Interview with Russian student at the University of Nottingham

Interview for Education Index has given a student at the University of Nottingham - Valeria. Currently, Valeria is a student in my third year of University with a degree in BA Economics and Philosophy.

EI: hi, Valeria! Tell us a little about yourself. How is it that you were in England?

In: Hi! I'm from Belarus, up to the ninth grade he studied in Minsk and then with my family, I moved to UAE, where I graduated from the international school. Even before moving overseas, I always wanted to study in England, and therefore came to British universities. When I moved to England I was 18 and now I am 20 years old.

EI: In what year were you admitted to the University of Nottingham? Was it your first choice? What attracted you to this University?

Q: I was received in 2011 through system UCAS (the British office at the University). I've applied to 5 different universities was adopted at the 4 and chose Nottingham. I have not had the opportunity to visit universities prior to my application, so I studied Universities, ratings and reviews online and ask the opinion of the teachers at my school. From what I learned, I realized that the University of Nottingham suits me, as having campuses in China and Malaysia, the University is a truly global University, and the University diploma is recognized worldwide. In addition, Universitat included in the group "Russell" is a group of the most elite British universities with a rich history and serious research base. And of course, an important factor for me was that the main Nottingham campus is a huge beautiful Park with an amazing atmosphere, and the city of Nottingham is a historic centre in the heart of England, which allows for ease of travel around the country.

EI: you were at the University of Nottingham? Tell us about your experience.

Q: since I had the opportunity to complete an international school, I did not have to do foundation. I graduated high school in the IB program, it's the equivalent of the British programme A-levels, which is offered by many schools around the world in different languages. Most of the world's universities recognise this qualification, so I did not have to pass additional exams, and as I studied in the English language confirming the knowledge of English officially I don't have. Basically, the British universities require IELTS or TOEFL.

EI: if you are Faced with any difficulties when applying to a University as a foreign student? If so, tell us about it in more detail.

In: the admissions Process is quite simple and very well organized, especially if you begin to prepare for admission in advance. All information about admission for students, such as the requirement for evaluations and validation in language is the official website of the University. University of Nottingham supports students in the process of applying for a visa, and since this University with an excellent reputation, if you prepare all the documents to get a visa very easily. The British Embassy in Minsk has opened me a visa just for 4 days, which surprised me!

EI: does the University of Nottingham scholarships for international students? Do you know of students that have received scholarships?

In: Yes, the University of Nottingham offers scholarships for international students, they need to apply in advance via the University website. I know a lot of international students who received scholarships, University of Nottingham offers a wide selection of full and partial scholarships. I think all prospective students should contact the academic schools, faculties in which they want to study, because there may be more sources of funding.

EI: what kind of program you're learning? What are your impressions of the program? If you have a favorite subject, teacher?

Q: I am in the third year of bachelor's degree, majoring in Economics and philosophy, I have two majors. Already I can't believe this year I'm graduating, time has flown by so quickly! I really like my program because there are a large variety of items. In addition, the lecturers are professionals in their field, with experience in their field and their publications, articles and books are printed worldwide. It is very inspiring to me, because they can easily explain how the materials that we study relate to the real world and always compare our program with relevant events in the world. I can't say that I have favorite subject or lecturer because all the items are varied and in each there is something that excites me very much!

EI: Who studies with you? A lot of foreigners, Russian-speaking students? Were you able to have close friends, and who are they – Russians, foreigners, British? With whom it is easier to find a common language?

In: the school of Economics of a lot of foreign students from around the world, such as Asia, Africa and of course several Russian and philosophy on the contrary the majority of students are British. At the University it is impossible not to make friends, because there are so many different people from all over the world, and be sure to find someone with common interests! I'm friends with everyone, try to communicate not only with Russian, and with the British and other foreigners. Sometimes it is even easier to find a common language with foreigners, than Russian, because it depends on the person, not the country from which he came.

EI: Tell our readers about your role as “Student Ambassador”, which means that this role what are your responsibilities? Why did you decide to do it and what do you see the advantages for yourself, for your future career?

Q: I Have a lot of different responsibilities, I assist the International Office of the University to transfer information about the University in social networks, also sometimes translate articles that the University publishes. In social networks, potential students often ask questions about admission and life at the University, I try to answer their questions from the point of view of the student. Also I work on the Open house show tours around the University and talk about the University to prospective students. I really love doing this, because it's easy for me to tell you about my experience, but I love it here. Besides, I learned many skills that will be important in any career, such as autonomy, communication, interpersonal skills and so on.

EI: What do you do in your free time? Do you have a hobby? Are you in any student clubs? Tell us a little about it.

Q: there is always something to do in the University of Nottingham more than 200 communities and around 80 sports clubs, so you never get bored! I am now the President of the Russian community, we try to travel together, play "What? Where? When?" with other Russian communities, for example recently went to visit Cambridge University for a friendly game. It is also possible to learn foreign languages, either as one of the subjects of your profession, or to pay extra. For example, I now teach French (and the French community could get acquainted with native speakers). In terms of sport, there is the opportunity to try almost everything from skydiving and ending with belly dancing, personally I tried to do Thai Boxing and yoga!

EI: Tell us a little bit about the city of Nottingham. What are the pros and cons you see for yourself? Is it easy to find housing, jobs, convenient transportation, and rich if the nightlife of Nottingham?

In: Nottingham is a historic center in the heart of England, it was here according to legend, Robin hood robbed the rich and gave money to the beggar. He is still a symbol of the city, there are often themed festivals where people dress up in medieval costumes playing folk music and fairs sell a variety of treats and crafts artisans. Plus Nottingham is that it is adapted to the students, so many places have student discounts, including for public transport tickets. For its medium size, there is a large selection of restaurants, clubs, theatres, museums and shops. A lot of my friends work in the city, if you want to earn some money you can always. Also many types of housing you can live in a Dorm on campus or in town to rent a house with friends or room/apartment alone, is economical and wasteful options. The main University campus is a 10-minute bus ride from the city center, buses run very frequently. The only negative of the city may be that he is a two-hour train ride from London, but for me it is even convenient, because it's location makes it easy to travel around the country.

EI: What are your plans after graduation? Where would you like to live and work in the future in England, in Russia or somewhere else? Does the University find a job after graduation, especially for international students?

Q: I'm looking for a job in the banking sector mainly in the UK, I would like to work in an international company with the possibility of internships around the world, including in Russia. The University is a special employment servicethat fully supports all students in the process of search of work, for example helping in resume writing, interview techniques, careers. Also, many global employers visit the University of Nottingham and talk about their companies and the recruitment process of graduates to work.

EI: Valeria, thank you very much for this interview! What would you like to say in closing to our readers?

In: I Hope my story will be useful to someone. I wish you all good luck with the receipt, the main thing is not afraid of anything and not to spare time for preparation; for me to study at the University of Nottingham is a unique opportunity to get a great education, meet interesting people and gain invaluable life experience, so spare no effort and strive for your dream!

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