Student profiles from South East Asia

I have confidence in studying a degree in Management in Aston, especially because Aston is one of the best Business Universities in Europe and it can help me to achieve my goals. The working world is increasingly global, and to equip themselves for this international business environment organisations are increasingly seeking graduates whose business and management knowledge, skills and self-confidence make them ‘at home’ in a culturally diverse working environment. The International Business Management course in Aston is designed to equip me to address the challenges of managing and leading in a multi-cultural and globalised business environment. It develops my understanding of how businesses operate internationally, the challenges managers face in culturally diverse organisations and the management skills I must develop in order to be successful. This degree meshes the essential ‘must know’ elements of business with a profound understanding of the role and functions of international management.

I have experienced a range of teaching methods including lectures, tutorials, group-working, case studies and both individual and group presentations. Traditional teaching is supported by a virtual learning environment that is used to host a range of electronic supporting materials. For example all business students undertake the Business Game module and compete in teams in a computer simulation exercise that culminates in a presentation to a panel of external employers. Assessment is provided by a mix of coursework and examination.

Aston designs a wide range of fantastic teaching methods, which offers a core strategic management focus within an international business context and has been developed in response to demand by alumni and our own advisory panel of international employers.

Currently, my dream is to become a Chief Executive Officer of an organization in the UK or another country, and I believe that being at Aston together with the hard work I input into my degree, I will b successful in achieving that degree. I am also considering after having gained considerable experience, to go back to Vietnam and take over my father’s business. The opportunity of experiencing university life in the UK will not only give me a chance to develop on a personals level and develop my skills and abilities but it will also give me a chance to contribute to the wellbeing of the general society. Aston helps me achieve my goal by being a great supporter. Aston has successfully blended its traditional roots with a progressive approach to teaching and learning. Its history has been one of academic excellence, where research informs high quality learning and teaching. I believe that completing my degree at Aston will prepare me to meet the demands and challenges of today’s world and will prepare me for a successful and rewarding career.

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.

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.

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.

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.