Student Profiles from former CIS countries

Being an Erasmus Mundus student, among four different universities I chose to spend my first year at Aston University. The prime criteria to choose Aston was the set of taught modules, all of which are up to date with latest research and are precisely adjusted to my scientific interest.
Not to forget is the convenient central location of the University, compactness and unity of campus and a very special urban atmosphere of Birmingham.
Having studied at Aston for two terms now, my decision to come here has proved to be right.

I would like to say a few words especially about my study group, which is six people coming from 4 continents around the world. We’ve made really good friends and my study time at Aston is full of joy, smart jokes that keep us laughing till our cheekbones hurt, full of vivid stories about different cultures and the incredibly important feeling of playing in one team.

Birmingham is a former industrial centre of UK and is now the second largest city. This town is fascinating and magically, almost beasty, energetic with it’s classy buildings, stylish bars and red-brick canal embankments. There’s lot of leisure activities and a wide range of international cuisine to enjoy.

After finishing my studies, I plan to make an internship year and to apply for a job in one of the industry giants in my study area. Aston University’s Career Centre gives me great support getting contacts with companies, so I even hope to have a choice for my career start-place.

Before coming to study in the UK I worked as a sales manager for IT programmes for a Russian company called “Konsultant”, and over 3 years in Kabardino-Balkaria branch of Sberbank of Russia as IT security and consultant. I have won a scholarship offered by the Government of Kabardino-Balkaria, which enabled me to study in the UK.

Studying at Aston provides the knowledge to applying a certain methodology and systematic approach instead of going by intuition. I am sure that all the skills acquired here give me an advantage over other managers in Russia.
The education system is different here. My study experience at Aston is new and unique for me. I had some problem with arranging my time at first as there is less control from academics. You need to be well-organised and self-disciplined. During the lectures there is more use of technical equipment here – projectors, internet, etc.
I like the fact that groups are quite small and you can have close and friendly relationship with tutors. The lecturers are very approachable. There are 5 students in my group. They are all from different countries. We mix with students from other groups when we have the same modules as well. I get exposed to quite a diversity of nationalities, which improves my people skills and broadens my knowledge about different cultures. It’s interesting to communicate with people from different countries and backgrounds.

As for the workload, if you can organise your time well, it is easy to study. What was new for me is that we have a lot of group projects; you don’t get this in Russia. We discuss the work with students from different backgrounds, we express our opinions. I have improved my communication and people skills and gained a valuable experience of team work. The knowledge I get through my studies is more applied and business and industry oriented. I am sure all these skills will help me in my future employment.

I also like the fact that I have access to free English language classes to help improve my academic writing skills.

There is a lot of entertainment on campus. I use sports facilities a lot, especially the swimming pool. The location is excellent! Birmingham is a student friendly city. The cost of living is cheaper here. I like the climate, it is surprisingly pleasant, not as wet as I expected at all. It is nice and warm. Birmingham is a big city; there are a lot of things to do. I have already been to concerts of Deep Purple and to Abba show.

As for my plans for the future, I signed a contract with the government of my republic, so I will go back to Russia and hopefully I will have an interesting job where I can apply all my new knowledge and skills that I got here. I want to contribute to the development of my republic.

If you are thinking of studying in the UK, I would advise you to assess how effectively you can manage your time. Self-discipline and English language skills are quite important as well. If you are a motivated person and know what you want then Aston is one of the places where you can get everything for successful studies. 

Studying at Aston has given me excellent life experience which changes you and how you think about everything. It opens up options that might previously have been unavailable to you. Teaching methods are more developed here than in my home country. Many of the teaching examples come from Western situations for example, so studying at Aston has made me view things from a more Western prospective, which is good as I wish to work in Europe. I would say I have become a little more European in my outlook and a little less Russian

Birmingham is surrounded by some amazing centres like Warwick with its castle and Stratford-Upon-Avon and its historical links to Shakespeare.  It is so easy to get out into the countryside and visit these places.  It is also ideal for visiting London as there is a good train service and it takes only 90 minutes.  Within the city, I like the shopping and bars and restaurants and I have enjoyed many visits to the excellent Symphony Hall, theatres and the Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery.

I chose to study at Aston because I wanted to improve my English and learn about British culture. I really like the fact that there are lots of different cultures here at Aston; I’ve met people from Europe, India and Saudi Arabia, and lots of UK home students.

I am currently on an international foundation year, in business and I have been attending extra business lectures and I am taking extra English language classes. I want to go onto complete a Bachelors Degree in Business Management and am looking forward to doing the placement year to gain work experience.

I graduated from the Krasnoyarsk University with a degree in Economics in 1998. After around six years of working as well some further study I decided I would like to pursue an MBA. I applied to business schools in the UK in order to give my business education more of an international perspective and although I was made an offer by another School I chose Aston as it provides an intensive one year MBA which does not require GMAT score from applicants with sufficient work experience.

I did some research about the MBA before commencing my studies. Along with theoretical knowledge the Aston MBA provides you with a number of case-studies, which are analysed in depth. The Aston MBA gives me the opportunity to play business games in international syndicate groups and to discover my strengths and weaknesses. Also living on campus gives me a deep cultural insight as it is a very multinational community! Those issues were of critical importance for me. And now with some time having been spent at the Aston I would say that I am very happy with my choice.

Before coming to Aston l met a University representative at my agent’s office in St Petersburg. The agent helped me prepare my whole application. I met the University representative with my parents who were able to ask questions as they could not visit Aston which was really useful

I’m really enjoying studying at Aston. The programme is more interactive in comparison with the teaching style in my country. Blackboard makes it easy to contact lecturers, check my timetable and get the module information on-line.The lecture rooms are well equipped and comfortable.There is a car design competition at the end of each year for Engineering students and l am looking forward to it.

After completing my Engineering International Foundation Programme l would like to continue studying Mechanical Engineering with a work placement option at Aston. I may then continue to work or study in Europe or America. Studying in the UK is worth doing as it gives you a lot more options.

One of the main reasons l chose Aston is its city centre location. Birmingham is a great place to be. I love Chinese food, so l often go to the Chinese quarter. In summer me and my friends walk along the canals.  

There is a lot of support here at Aston for students. Tutors and lecturers are always happy to help. Other students are friendly and the discussion boards on blackboard are helpful too.  There is a friendly feeling around campus – the ‘Aston Community’.

Studying and working with people from around the world has been really interesting. I have made a lot of friends. You get to learn about different traditions and cultures. This then influences your views on life and work.

I have joined the Aston Trading & Investment Society which is a good way to meet people with similar interests. Studying in the UK is exciting but don’t forget to actually do some studying!