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Student profiles from South East Asia

International Student Profile
Stephanie Loke

Stephanie Loke, BSc (Hons) Industrial Product Design, Malaysia

Read more about my Aston experience below.

Aston is in a great location, right in the middle of Birmingham which is in the centre of the UK, you can get to anywhere in the UK very quickly. Aston has a very friendly community and during my time here I have not only expanded my network in the student community, but also the friendly, close-knit staff as well.

I love living in Birmingham. I even wrote an article for a British Council website about the city! I enjoy walking along the canals.  I also really like going to the libraries and reading from their extensive catalogue. I love listening to music as well and I go to symphony hall on a Sunday for £4.  I’ve also seen the Guillemots in Birmingham.

I completed a placement year working in Route Problem Management in Hams Hall for BMW – I worked at the factory where they make the Mini and 1 series engines. I was working on their supply chains, involved in a project to streamline international processes to a faster and more efficient method of working. I really enjoyed my placement year and it was a great way for me to learn about the difference between British and German culture, which is especially highlighted in a working environment.

International Student Profile
Nazatul Amira Hamzah

Nazatul Amira Hamzah, MPharm, Malaysian  

Choose Aston University as your first choice, it will give you everything you wish and make you a good student and person!

Many of them are local students and Asian-originated students. There are lots of international students who give me different views of life and knowledge

I fell in love with Birmingham the first time read about it. The cost of living is not high in Birmingham. The city is complete and fascinating. There are many halal food shops and restaurants so it’s easy for me to buy anything I want.
International Profile JooBee Yeow
JooBee Yeow

JooBee Yeow, Doctoral Researcher in Work & Organisational Psychology, Malaysia

Read about my Aston experience below.

When I chose Aston University for my undergraduate degree, I decided to go for the University that best suits my needs, one with a rich history and a good track record. Aston University’s course structure and teaching materials are very industry-related compared to many other that can be very theory-based.
I took a placement year in my bachelors degree programme at Aston. My placement year experience helped me to decide how I wanted to further my studies into a more business related programme of study at a Masters level. It comes not as a surprise when statistics show that over 80% of students gain employment within 6 months of graduation compared to the national average of 67%.

The Aston campus is also strategically situated in the heart of Birmingham. Everything is within walking distance – from market to cinema or shopping centres. As for me, the most important factor is the instant access to the city, Chinatown and Chinese food ingredients!!

International Student Profile Picture
Su Ann Lim

Su Ann Lim, MA TESOL, Malaysian

Master's programmes aren't easy, you have to work hard but its been fun studying here! We have teaching practice sessions where we teach English to students from the university and local community. Our tutor will be in the class and give us feedback which is really helpful.

My lecturers are very helpful if ever I have a query. We also have access to excellent facilities.

I didn’t know anything about Birmingham, I had heard stories but they weren’t true. It’s very clean and safe with lots of shops and places to relax and the campus is well located to get to all of them!

Anh Duc Trinh
Anh Duc Trinh
Anh Duc Trinh, BSc Business and Management, Vietnamese

On my course, the student placement support has been very useful as I am doing a placement next year. After I graduate, I hope to work for a bank and in the longer term, return to Aston to complete my MBA! Click on the tabs below to read more.

Before I came to Aston, I was in contact with other Vietnamese students studying here and so I knew about the University’s reputation and good location.  

Language is important, so don’t be shy about your English! I would recommend you to be open minded and join in the societies and activities in the university. I have joined the Chinese, Hong Kong, Malaysian, Vietnamese and Student in Free Enterprise societies at Aston.

In the Vietnamese society, I have been to other universities to visit their Vietnamese societies and I am a part of the Vietnamese Aston Football society playing friendly matches against Surrey and Warwick, also we were in the SVUK tournament and played against Leicester and Nottingham universities.

International Student Profile
Hang Vu

Hang Vu, BSc International Business, Vietnam 

Read more about my Aston experience below.

I chose to come to Aston because of its great location in the city centre of Birmingham, a big city with lots of places to go shopping and plenty of opportunities to find a job but without being overcrowded. The students come from a dynamic range of backgrounds and the university has a good reputation and great facilities.

There is time for socialising and other activities other than just academic life so it’s not boring at all! I have started to play some new sports including cricket!

It’s a small community so people get know each other really easily. The lecturers and tutors are really supportive and you get a quick response from them to any queries you have.

Aston has a good reputation for career development and opportunity. Also with the placement year on my course that can be a great way to get working experience on my CV. My long term goal is to go back to Vietnam to set up my own business.

International Student Profile
Thu Giang Do

Thu Giang Do, MSc Business & Management, Vietnam

If I had to make my choice again, I’ll still choose Aston, it’s the best choice for me!

I came to Aston because it is a highly ranked university with a good reputation in a great location in Birmingham city. The module outlines and structure for my programme are clear and there is a lot of coursework and group work. The lecturers are really great and it’s important to make effective use of your study hours.

There are lots of different cultures at Aston as well, we talk about everything, different food, travel, customs and behaviours, these can be very funny times!  Whilst at Aston, I’ve also had the opportunity to join the Vietnamese society where I have been involved in the organisation of various events.

I really pleased to have been accepted onto an exchange programme with the University of Florida, this will be a great opportunity for me!

All of the university buildings are on campus which is really convenient. The campus is very close to the city centre and the shops.  There are good transportation links in the city to travel around the rest of the UK.

The staff are really friendly and easy to contact if you need support with anything.

Thao Nguyen Hoang
Thao Nguyen Hoang

Thao Nguyen Hoang, MA European Union & International Relations, Vietnam, International Office Scholarship

I’m having a great time here and should be better able to achieve my goals by being an Aston Graduate. I would definitely recommend studying in the UK and Aston.

The facilities at the university are really great and the staff friendly and helpful. We have our own dedicated computer lab which has restricted swipe access. It’s like having my own office, l also do a lot of studying there too.

I have met a lot of nice students. Because there are a lot of people from other countries here, it is easy to make friends. I have not only improved my English skills, but l am also more confident and independent. If l had stayed in Vietnam l would have missed these experiences.

Aston University was recommended to me by my supervisor. He knew Aston had good taught programmes and a well ranked MA in International Relations. Politics is not that popular in Vietnam so it is good to be studying in a country that has such a lively and historic Parliament.  During lectures we also have discussions about current topics which helps you learn more about the subject you are studying.