Interview with a graduate of the University of Exeter

Interview for Education Index gave a graduate of the University of Exeter Vusala of Azerbaijan, which won the University a master's degree in the field of Tourism, Development and Policy. Vusala working with Ernst & Young (E&Y), believes that training at Exeter University helped her to find a good job!

1) Good afternoon, Vusala! Tell us about yourself. How did you get in England?

Hi! First, I want to thank you for the opportunity to conduct this interview. Since childhood, I dreamed of studying in England. However they managed to come here only in the summer of 2012. In 2012 I got the opportunity to go to Heidelberg, Germany for summer school lecturer from my University (I got a bachelor's degree Azerbaijan University of Languages at the faculty of Translation (translation from Russian into English and Vice versa)). During my studies in Germany I traveled a lot in Europe. Then he returned to Baku, he graduated and applied for a masters program in the UK.

2) In what year were you admitted to the University of Exeter? Whether was he a priority by the University or you were somewhere else? Why did you choose Exeter that attracted you?

I applied before receiving the bachelor's degree. As I recall, I submitted it in February 2012. University of Exeter – was the only British University that I decided to apply. This is due to the positive experience of learning at the University my relative, success of graduates and progressive cultural environment. I really liked that the University ranks high in ratings, and in particular the Business School at Exeter. The University is in the top 50 universities in the world and in the top 7 universities in the UK. Also I was attracted to the city of Exeter is friendly and welcoming.

3) How have you applied to the University of Exeter? Share your experience.

As I said, I applied to the University of Exeter for 5-6 months before the start of classes. I saw an ad on the website about the opening of my program, collected all the necessary documents and filed them. After about 4 weeks I received an unconditional offer. I just can't Express how happy I was when I saw the results. I got the opportunity to study in one of the best British business schools.

4) have you ever had difficulties while applying as a foreign student? If Yes, describe them.

Fortunately, no problems for admission does not arise.

5) Tell us more about applying for and receiving grants from the Ministry of education of Azerbaijan Republic.

I think you know that studying in the UK - and especially England – is expensive. In addition to the tuition there is very high cost of living. Considering all these factors, I have applied for a scholarship from the Ministry of education of Azerbaijan Republic. Due to the high scores when training on a bachelor's degree and good IELTS results, I won this scholarship and had the opportunity to study in the UK.

6) what program did you study? What were your impressions?

I studied at the Business School of Exeter, which has a very high rating, at the faculty of international management (International Management) and received a master's degree in Tourism, Development and Policy (Tourism, Development and Policy). After graduation, I had many opportunities to build a career.

7) With whom did you study? Among them were many foreign and Russian-speaking students? Have you found friends here; where they are from Azerbaijan, from other countries or from Britain? With whom to you it was easier to just get along?

At Exeter University are trained over 18,000 foreign students, so you automatically become part of the "melting pot". Most of my classmates were Chinese. It's also worth mentioning that studied with me and representatives of the British, Japanese, Russian, Greek, and African Nations. In other words, we were an ethnically diverse group, which allowed me to meet each of these cultures individually. In addition to the University, I had a social life. I participated in different social activities with friends of different nationalities: Russian, Ukrainians, Germans, Greeks, Hungarians and Chinese. Student life in England was very interesting and I will always miss those times.

9) How did you spend your free time? Were you a member of any student society or club? Tell us a little about his student life.

While teaching at the English University isn't easy, I tried very hard to make your life in Exeter memorable. The University now has about 20 students. We were all members of Azerbaijani society of the University. I took an active part in the life of this society. We not only celebrated our national holidays (Novruz and independence Day), but also tried to participate in the activities of other student societies.

10) Tell us about Exeter. What are in your opinion the advantages and disadvantages of living in Exeter. Is it easy to find work with a partial employment, housing? If there is a convenient system of transport communication?

This is the most difficult question. On the one hand, I love Exeter for a friendly student atmosphere, nice people and rich history. Scenic spots, the swans on the river EXE, colorful spring flowers and evergreen trees are always pleasing to the eye. From a student's point of view, the city is just perfect! On weekends I usually traveled to other British cities. As for living conditions, it is recognized that the campuses of the University of Exeter safe, and fully equipped. Accommodation on campus provided a special pleasure to me(9 months). After my contract expired, I moved to the city center and lived there for three months and I want to say that life on campus was much easier and more interesting than in a private home. As for the work, to be honest, I never tried to find her, but judging from the experience of my friends I can say that it is not so easy, especially for a foreigner. It takes a lot of time, because the employer must obtain for you a work permit and visa extension. As for the transport system, will have to admit that this is one of the drawbacks of Exeter. As public transport and taxis have to wait very long. I believe that the city authorities should address this issue.

11) What do you do now? Tell us about your work. Did you degree at the University of Exeter to find a job?

Field returning home, I decided to take a couple months. Then he takes up the job search. My search was successful – I work in one of the big four. Today I hold the position of a Specialist at EY (Ernst&Young). Work in an international company very good start for my career. I believe that learning at the University of Exeter has played a key role in my subsequent employment in a global audit firm EY.

12) do You Plan to return to the UK in the future?

I can't predict the future. But, I confess, I really miss the UK and I would like to go back there. I plan to get another master's degree or PhD in the UK.

12) thank you for the interview, Vusala. What would you like to say in conclusion to our readers?

Our conversation was so fascinating that I did not notice how time flew. Thank You very much! Anyone who reads my interview, I would like to say: "This is your and only your way, others may walk it with you, but nobody will host it for you. If you believe in yourself, dreams will come true". Thank you.