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An International Student Shares Her Study Experience In The UK

An International Student Shares Her Study Experience In The UK

Ebere

[speaker]

With the UK becoming a popular study destination for international students across the world, many students are willing to share their experiences studying and living in the UK, the challenges and the culture shock they faced during their stay.

This Study Life features Rofiat Adegoke, an MSc Marketing and Brand Management student in the UK. In this chat, she shares tips for international students looking to study abroad, the differences between the Nigerian and UK teaching system, and her study experience so far.

Before going abroad to study, did you have prior undergraduate education experience in your home country?

Yes

What was your level of education before you travelled out?

BSc

Where are you studying or where did you study?

United Kingdom

What’s your area of study?

Marketing and brand management

What are the differences you noticed in the teaching methods in Universities abroad from your home country?

It’s an entirely different process and method. The teaching method here actually prepares you for real-life experience. Unlike back home where we study to pass exams and graduate, here, you are posed with several practical challenges which you have to ace before you move on to the next stage. They don’t even dwell so much on exams, the skills you acquired are more important and that will suffice for you to compete in the professional and business world globally.

Also, the support system here is amazing. They believe so much in inclusiveness and that every student is as important as the other.

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What would you say about the lecturer-student relationship where you studied (or are studying) abroad? – Or how the University management relates to students

The system is designed in such a way that your lecturers are there to serve you and help you actualize your dreams. The university is like a big community where we interact and relate freely. You can give honest feedback about a module or a tutor and drastic actions will be taken when necessary.

We have a platform called ‘Mysay’. This is where you can air your opinion, or complaints anonymously about a module or the university. They value every student’s experience and the lecturers are there to make it even better.

What’s the most culture shock experience you witnessed as an international student?

People mysteriously smile at you for no reason.

Are there any funny experiences you’d like to share?

During my first few months in the UK, after shopping and waiting to checkout, the cashier would ask ‘would you like a bag? Of course yes, I would respond. In my head, I’m like “do you expect me to put all of these on my head”…lol. It was after I started checking my receipts and realized I paid for every bag I used in packing my items. I became a bag keeper and don’t forget to take them along to the store when shopping.

Are there specific things to look out for when applying to schools in your study destination?

Your choice of course. That’s like the most important thing here because there are specific jobs in high demand here and studying such courses will give you an edge over others.

What’s it like for international students looking to find a job while studying and post-study? (common jobs for students and other stuff you’d like to add)

First, I will like to say that students coming to study shouldn’t depend on the jobs here to pay tuition fees. The limit on the hours to work is a huge challenge and most corporate jobs spend so much to train employees and will most likely not employ students to work for 20 hours only. (It happens in some instances).

This means a majority of students can only do menial jobs but of course, they still earn minimum wage or more. Your 20 hours in a week can’t pay tuition fees considering the fact that you have deadlines for these payments. International students who go against the rule of 20 hours of work per week stand a chance to lose the opportunity of a post-study work visa.

Common jobs for students are customer service assistants, production operatives, warehouse operatives, care assistants, waiters, host/hostesses, and lots more. However, there are Uni jobs where you can work with your university and get paid. Jobs like a research assistant, student support officer, student ambassador and lots more. There’s an opportunity for everyone.

Can you comment on the hospitality of the nationals of the country where you study?

To generalize, they are very accommodating and supportive. However, you will still find some who have issues with your skin colour and would prefer not to speak or associate with you. Eventually, you will grow a thick skin not to pay attention to such people or define who you are.

Any advice for international students who want to study in the country where you study?

Come with an open mind.

Is there anything you wished you knew before going abroad to study or deciding on your study destination?

Not really. I worked in a study abroad firm for over seven years so I knew what to expect before taking that decision.

Would you like to stay back in your study destination after your programme? Why?

Yes. I have grown to learn and understand major theories and concepts that would help me succeed at a global level through the UK so I’m willing to stay back to test my knowledge and give back to society.