Scholarship programs Global education about studying at University of Southampton

EI: hi! Tell us a little about yourself. How is it that you were in the UK?

Hi! If very briefly about myself, my name is Elena, I'm 24 and I'm from Yoshkar-Ola. Not to say that England were randomly ☺. A burning desire to learn and get a degree in one of the best foreign universities settled in me back in high school. Dream came true a few years later thanks to the Program "Global Education" that paid for my tuition in one of the 100 best universities in the world, University of Southampton. Now I am studying in the master's program in special education (MSc Education (SpLD Dyslexia)).

EI: In what year were you admitted to the University of Southampton? What criteria did you choose the University and what attracted you to the University of Southampton?

University of Southampton, as the only one in the world offering a graduate program in Special education: Dyslexia, I added to the list of good universities will have to consider "Global Education". In addition to the University of Southampton, I applied to the University of Reading, University of Leeds, University of York, but these universities was for me, that is, the alternate aerodrome. In addition, the University of Southampton is in the top hundred best universities in the world that says about the quality of the scientific base and the level of teaching and research. The study began in September of 2016.

EI: How did you enter University? Tell us about your experience.

Pre-entry I started 10 months before the start of training. In fact, nothing complicated in the collection of documents there, and the documents themselves appeared to need to provide quite a bit. For applicants, keep in mind 4 simple steps: carefully fill the application form online, provide 2 letters of recommendation, write a quality and with a twist a motivation letter to take an international exam of English as a foreign language. That's all! You say that it is easy to talk about it, when all is done. However, if you decide to enroll in a foreign University, then you do not stop. Add to these 4 steps a bit more than usual responsibility and perseverance, and succeed. Many are afraid of IELTS or TOEFL. As with the exam (students will understand), most importantly, to train. For admission I had to score overall 7, however when I got the result 8, I thought why not 9 ☺. The only advice is practice. The University received full set of documents in January 2016, and in late February they sent me unconditional offer and was looking forward to my arrival.

EI: were there any difficulties when applying to University? If so, tell us about it in more detail.

Complications should not arise if to approach to all the business in advance and with a share of the responsibility. Important point – you must read all documents in detail, especially when it comes to visas. Visa better start doing as early as possible, because you never know what might change in the immigration rules.

EI: Tell us more about the experience of the grant programme of the Global Education? When you filed for the grant? Was it difficult to get a grant? Do you keep in touch with the organizers of the Program?

Global Education is remarkable, that enables absolutely everyone motivated to succeed for young people to experience teaching and living abroad. Thanks to all involved persons and organizations! About the Program, I learned even back in 2014 when it was making its first steps. I was looking and decided to apply for participation. Again, everything was pretty easy. If any relevant question, the Program coordinators will answer and even possible help. During the training, the organizers of the Program don't forget us, organise webinars, send useful materials to facilitate our student life and find work in Russia.

EI: what program are you studying? What are your impressions of the program? Do you have a favorite subject, teacher?

Due to the fact that I have long been interested in such phenomenon as "dyslexia" and the related concept of special and inclusive education, I enjoy the module and all the courses. Most teachers are open to questions and conversation. I really like the system of Tutors. In short, each student has their academic Tutors, the Professor, who can be contacted in case of questions study, thesis research, and even for any specific issues. It would be great if in the system of Russian education this practice is entrenched. Among the favorite items can select 2 courses, Introduction to Specific Learning Difficulties (theory on dyslexia, neurology) and Assessment and Intervention (practical issues and how to help people with dyslexia, disgraphia, there, etc.). In Russia, as in many other countries, these issues are poorly understood, and the science still stands at the cradle in this issue, so I consider it my duty to bring the knowledge home and develop Russian science in this direction.

EI: were you Able to have close friends, and who they are – Russian-speaking foreigners, the British? With whom it is easier to find a common language?

The students – a time that you subconsciously want to meet, chat and learn about different cultures. Among my friends a lot of foreigners, guys from England, and of course, Russian-speaking (they are in the best position to understand in times of emotional crises ☺). A common language it is easiest to find with those who are open to new acquaintances regardless of belonging to a particular nation. And the University helps to ensure that everyone could find friends with similar interests. At the University of Southampton there is a huge number of sports, music, dance, linguistic and other communities, where you can meet anyone.

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

Continuing the theme about communities and clubs ☺. In our spare time, we gather with the guys or in a cafe or in the library, go to the gym, the pool, and on the weekend go to the countryside (when it's over, completed all course work and essays).

EI: Tell us a little bit about the city. What are the pros and cons you see for yourself? Easy to find housing, jobs, convenient transportation, and rich if night life?

For England, Southampton is quite a large city. With the weather here, everything is great, surprisingly a lot of sun, but wind also sufficient. The city adapted for students in terms of transport, and in terms of entertainment. Housing problems have arisen since I initially chose the student dormitory, which is near campus, so access is easy enough.

EI: do you have a company that you will work at the end of the program?

The terms "Global Education" I can only choose a company from the list of employers, which is slightly complicates the task, as the field of dyslexia is quite specific to Russia. However, I've got a few organizations work in which of course, I really would like.

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

Imagine and draw the mind a picture, what would be your life and what opportunities you opened, if still decided and went to study abroad (scary, everything is strange). Now imagine what would have happened if you'd stayed in Russia (it's safe, and everything familiar, native). Now compare! Some of the pictures turned out brighter and with a lot of warm memories?

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