscience, something I have always wanted to major in. Once I have completed my two-year course, I wish to embark on a PhD.
How has your Eduvos qualification contributed to your new journey?
I want to say it will add a lot of value, especially since I majored in Psychology and English, therefore I have the opportunity to be a translator as well. There is also such a need for psychologists and I believe this degree will open a lot of doors for me.
