Hiroki Uchiyama - Country: Japan - College: ELT Banbury, UK

E-laine Tan - Country: Singapore - College: Hull University, UK

Mohammed Basri - Country: Saudi Arabia - College: ELT Banbury, UK

Oliver Veale - Country: Northern Spain - College: East Surrey College, UK

Penny Haufe - Country: USA - College: Gemini House, UK

Femi Oluboyede - Country: Nigeria - College: University of Surrey, UK

Carmen Tam - Country: England - College: Northwood College

United States of America ¦ United Kingdom ¦ Europe ¦ Africa ¦ Australia ¦ Canada ¦ New Zealand

A selection of profiles on international students who are currently studying in the United Kingdom. The words are their own.........!

Country: Japan
Age: 22
College: English Language Training Banbury UK

Would you like to know my name? I am Hiroki Uchiyama, a Japanese student. I am in the 4^th grade of my university in Japan. Usually, students who are in the same grade as mine have to make a big effort to find a job after graduation. In fact, I also have had done something like that. But I thought, I wanted to work on computers, so I needed English language skills. After visiting some companies, I clearly realised that. Then, I decided to leave Japan and come to England.

This was my first trip to Europe. Firstly, I stayed with the friend of my mother in Oxford. I couldn’t use English at all. I couldn’t hear even the voice of a shopkeeper, ‘(Do you need a) bag?’. On the first bus which I rode in Britain, I was cheated to pay a much larger fare by the bus driver, I was totally scared. But as soon as I came to Banbury, I felt as if I was in my hometown. Because everyone I met there was really friendly.

I attended the morning course at ELT Banbury. It was very nice. The teachers really helped me although I made a lot of silly answers. And I had a very nice Spanish friend in the class. Not only that, but she invited me to her birthday lunch. We are still in touch. Now, I’m planning to cook Japanese food for her. In the afternoon, my tutors gave me lots of work on their computer systems, email and databases. This was because I had let them know that I was interested in computers and I would be working at a computer company.

I thank them for their flexible and adventurous arrangement. Needless to say, it was more interesting to talk about some problems than to actually solve them, even though I wasn’t terribly professional.

After four weeks, I left ELT Banbury. I enrolled the summer course of Oxford Brookes University. I also enjoyed life in the Halls of Residence there. When I finished that course, I decided to come back here. I really like this small city, Banbury. If you complain how noisy and messy your place is, I recommend you strongly to come here. I could live as conveniently as in Oxford. Only one thing which Oxford has but Banbury doesn’t have is a flood of students. Actually, it’s nice not to find foreigners like me here.

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E-laine Ta

Country: Singapore
Age: 22
College: Hull University, UK

My first impressions of Hull University were formed long before I even stepped into England. Prior to my arrival in Hull, there were several gatherings held for Singaporeans coming to Hull. During those gatherings, we had opportunities to meet new students as well as staff from the International Office, who are all genuinely concerned with the welfare of overseas students. That, I found, was essential as I was less homesick and managed to settle down a lot quicker when I arrived in a foreign country weeks later. Also the University population is so varied; with people of so many different nationalities, and this I find very refreshing and culturally enriching.

I am reading my final year in Law and find that the course is indeed an excellent and challenging one. The lecturers and tutors and conscientious and dedicated to their work, always very approachable. Initially, I experienced problems with the tutorial system - felt extremely self-conscious about speaking up in a small class of seven or eight, but after a while I managed to overcome that 'fear' and have had some very thought-provoking discussions since and have helped me to develop my ability to think critically! The workload is no doubt very demanding and requires a lot of discipline, like all other degrees. But I believe that you reap whatever you sow, and that all the hardwork and effort you put into it all pays off at the end.

Another thing I enjoy about studying in Hull is that there are always opportunities to get away from the mundane routine of studying. Being part of the committee of the Singapore Society in my second year proved to be a rather enriching experience, as there were so many activities to participate in, and many opportunities to meet people from different countries. We took part in cultural shows, travelled to Nottingham for the annual games meets, and had social gatherings. And then there are the various sports clubs and societies in the University which cater to every interest imaginable! I just wished that I had more time on my hands to try out every single one of them!

Having spent nearly three years in Hull, I have noted the changes that have occurred around this town and have developed an affinity for it. And I know of many graduates who cannot help but return to visit their alma mater even after having graduated years ago. And I am starting to feel a certain reluctance to part with Hull once I graduate. In retrospect, I have enjoyed my time spent in Hull and have had many valuable experiences, all of which I know, are essential in my growing as a person.

Hull University: http://www.hull.ac.uk

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Mohammed Basri

Country: Saudi Arabia
Age: 23
College: English Language Training, Banbury

"Hello". My name is Mohammed Basri. I come from Riyadh in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and I’m 23 years old. I’m attending an intensive English language course with Business in English at ELT BANBURY in Oxfordshire.

I started working for IBM a multinational company in Riyadh five months ago. I work in sales as a client Representative in the Banking and Finance Department and, because we are dealing in the international market, I need to have excellent English. Most of our international clients do not speak Arabic, so I must see English a lot.

My English course is very intensive and I study up to 5/6 hours a day with three different teachers. The day begins with Grammar work to help to consolidate the rules of English, doing listening exercises and a lot of speaking. Classes are small so I get a lot of practice and the teachers work me pretty hard. I often get homework. But the best homework is the fact that I live with a good English family and share meals with them, watch the TV with them and talk with them all the time. So what I learn during the day at ELT BANBURY, I practise in the evenings.

Banbury is also a good place to live and study; it is safe and friendly and a typical English town. It’s not far from Oxford and Stratford-Upon-Avon and only 90 minutes by train to the centre of London.

And because I feel confident about my English and because I’m interested in playing football, I joined a local football team and it is good fun. I have made a lot of good friends and would recommend it to anybody who wants to study English in England.

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Country: Northern Spain
Age: 24
College: East Surrey College

Oliver Veale, aged 24, from Northern Spain, wants to become an actor! He appreciates that he has first to complete his English course at college, but once he is successful the Media studies department at the same college could prove a stepping stone to achieving his ambition.

Oliver, who lives with his father, a retired teacher, in Surrey says his English was virtually non-existent, but feels he has made a lot of progress. "The college is extremely helpful and really looks after overseas students. Everyone is friendly including the teachers and my English has improved very fast."

He says he likes to read a lot, and this has helped him, but when it comes to acting he would be happy to perform I any sort of play.

He enjoys going to the cinema a lot, which proves not only entertaining, but also helps him with the language. "When I first came to England, I was very worried about the language problem, but I am very happy that I came to study English at East Surrey College."

Oliver is pictured getting to grips with some of the Media Department equipment, assisted by a current student, Cassie Hill, at East Surrey College.

Please visit: http://www.esc.org.uk

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Country: USA
Age: 25
College: Gemini House - School of Illustration

Penny Haufe attended Marymount International School graduating with a BA in Philosophy before moving to Oxford, England

"Once in England, I decided that I wanted to further my interests in art applying for a place at Gemini House. The school is small with a family-like atmosphere which as a foreign student made me feel really at home. There is lots of support for all of the students, the teachers really go out of their way to help us find accommodation and settle in. The hours at the school are really flexible which is a real advantage for all of the international students the attend the school, giving us time to get to know the area, make friends and work a part-time job.

The type of work that is expected of you is always interesting. The course work is related to the real-world. I am really happy that I attended Gemini House and if you are thinking of a career in illustration then I strongly recommend that you come here, Gemini House will help you to develop your talents and interests setting you up for an extremely successful career.

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‘Ba-wo-no’ (Hello)…As we say in Yoruba back in Nigeria! My name is Femi Oluboyede and I am a final year student of Chemical and Bioprocess Engineering at the University of Surrey, Guildford in England. I have spent the last three years studying at the University and two years prior to that, obtaining ‘A’ level qualifications at Ashville College Harrogate, also in England.

I chose to study Chemical Engineering in particular because, I find its challenging and extremely rewarding. Chemical engineers can also be employed in most industries from the Petroleum/Petrochemcial and Heavy Chemicals Industries, to the food & Beverages, Textile and Pharmaceutical Industries. Due to the nature of the degree, chemical engineers can also pursue careers in the Accounting, Investments and Banking sector quite easily making them highly employable.

I wanted to go to a university that had a good reputation in terms of chemical engineering as well as a decent prospect of a job at the end of my degree course. Surrey had both these qualities and quite a few more! The University of Surrey is situated thirty minutes away from London (by train) in the town of Guildford. It is surrounded by the beautiful countryside which reminds me a bit of home and which was a reason for coming here, and has a student population of about 10,000. The accommodation on campus is excellent with en-suite showers in some courts and all international students are normally guaranteed a University room.

Studying Chemical Engineering at Surrey has proven to be an invaluable experience. Not only have my technical and academic skills been enhanced, I have also gained experienced in leadership, communication and team-working skills as President of the Chemical Engineering Society in my department. These skills enabled me to go to the United States for a year, where I worked for SmithKline and Beecham Pharmaceuticals as part of my industrial Placement. My year in industry has given me a feeling of accomplishment.

I will graduate in a few months and then, go back into industry. With the interpersonal skills I have and the degree I will obtain at the end of the course, I am confident in securing a good job in the not too distant future that will test me and help in my personal growth and development.

Chemical engineers are involved in making almost every product used in everyday life and play a key role in fighting disease and environmental pollution.

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Country: England
Age: 16
School: Northwood College

GCSEs studied: English Literature/Language, Combined    sciences, History, Art, French, Math, Geography.
A levels to be studied: Art, History, English Literature

My Work Experience Profile
I started my work experience week on the 28^th June 1999 to get an insight of work in the field I am interested in which is Graphic Designing with Dominion Press Ltd.

On the first day, I worked in the production department where I looked at the designing of editorials and advertisement designing. I was able to use the computer myself to design my own page, using software such as Page-maker, Photoshop and Corel Draw. This was extremely interesting as I was able to look at the processes and events involved with designing article layout. Also I was able to learn about the layers involved with the production. I worked with Osa. She explained to me the editorial designing. Most of the information was very complicated however, when I was given the opportunity to create a page myself, it was much more simple and understandable.

The second, third and fourth days, I looked at the distribution of the magazines. Most of the magazines produced in this company cater for foreign countries also and therefore it is international. I was assigned to cross reference universities in Venezuela and Peru. I checked the information about them, and corrected any wrong information. I also had to update the computer systems by entering new universities, which didn’t already exist, on the database. I also had to sort out cancellations of the magazine.

On my final day, I looked at the Web with Nazira and Manisha. She explained to me the designing and the whole production of web pages. Again I found this information highly complicated, however this was very interesting. I was able to create my own web page as well as publish it using the software package FrontPage. I looked at the different search engines (e.g. Yahoo, Altavista) and how to use them, as well as submitting web pages to the different search engines. I also browsed through the different websites produced by Thames Digital Media. 

Overall I found the experience extremely interesting and enlightening. I enjoyed this experience and I would like to look further in to the career of Graphic designing and using computers.

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