Students from all over the world have long been drawn to studying in England in the United Kingdom, and it’s not without reason. The United Kingdom is well-known for its world-class education, diversity, and vibrant student cities, making it an ideal location for international students.
In recent years, the United Kingdom has announced additional incentives to attract international students, such as visa changes and friendlier immigration policies.
We recently spoke with Kenny Akadiri about his study life experience as a master’s student in England, UK. He described the differences in study experiences in Nigerian universities and the university in England where he studied for his master’s degree and some exciting instances of culture shock.
Study Life Experience
Did you have prior undergraduate education experience in your home country before going abroad to study?
Yes
What’s your level of education before you traveled out?
Bsc
Where are you studying or where did you study?
England
What’s your area of study?
International Business
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What are the differences you noticed in the teaching methods in Universities abroad from your home country?
The differences were in the manner lecturers approached each course. The significant differences I noticed were:
- Attention to detail – Handouts & materials were free and very detailed, and we were given them at the beginning of each semester.
- Availability of learning Materials/Journals – We were given library cards and had limitless access.
- Coursework (This deepened our understanding of the courses) – For each course, we had coursework and understood the intricacies of each course.
- Use of Visual Aids – Use graphs, videos & visual slides to explain the topics.
- Team/Group Work/Presentation – We developed and presented topics in a group.
- Feedback Loop – We were allowed to give feedback to our lecturers in a structured manner.
- Erudite Lecturers – Seasoned professionals who knew their onions.
- Two-Way communication – Our teachers created a friendly and conducive learning environment. They often made us comfortable by sharing our views on subjects. They allowed information to flow from Teacher to Student and vice versa.
- Field Trips – Due to my course of study, we had field trips to Spain & other counties in the UK to give us practical examples of business and adaptation in different countries.
What would you say about the lecturer-student relationship where you studied (or are studying) abroad? – Or how the University management relates to students
My relationship with all my lecturers was cordial. My lecturers were committed to seeing me succeed. They were accessible to every student and understood my areas of strength, and helped me see and improve my site of weaknesses.
When I was trying to choose a dissertation topic, my supervisor worked with me to select a subject I would easily flow with. She changed my subject a couple of times, which was a bit frustrating, but she made me understand that she wanted the best for me because she understood my area of strength and wanted me to enjoy it rather than manage it.
Throughout the weeks of my research, we had meetings where she gave me helpful feedback.
On the day I submitted my work, she said to me as she gave a hug ”Great job, Kenny” When the result came out, it was perfect.
Looking back, I’ll do this again.😊
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What’s the most culture shock experience you witnessed as an international student?
I have a couple of culture shocks I experienced. Some of these are:
- I had to adapt to the cold. Winter was stressful, and I fell ill a couple of times.
- Everyone is polite & they apologize for everything. You must be ready to say sorry several times if you bump into someone.
- Orderly queues, “please” and “thank you” are what you’ll need to get used to. You will have to say “Thank you” to the bus driver when you get off the bus.
- Awkward smiles were weird to me, but I got used to it.
- Many are atheists, so you have to respect that not everyone is interested in hearing you talk about God.
- British culture can be confusing to understand, but you’ll get used to it, hopefully.
Are there any funny experiences you’d like to share?
For the first couple of weeks after resumption, I had issues understanding one of my lecturers’ accents, and I had to sit next to a classmate shamelessly 😂 to help me, but I got used to it as time went by.
Another one is there was a day on the bus I was speaking on the phone with my Grandma, so I spoke in my dialect and didn’t know my voice was loud. When I got off the call and lifted my head, I noticed all the passengers’ eyes were on me. I was embarrassed 🤦♀️
Any advice for international students who want to study in the country where you study?
Be open-minded, don’t be stuck in your way of doing things, be flexible enough to learn the culture and people, and lastly, Be mentally prepared to work hard.
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