Growing up in the “beautiful islands” of St Vincent and the Grenadines, Andra Nichols-Rodgers is surrounded by a landscape of extraordinary natural beauty. Turquoise waters, volcanic mountains and close-knit communities define everyday life. Yet beyond the picture-postcard scenery, the country is also shaped by constant development.
Like many nations in the Caribbean, St Vincent and the Grenadines is balancing growth driven by tourism with the realities of rebuilding after natural events, including the major explosive eruption of its volcano La Soufrière in 2021. These cycles of development and recovery have placed increasing focus on infrastructure and construction.
For Andra, this environment sparked an early curiosity about the built environment.
“The ongoing development here really made me appreciate the built environment from a young age,” she said.
“My interest in construction really started during secondary school when I took on the subject tTechnical dDrawing. From there I became more interested in how buildings and projects come together.”
That curiosity, combined with a natural aptitude for mathematics, led her towards quantity surveying - a discipline that bridges her interests in the technical and financial aspects of construction.
“I did wonder whether studying remotely would feel isolating at first, but once classes began, it became much easier to adapt and stay engaged.”
Accessing global education without leaving home
When it came time to pursue a degree, Andra faced a challenge familiar to many students in remote or island communities: whether to move abroad to study or find a way to stay at home while continuing her education.
She chose online learning with the University of the Built Environment.
“One of the main reasons I chose this programme was the opportunity to gain quality knowledge at an international capacity while still being able to remain at home in the Caribbean and continue working,” she said.
Her decision reflects a broader trend in global higher education. Increasing numbers of students are studying for UK qualifications remotely, with more than 600,000 students worldwide enrolled in UK transnational education programmes in 2022–23, according to data from the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA).
This includes online and distance learning, as well as courses delivered through international partnerships and overseas campuses. It highlights the growing demand for flexible access to globally recognised qualifications, particularly among students who wish to remain in their home country.
At the University of the Built Environment, this global reach is reflected in our own student body. Our 800-strong international cohort spans more than 100 countries across six continents, creating a diverse and connected digital learning community.
Our online learning model allows students to study for a British degree without the financial and logistical challenges of relocation. For many, that means continuing to work, staying close to family, and integrating study into their everyday lives - factors widely recognised as key advantages of online education.
“It has given me the opportunity to continue developing professionally and academically while studying from home.”
From flexibility to connection
While flexibility is one of the most obvious benefits of online learning, prospective students often have another important question: will they feel connected?
Accessing lectures and course materials is straightforward, but building relationships and feeling part of a community can seem less certain in a virtual environment.
This was something Andra considered before starting her studies.
“I did wonder whether studying remotely would feel isolating at first, but once classes began, it became much easier to adapt and stay engaged,” she said.
Today’s online study experience is far more interactive than many expect. The University of the Built Environment’s digital platform, called the virtual learning environment (VLE) is the home of our live and recorded webinars, forums and the e-library, helping students engage not only with their studies but also with each other. Recent research shows that 87% of UK students regularly use online learning resources, with many reporting improved engagement and outcomes as a result.
Find out more