A student from Ukraine about the master's degree at University of York

Hi! Tell us a little about yourself. How is it that you were in England?

Good day! My name is Anton and I'm 21. I come from Ukraine. Every year in Kiev, an exhibition of higher education abroad, which was attended by over 150 participants from 30 countries. It is on this exhibition, I met with a representative of the York University - Adina Timofei, which provided detailed information about the University, opportunities to study, accompanied by the story books and reference material. And after some time the e-mail I received films and videos about the University, hostels, sports complexes of York and photos of the scenic surroundings, which were commented by the students for several years studied at the University of York. I firmly decided that I wanted to study in this city, at this University and applied for a master's program.

In what year were you admitted to the University of York? Was it your first choice University, or you applied somewhere else?

The application and necessary documents I filed in the spring of 2014. It was the first and only choice. York University is one of the ten best universities in the UK, a member of the group "Russel". Students who have language problems, can fill the gaps in knowledge on free optional classes and consultations in English.

As you entered the University? Tell us about your experience. If you are faced with any difficulties when entering University as a foreign student? If Yes, then tell us about it in more detail.

Arrival, honestly, were not accompanied by any difficulties. Collecting and sending the website all the necessary documents, I received a few weeks a confirmation of enrolment. Happiness and joy that I became a student of York University, was filled with me and my family.

Does the University of York scholarships for overseas students? Do you know of students that have received scholarships?

Scholarships for master's programme, as far as I know, are available to students from EU countries. How they can get other foreign students, I was not interested, as my financial guarantor is a company in which I worked while studying in Ukrainian universities.

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

Studying master's programme in International Business and Strategic Management. Experience of course is only positive. A completely different model and learning technology, a huge amount of self-education and communication between students at the seminars. Are welcomed and encouraged creativity, originality, critical thinking and ability to analyze. The main tasks and means of control: essays, presentations and reports (questions that should be answered before the workshop reading of additional literature). Favorite teachers there, each original and charismatic in their own way. I was very impressed by the fact that all teachers are behind her huge business experience in real conditions and are experts in their industry and a specific market (e.g. EU/BRICS/USA).

Who studies with you at your program? A lot of foreigners, Russian-speaking students? 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 University currently enrolls over 16 000 students, of which 3200 are foreigners. Most of my classmates were from China. But there are also Brits, Germans, Russians, Ukrainians, Balts. As any inhabitant of Odessa, I am cheerful, very communicative and quickly and easily find a common language with representatives of different nationalities, without making differences between people depending on their place of residence. We are young, there are lots of interesting problems, a lot of topics, interests and passions - there is always something to talk about.

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

I am only the second month in York. Life is very complete, there is no free time. But to hold it fascinating, for the benefit of the soul and the body are numerous: various sports clubs (swimming, football, Golf, karting), debate clubs, "Mafia", concerts and excursions. This is just a small list of leisure time activities of students.

Tell us a little about the city. What are the pros and cons you see for yourself? Easy to find housing, jobs convenient is the transportation system?

York captivates me with its story and very helpful people, wonderful landscape and tranquility, which is literally saturated all around. Housing problems did not arise, as the place in dormitory is guaranteed to all foreigners subject to the timely submission of the questionnaire. The transport system is very convenient. But as part of this question, I have no interest, because only adapt to a new environment for me.

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

Anyone who today faces a choice, maybe even doubts in your abilities, in my experience I would say: "nothing is impossible. Work. Try. Go for it. Believe in yourself. And all the dream will definitely come true!"

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