By Harry Rogers Students Overseas students share their best tips for studying remotely 1 Dec 2025 We spoke to two students about what it’s like studying with AAT while living abroad, how to stay motivated and their advice for others in the same situation. Shaiful Islam balanced night shifts and full-time childcare to pursue a Level 3 qualification with AAT while living in Bangladesh. Ellah Mogotsi is currently studying her Level 4 qualification while living in Botswana after being inspired by her mum’s passion for the industry. Here, Shaiful and Ellah share their experiences to inspire those in the same shoes to stay on-track with their qualification. What inspired you to pursue your AAT qualification? Ellah: “I was inspired by my mother who always encouraged me to pursue a solid qualification in accounting. Watching her passion for learning motivated me to follow in her footsteps. “Later on, becoming a mother myself gave me even more drive to succeed. I want to set an example for my children and show them the value of perseverance and education. “I first heard about AAT from my mother, who had started studying it but never got the chance to finish. Seeing her enthusiasm for the course made me curious, and when I looked into it myself, I realised how practical and globally recognised it was. It offered the perfect balance between flexibility and credibility for someone in my situation.” Shaiful: “My motivation was fundamentally driven by necessity and strategy. I feel like I have a strong foundation in accountancy but the challenge in the UK was verifiability. My prior experience wasn’t instantly comparable or acceptable to UK employers, and despite applying extensively, I wasn’t getting the chance to prove myself. “I needed a recognised UK standard to bridge that gap. A long-term friend achieved success after completing AAT Level 3, which gave me confidence in that path.” What challenges have you faced while studying abroad? Shaiful: “The primary challenge wasn’t the academic material; it was the constant, profound exhaustion and the domestic pressure to give up. Managing night work, full-time childcare and study meant I was running on empty. “My wife grew impatient, feeling the study wasn’t as important as the immediate need for income. I overcame this by being relentlessly strategic. I stopped counting hours and focused on quality practice. “My determination was fuelled by my past professional achievements, and my conviction that I needed this AAT qualification (and my new AATQB status) to secure a long-term professional life in the UK. I refused to let temporary exhaustion derail my family’s future.” Ellah: “The main challenges are access to resources and time zone differences for live classes. I’ve learned to rely on recorded sessions, digital materials and online support groups. Staying organised and proactive has been key.” AAT offers several ways for students to connect during their studies The Online forum – ask questions, share tips and connect with students at the same stage as you. The Lifelong Learning Portal – access study materials and connect with fellow learners. The Wellbeing Hub – find resources to support your mental health during your studies. How do you stay connected with other AAT students or tutors? Ellah: “I stay in touch through AAT’s online learning platforms and WhatsApp study groups. The sense of community really helps me stay accountable and supported. I’m part of several Facebook and Reddit groups for AAT students, and I also use First Intuition to connect with other learners and tutors. “The AAT website provides extensive resources, and the online tutor support is excellent. I also appreciate that the qualification is designed to be flexible for students around the world. Shaiful: “I had two dedicated classmates, and we formed a vital, informal study system. We would use library works during college time to practice, and if one of us missed a lecture, the other would share detailed notes and explanations. This small, reliable team was crucial for covering the material and maintaining momentum, ensuring we all stayed on track despite our individual schedules.” “I used the AAT online community as a strategic resource. I didn’t just browse; I focused on following posts and feedback from other students regarding specific courses, difficult exam questions and results.” What does your typical study routine look like? Ellah: “I usually study early in the morning before my child wakes up or late in the evening once the house is quiet. I set small goals for each session, like reviewing a single chapter or completing one practice paper to keep my momentum going. “I study part-time. Balancing study with motherhood and work can be tough, but planning ahead and setting realistic deadlines helps. I also make sure to take short breaks to avoid burnout.” Shaiful: “My routine was less a schedule and more a commitment to seizing the quiet hours. My life was essentially divided into demanding night shifts at the airport for work and full-time, hands-on childcare during the day. “I carved out my study time in the dead of night, often between 23:00 and 02:00, and relied heavily on my Tuesday and Thursday college slots as my primary study resource. “My routine was incredibly tight: leaving home at 20:00 for work, returning at 08:30, sleeping only until 11:45, and rushing to college at 16:45 on Thursdays before heading straight back to my night shift. The only real study time I had was in the classroom and the brief moments I could steal on my days off.” What advice would you give to other students abroad who may be struggling to stay motivated? Shaiful: “The first thing I tell anyone is to stop feeling guilty about not having enough time. My reality was zero study time outside of college, so you must treat the classroom, your classmates, and the AAT online community like your only lifelines. “Use your exhaustion as fuel and let your family be your focus. Every single step is proof that hard work will always prevail.” Ellah: “Take it one step at a time and celebrate small wins. Don’t isolate yourself – connect with other students online, ask for help when needed and remind yourself why you started.” What are your future goals? Ellah: “After completing AAT, I plan to continue with ACCA and possibly pursue a CFA later. I’d love to work as a financial analyst or accountant supporting local businesses in Botswana.” Shaiful: “I have completed my Level 3 qualification and now live in the UK. I have already applied for the AAT Level 4 course at Manchester College to advance my professional journey, and I am simultaneously growing my licensed practice, Altruist NW Limited, where I hold my AATQB status. “I dream big: my long-term goal is to hold a leadership position in the UK accounting sector, becoming a chartered accountant, or growing Altruist NW Limited into a large consultancy business that will not only serve the UK economy but also create valuable employment opportunities.” Further reading How to overcome setbacks and ace your qualification Top tips and ways of working for students with ADHD The career pathways available to AAT students and the skills needed for your future Harry Rogers is AAT Comment’s news writer.