Key German studied for a Master's in Public Policy at the University of Sussex in Brighton.
'I
think it's so important to live abroad because it really is a
refreshing experience. Many people consider the UK and the United
States to be very similar, but they are actually very different. The
general cultural opinions and attitudes are different. It's nice that,
when something happens now, I can be slightly more objective, so I
think I'm a better person for studying there'.
Akiwale Akiwumi from Sierra Leone studied for a BTEC HND in Electronics
'At
the end of my first year, consistency, hard work and the drive to
achieve a good diploma began to pay off. My grades had improved and my
confidence grew. By the end of the final year, I had achieved
distinctions in almost all my units.
'With my HND, I was able to go straight into the third year of a BSc in Electronic Engineering at Middlesex University. I now hope to specialise in telecommunications and go on to postgraduate study in microwave communication systems'.
Ellie van der Schalie spent a year studying abroad at the University of Newcastle
'In
the UK, education is seen as more independent than in the US, so you
are in class less and have more free time to study, travel and
socialise. Also, when approached, the professors for the most part are
very helpful and friendly. I found the library and medical library
helped a lot with my research and reading. I have undergone a personal
change for the better that I may not have experienced at home and I
have made some lifelong friends'.
Cheng You Yue, 17-years-old, from China, is studying A-levels at Carlisle College
'Outside
class I have enjoyed the chance to enrol on a variety of part-time
courses in the College, which, as an international student, I am able
to do for free. I've learnt a variety of skills on these courses,
including computing skills, aerobics, drawing and watercolour painting.
'The staff and students here are all really great – I don't think I will ever want to leave the College. I never imagined that people would be so friendly and so interested in me, my life and my country. I've certainly been made to feel very welcome by all the British people I've met and I will never forget their warmth and kindness.
'I'm not sure what I want to study at university in 18 months' time, so I'm currently getting advice from my teachers about UK universities and the possible degree courses I could do'.
Libin Yue from China is studying A-levels in maths and physics at Dudley College
'I believe that the UK's education system is the best for training modern students.
'Although the science courses were relatively straightforward for me - I had already picked up the fundamentals at school in China - Dudley really helped me with my English. The college runs an excellent course which taught us how to deal with examinations and anything else we needed to gain access to higher education.
'They also taught me something that you don't get in Chinese schools, and that is team-working. In China, assessment is very easy - you just have to pass exams, but, in the UK, we do project work in teams, where you have to communicate with each other, manage your own team and write out a formal report. I think this will be very beneficial to me when I come to look for a job'.
Denise Dunchick was a study abroad student at the University of Essex
'Studying
abroad has changed my life. Coming from a small town in north-eastern
Pennsylvania, I was never really introduced to different cultures or
people until, with ample luggage, a smile, and an open mind, I set off
for England'.
Ryan James Nolan studied abroad at Huron University, London
'The
international experience has already provided me with a whole new view
on how other countries look at the US. Studying at Huron has given me
the opportunity to meet and talk with people from all around the world
about their countries and what they think about different issues. It's
very intriguing hearing their different points of view and having
discussions about mine. Also, I find it extremely interesting learning
about their many different cultures'.
Camilla Olafsen from Norway studied English Language at Aspect ILA college in London
'I
wanted to improve my English skills and travel abroad. I love London
and I wanted to experience living in a big city. I also wanted to
become more independent.
'I had a difficult start when I got here because this was the first time that I had been away from home, but after the first week I settled in nicely.
'I am staying in a hall of residence in southwest London. It gives me the chance to meet a lot more people than if I lived in a flat by myself. It is great living with English-speaking people because it helps me practise and they always correct me when I say something wrong!
'This course is a huge learning experience for me. I would definitely recommend it. Studying in the UK has made me a lot more independent and has shown me that there is a much bigger world outside of Norway'.
Stephanie Allan from Peru studied a one-year intensive A-level programme at Oaklands College
'I choose the UK because of the high quality of education and the wide cultural mix of students.
'I'd describe the college as very intense. There's a lot of revision to do combined with a large number of extra-curricular activities, like sports and visits to tourist attractions. I regularly practise sports. I'm part of the international committee at college and assist at meetings. We have regular trips to interesting cities and events.
'Studying in English is a big challenge, but my college provides learning support classes including extra English lessons to help me improve my language skills. It also offers extra help with the courses that I'm doing so that I don't fall behind.'I am more confident now. I've learned a new language and how to be part of a completely different society. I've learned from a lot of different cultures and I've gained life experience'.
