Scholarship Bolashak from Kazakhstan about University of York

Aliya, a student of Semipalatinsk (Kazakhstan), received a scholarship Bolashak, told us about their learning experience at York University in the master's program "Applied linguistics in teaching English".

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

A: Hello! I'm from Kazakhstan, studying for master's degree, and my education is sponsoring the government of our country. I have experience in school, which is 3 years. A bachelor's degree I received in his native city of Semipalatinsk.

EI: In what year were you admitted to York University? Was it your first choice University, or filed somewhere? Why is York University? What attracted you to this University?

A: I did in 2013, in addition to the University of York, I enrolled at the universities of Manchester, Nottingham, Southampton. I gave my preference to the University of York, I have a few reasons: first, in the school where I worked also taught foreign teachers from England, and they are very positive about this University; secondly, my specialty relates to the field of education, and York University has a pretty good rating in this area and the integrity of the University; thirdly, I didn't want to study in a big city, on the contrary, wanted to be in a small town away from the hustle and bustle.

EI: you were at York University? Tell us about your experience.

A: I have acted independently, not using services of middlemen, all the information about the requirements and admission I learned on the University website. For admission to the master's degree in my specialty "Applied linguistics in teaching English" the candidate must have minimum 1 year of experience, that in principle I had, then IELTS certificate in accordance with the requirements for each of the 4 sections. Also, it was necessary to write an essay, telling about yourself, work experience, previous education and additional certificates if there were, thus, in this essay it was necessary to reflect their intent and expectations. In conclusion, a brief summary about your current work experience.

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.

A: I don't think for me personally it was not difficult to do, just needed to write effective essays and to have a sufficient level of proficiency in the language. In addition, all documents accepted electronically, therefore, there was no need to spend money on the shipment documents. Speaking of visa I have to obtain a visa had to wait for a visa about a month, which in principle is not very convenient.

EI: Tell us more about the scholarship "Bolashak", and how you got it?

A: the "Bolashak" Scholarship is an initiative of the head of our state N.. Nazarbayev. The program works for 20 years and gives the chance to Kazakhstan to the best foreign education in the best universities of the world. I got a scholarship, completing all of the requirements in order to receive a grant.

EI: what kind of program you're learning? What are your impressions of the program?

A: As I mentioned above, my profession is connected with teaching English. I really like our faculty, the teachers are experts in their craft. Many of the faculty conduct research work and publish their articles.

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

A: In my Department there is a lot of student from Asia, particularly China, the British themselves on the course are almost there. Yes, I met so many people from different countries, very interesting to talk to, get to know people, to talk about themselves. Regarding with whom it is easier to find a common language, I would say it depends on the person's character, not his nationality.

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.

A: the University has a lot of student organizations and clubs, I will not say the exact number, but I can confidently say that everyone will find something to their liking. Personally, I'm a member at the Boxing club and Latin dances, given that I'm new in this and in the other, classes are interesting, and I enjoy visiting them.

EI: What are your plans after graduation?

A: After graduation, I return home and continue to work in their field.

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

A: I Think that the person who is going to enter and study in England, he will determine if he/she is this or that University, but I want to note that the University of York successfully combines academic and social life, provides opportunities to realize themselves, assists students, and in General it is very interesting!