Name: Isaac Home country: Ghana Programme: MSc Public Health Nutrition
‘I chose the University of Chester because it was the only institution in the north west of England offering an MSc in Public Health Nutrition. Being at Chester has broadened my scope of knowledge and developed my self-confidence and self-image. Although I was exposed to people from different cultures, I never felt discrimination among my fellow course mates and students from the University.
‘I was elected as a student academic representative for my year group and this built up my leadership qualities. The department of Clinical Science offered me a number of opportunities, including support for me to secure the Dennis Burkit Study Award from the British Nutrition Foundation for my research project.
‘The Learning and Support department offered me the opportunity to upgrade my IT skills through its European Union Computer Driver Licences Programme (ECDL) offered to staff and students. Interesting site-seeing trips I’ve taken advantage of include Chester Zoo, Chester Cathedral, the Roman Eastgate, the Medieval Eastgate, the Arch and many others. Friday night in Chester is always good too – you’ll love it!’
Name:Mei Tyin Low Home country:Malaysia Programme:LLB
‘The University of Chester is a fabulous place to study. The lecturers and the University staff are very supportive and helpful; they are readily guiding us every step in our studies. The University is equipped with many world-class facilities, such as the library which is the place I visit most frequently. The extensive collection of books and electronic journals are very useful to support my studies and research.
‘Chester is a vibrant cosmopolitan city with a mix of historic old Roman buildings and modern city buildings. Chester is a great place to live – it is safe and peaceful. People in Chester and at the University are very friendly and nice. I have made a number of good friends here. The city is very close to Manchester and Liverpool, and I often visit China Town there to get some Chinese foods when I feel homesick. The University of Chester is a unique university in a unique and peaceful place.’
Name: Daxa Home country: India
‘The University is one of the best universities that focuses not only on quality of education but also on the international students. All the tutors and other staff members at the University are very kind and helpful in every aspect. I am thankful to the Student Welfare Department, which provided me the excellent support on the University accommodation and the life at University.
‘Every international student gets the opportunity to celebrate their country’s festival at the University and I got to meet people and made many friends. Language support classes were also very useful. Chester is a beautiful historic city that offers students a safe, friendly and a wonderful British experience. I can proudly recommend the University of Chester to all the future aspiring students.’
Name: Hussain Home country: Saudi Arabia Programme: MSc in Cardiovascular Rehabilitation/PhD in Cardiovascular Rehabilitation
‘I remember that on the first day I came to Chester University for the interview before I started my MSc in Cardiovascular Rehabilitation, I was scared that this university was going to be a place where I would only receive lectures, work very hard and then go back home. It was a painful feeling, but I could not have been more wrong! I also remember after I finished my interview, a member of staff from the International Office, took me around the University and told me that “everyone is happy in Chester University”. I felt much better on my way back home. Since that time, Chester University has made me feel part of it – I ended up loving the place and I do not want to leave! So, I am now doing my PhD, also in cardiovascular rehabilitation. I love every minute of living here.
‘The courses, with their nice teaching staff, are very enjoyable. I like it a lot and have learned lots and lots. However, what I value most are all the other opportunities Chester offers me, such as plenty of help, support and societies. You might not believe it, but if you are at Chester you will see it. I would have never dreamed that one day I will finish my MSc or be a speaker in a conference or even publish a paper in a journal.
‘My advice to any new students is not to waste your time when you get lost – just ask for help, and I am sure everyone, including myself, will help you. So do not be shy – you will only get out of your study what you put in. Do not expect to fly through without working hard, and just remember you are only at university once, so make the most of everything to finish it and be proud of yourself.’
Name:Jennifer Home country:Nigeria Programme:MSc Management with HRM
‘I found my course at the University of Chester very interesting. I learnt to work as part of a team, supporting and being supported by my colleagues and it also helped boost my confidence. My tutors were fantastic and I say this in all honesty. They made it clear that they were not there to impose their thoughts on us but to facilitate our learning. They were very sensitive and considerate in their approach, approachable and always encouraging.
‘Everything the University says as its ethos is exactly what it is. Students are made to feel that they matter and are given every necessary support without indulging them. Chester as a city is quiet and beautiful – a conducive place for learning. I was able to get African foods and the cost of living is quite moderate compared to some other areas.
‘I hope to be an HRM Consultant in the future and I think the University of Chester has prepared me towards achieving my dreams.’
Name: Fisayo Home country:Nigeria Programme:Full-time MBA
‘I have thoroughly enjoyed my experience in Chester so far. The teaching facilities at the University are excellent as well as the support I receive from tutors. Most Fridays, my classmates and I visit the University’s swimming pool to have a dip in the water and over the weekend we play soccer. I also enjoy the social events, trips and movies organised by the International Welfare office.
‘Through the UniJob programme in the Careers and Employability Department, I have attended various training programmes on networking, self-employment and problem-solving skills; and have had the opportunity of taking up paid employment with different departments in the University. I have also enjoyed Chester as a City. There are many interesting places to visit including Chester Zoo, Blue Planet Aquarium and Chester Races. For me it has been an educative and exciting experience and Chester is very safe for us International students.’
Name:Nan Liu Home country: China Programme: Business Studies
‘The wonderful experiences I have had at Chester will affect me forever. When I first arrived, I felt I would have a tough time because of the language barrier, however, the tutors in Chester are really friendly and easy-going! They always helped me with any problems I had regarding my studies and other issues involved in settling into student life.
‘I have made lots of foreign friends and have learnt how to communicate with them. My course is very interesting and as I studied it further, I became more convinced that I had made the right choice. I have certainly learnt a lot of things that will help my career when I graduate. I have told my friends about how great it is to study at Chester.’
Name: Amangeldy Home country:Kazakhstan Programme:MBA
‘When I was choosing where to study the location was very important to me. I chose Chester which is a quiet and safe picturesque traditional English city. I like that I can get around town on foot as most places are within walking distance.
‘The relaxing atmosphere influenced my learning process positively. The lessons at the University are so well organised and students have time for self-education. The University makes a lot of effort in supporting students and trips to different parts of the country throughout the year.
‘The University of Chester is a university in the truest sense of the word and it is a place that gives you the opportunity to evolve yourself in terms of mental and sport activities. Also the fact that I can study for my degree in one year rather than two makes me happy as I save time and money.’
Name:Tamta Home country: Georgia Programme: Business Studies/MBA
‘Chester is a gorgeous city with a friendly atmosphere and the staff at the University are always willing to help and support you. I am from Georgia and my university (in Georgia) is a partner institution of the University of Chester. I studied a dual degree in Business Studies and am now pursuing an MBA, both in Chester.
‘The staff at the University of Chester contacted me and gave me a lot of useful advice, which helped me to make the right decision and come to study at Chester. The most helpful departments for international students are the International Office and the Student Support and Guidance Department.
‘Staff at the Business School are very friendly, always ready to help and are available to speak with you and give you the right advice and direction. I was offered a part-time job within the first week of being in Chester. This is a great experience as I learnt about the British culture and am meeting new friends all the time. There are lots of opportunities for international students here.
‘Chester is a very safe city for international students. Students can enjoy their “student life” with a lot of events organised by the University. There are many clubs and societies which you can join. So, don’t miss your chance and don’t hesitate to apply to Chester.’
Name:Kywat Home country: Burma Programme:Business and Marketing/MBA
‘I have been studying in the University of Chester for almost five years now. It may seem such a long time but for me it is as though only a year has passed. For my undergraduate study, I did a combined degree for Business and Marketing. It is a very interesting course and I enjoyed it very much. I chose this course because my goal was to become an entrepreneur.
‘To achieve my dream, I am now studying an MBA, also in Chester, to gain higher business knowledge. Studying the MBA has given me a real in-depth knowledge of management and personal development. The tutors are always willing to give me help and support. Chester is not just a great city with an excellent university but it also feels like home to me and I believe for all other international students as well. Therefore, I just have to say that choosing Chester University was definitely the right choice for me.’
Liu
