Pathway profiles

International Foundation Programme

Pre-masters’ Graduate Diplomas

Pre-sessional English

JYA English Plus

Pathways’ Profiles Profiling the international diversity of students on Kent’s International Pathways

Welcome Welcome to Pathways’ Profiles which provides testimonials from international students studying programmes available through Kent International Pathways

‘Kent International

Pathways at the Centre for English and World Languages designs each pathway with teaching quality and student experience at the heart of every decision’.

Kent International Pathways

CONTENTS CONTACT INFORMATION Kent International Pathways Keynes College University of Kent, Canterbury, Kent CT2 7NP (T) 01227 82 4401 (W) www.kent.ac.uk/ip

EMAIL

Introduction Director’s Welcome

Pathway Overview International Foundation Programme Pre-masters’ Graduate Diploma Pre-sessional English JYA English Plus

General enquiries: cewl@kent.ac.uk

Student Testimonials

International Foundation Programme enquiries: ifpinfo@kent.ac.uk

International Foundation Programme Pre-masters’ Graduate Diploma Pre-sessional English JYA English Plus

Pre-masters’ Graduate Diploma enquiries: premasters@kent.ac.uk Pre-sessional enquiries: presessional@kent.ac.uk

CONNECT WITH KENT INTERNATIONAL PATHWAYS Facebook.com/KentCEWL

Like us on Facebook for the latest news, photos and events.

Twitter.com/Unikentpathways

Follow us on Twitter for up to the minute news and announcements.

Flickr.com/KentCewl

Follow us on Flickr to view stories and photos of our events.

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INTRODUCTION Kent International Pathways at the University of Kent provides a range of pathway programmes for international students. Kent International Pathways offers high quality courses in the International Foundation Programme, Premasters’ Graduate Diploma, Pre-sessional English and JYA English Plus.

This Pathway Profiles booklet is testament to the excellent learning opportunities on provision with each course that Kent International Pathways provides.

DIRECTORS WELCOME

Kent International Pathways at the University of Kent is a dedicated Centre to the provision of pathway programmes. The courses which Kent International Pathways provides are taught by high quality academics that are committed to providing our students with an outstanding education in preparation for their future studies.

Dr. Anthony Manning Director of CEWL & Kent International Pathways

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Kent International Pathways is a Centre which is driven by international excellence, the Guardian University Guide 2014 recently ranked Kent as a top 20 University; this is tribute to the outstanding courses that both Kent International Pathways and the University of Kent provides.

PATHWAY OVERVIEW INTERNATIONAL FOUNDATION PROGRAMME

PRE-SESSIONAL ENGLISH ENGLISH These specially designed courses

The International Foundation Programme (IFP) has been specifically designed to prepare international students for academic study on a wide range of undergraduate degree programmes.

On successful completion of the IFP and by meeting the universities rules of progression, all students are guaranteed entry onto a full undergraduate degree.

prepare international students for study at Kent, developing English language and study skills to meet the level of proficiency required to progress to the students chosen course.

PRE-MASTERS’ GRADUATE DIPLOMA Kent's Graduate Diplomas provide a pre-masters' route for international students who do not directly qualify onto their chosen Masters’ Degree.

The programmes focus on developing academic subject knowledge for postgraduate study whilst improving academic skills and English language proficiency.

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JYA ENGLISH PLUS JYA English PLUS has been designed to meet the needs of students whose first language is not English. It offers a combination of language training, study skills and the opportunity to study academic modules from across the University.

The programme starts with an intensive course called English for Academic Purposes. This helps to develop the language and study skills required for UK academic study. The second part of the programme involves the study of a series of academic modules, offered by a range of schools across the University of Kent.

PATHWAY PROFILES ALEXANDRIA OLTON | TRINIDAD & TOBAGO | INTERNATIONAL FOUNDATION PROGRAMME My name is Alexandria and I’m from Trinidad & Tobago.

I’m studying Psychology & Sociology. Since coming to Kent I have made a lot of new friends, after all, that’s what university is all about. I've met so many different people from all around the world, from countries I never thought I could say I know someone from. It would be fitting if Kent changed its slogan from “The UKs European University" to "The World's University".

There are endless opportunities at Kent. I have been a member of the women’s University Rugby team since 2011. I am now in fact the PR and fundraising officer on the committee. Separate from my Rugby I have also been involved in charity work for the homeless and for breast cancer. I have an avid interest in music and share my interest through my Caribbean radio show on the student radio station - CSR. My lecturers and all the staff at my school are great and always there to provide support and guidance when needed. Playing sports, staying active and being able to join so many different clubs and societies is refreshing. The campus at Kent is also beautiful. Especially in the spring and summer when you can sit out in front the library and study in the sun. This reminds me of home a little. I love everything about Kent.

My home country is Trinidad and Tobago which is a very beautiful twin island nation. I grew up in Trinidad which was an experience like no other; it is such a diverse and cosmopolitan nation. It's amazing how many different cultures exist within the tiny islands and what great tolerance and respect we all as Trinidadians have for each of these cultures. I was fortunate enough to be able to celebrate and understand Diwali, Eid and Christmas before I was 10years old.

If I were to pick any festival in Trinidad it would have to be the carnival, "the greatest show on Earth". Trinidad carnival is a huge celebration and street parade that takes place on the Monday and Tuesday before Ash Wednesday of every calendar year. It consists of "bands" that anyone can join and these "bands" can range from 5000 to 50 people. Everyone pays to join the bands and you receive a carnival costume (mainly a very well hand decorated bikini and head piece for the women with feathers and beads and lots of colours, and board shorts and decorated arm bands and chest bands for the men with similar beads and feathers.) Once in costume and on the street, music and dancing in the sun is constant for two days.

University is a great experience. I recommend all new students to try everything at least once!

Have a great time and make lots of friends. The people you meet will be your friends for life. But always remember why you're here in the first place, to study and earn your degree.

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PATHWAY PROFILES JOHANNA NAHOUS | TRINIDAD & TOBAGO | INTERNATIONAL FOUNDATION PROGRAMME My name is Johanna and I’m from Trinidad & Tobago.

I’m studying Psychology. I enjoy sports, martial arts and I also have interests in the creative arts. I have joined the women's rugby team at the University of Kent and continue to paint in my own time.

I chose to study at Kent because the structure of the foundation course appealed to me. The programme at Kent provides more freedom than the other foundation courses that I looked into. Also the modules on the foundation programme at Kent are well structured with excellent academic and non-academic support. I decided to take a Psychology degree after enjoying a module in the subject in my foundation programme.

The most challenging point of University life for me to date was trying to settle into a new way of life quickly.

However, after being in Kent for a year I am now very comfortable. I have made very close friends, many of whom are international. I have friends from countries across Asia, Europe and from the UK. Trinidad is a very warm, vibrant country. The people in Trinidad are extremely friendly and welcoming to everyone. In February there is a 2 day festival called carnival where thousands of people parade the streets dressed in elaborate costumes. It is 2 full days of national love, where no matter the religion or race of the person, everyone will dance and share moments of happiness together.

I would recommend new University of Kent students to do as much as you possibly can. Join a sports team or a society and get involved in anything and everything. It makes a huge difference to your University experience.

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PATHWAY PROFILES MARINA ABDULLAH | MALAYSIA | INTERNATIONAL FOUNDATION PROGRAMME My name is Marina and I’m from Malaysia.

I’m studying Politics and International Relations. I have always been baffled and yet interested when it came to the political arena in Malaysia, this is despite it being riddled in corruption and racial conflict. I believe that the political issues which Malaysia is facing are perfect examples of why Politics and International Relations go hand in hand with the world today and why this is a good degree to study.

My academic experience with the University of Kent has been great. I have amazing lecturers who are always there to talk to me over a cup of coffee; this is whether we talk about my essays or my academic aspirations. I think this is vital as enthusiastic and passionate lecturers are key to the enjoyment of any module.

I chose Kent for three things. I fell in love with the campus landscape and the panorama overlooking the Cathedral from Tyler Hill. I liked that Kent is known as the UK's European University as I plan to do an exchange sometime during my degree. Finally I enjoy Canterbury’s Historical elements. This is with particular reference to the Cathedral and quaint township.

On campus I have been attending movie marathons, inter-religious talks and music events at the Attic.

Societies often hold events that enable non-members to attend freely; this has allowed me to test out societies without financially committing myself too soon.

Malaysia is all about food & culture. We often formally engage around the idea of food or late night drinks at the ‘Mamak'. The ‘Mamak’ can be compared to pub culture in the UK, in Malaysia it is open 24/7 serving food, non-alcoholic drinks and televising late night football - all day and all night.

I would advise students to take advantage of their library access to pursue leisure reading in related and non-related subjects, this can be surprisingly helpful.

Also, take the time to speak with your lecturers, tutors and academic advisers. They are helpful, encouraging and informative. Speaking with my lecturers made a huge difference when I was confused on whether or not I'd like to do a joint honours in English and Politics & International Relations.

Education is key to everything good. I would love to pursue a PhD.

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PATHWAY PROFILES JIN HO SEO | SOUTH KOREA | PRE-MASTERS’ GRADUATE DIPLOMA My name is Jin and I’m from South Korea.

I’m studying International Business. Having compared Kent to other universities, I found that Kent provides interesting modules that I wanted to study. Further to this, Kent is also renowned for having a strong University reputation. I previously studied at MLS international college in Bournemouth. I complete a degree at the college which helped me to transfer to Kent University.

South Korea is one of the most attractive travel destinations and well known for its high performing education system. People in Korea are very friendly and kind regardless of a person’s age, gender or nationality.

South Korea is a very safe place, visitors travel without having to worry about their wellbeing. Cherry Blossom is a Korean festival in spring which takes place across the country. I particularly enjoy this festival for its extraordinary beauty.

Since studying at Kent University I have made a lot of friends from my course and from different societies and clubs. Many of my new friends come from different nationalities.

After I finish my graduate diploma I wish to carry on studying International Business. I chose to study a Graduate Diploma in order to improve my English academic skills relating to essays and presentations. I believe studying a graduate diploma will help me to achieve better marks once I begin my Masters degree.

For me, one of the biggest challenges of University life has been group work. I previously found working in a new group relatively uneasy and challenging. This is mainly because the effectiveness of a group depends on who you work with and their motivations. Having now engaged in various groups, I have improved my communication skills and managed to develop my ability to motivate others. This is while being able to balance workloads and avoid group disputes. These skills that I have developed will be useful in the future when I am working on group projects within an organisation.

In the future I'd like to get a job which is related to my International Business degree. More specifically, I’d like to be involved with a company which exports products or services in the UK, working with companies based in Korea.

I would advise any new student not to hesitate to contact their teachers when encountering any difficulties. I believe that teachers are always there to help students with whatever issues they may face.

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PATHWAY PROFILES SAHARAT TANGSAJATUM | THAILAND | PRE-MASTERS’ GRADUATE DIPLOMA My name is Saharat and I’m from Thailand.

I’m studying General Managements. One of the reasons why I chose to study at The University of Kent is because Canterbury is a beautiful place, Kent is known as the garden of England and this is for good reason.

I have an avid interest in everything cars. I usually spend my free time watching car reviews on YouTube and reading car magazines. I am really interested in everything that is related to an automotive. Along with cars I really enjoy hanging out with friends and traveling in and around Kent.

There are two particular reasons why I like living in Thailand. The first reason of course is food! In Thailand there are various types of food which you can enjoy for a relatively low price. Along with fantastic foods, Thailand is particularly famous for its tourist attractions.

I regularly visit Thailand’s beaches.

The most interesting festival for Thai people is Songkarn day or Thai New Year. On New Year’s day families will visit their grandparents. After visiting grandparents, it is traditional to splash water at people on your street.

I was studying at Thammasat University before I came to Kent. Thammasat University is a nice place to study. It is a similar sized campus to Kent, the most different thing about Thammasat is the weather. It is very hot!

Temperatures are between 35 - 40 degrees Celsius all year round.

I have made a lot of friends from different cultures since studying at the University of Kent. My friends come from places such as Italy, India and of course the UK. After completing my Graduate Diploma I will read a General Managements master’s degree. I want to study General Managements to gain further knowledge into what is management and how to better manage people and businesses. Once I am graduated I would like to find a job in Thailand, I especially would like to work in the automotive industry.

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PATHWAY PROFILES ZAHARAH ABDUL-HAFIZ | MALAYSIA | PRE-MASTERS’ GRADUATE DIPLOMA My name is Zaharah and I’m from Malaysia.

I’m studying Psychology. The reason why I chose to study at the University of Kent was largely influenced by my father. I love the 1500s century gothic era and am obsessed with the Tudors. Because of this my father recommended Kent. As soon as I saw how beautiful and medieval Canterbury is, I fell in love. The final deal maker for me was the program that the university offered, it was perfect for me.

I have joined a lot of societies at Kent including, the Harry Potter society, Islamic society, Malaysian Society, the Psychology society and I am also thinking of signing up for kickboxing! Through my course and the things I am involved with I have made a lot of friends. Initially I found it difficult to mix with new people and I would stick with people from Malaysia, since then the University has helped me break out of my shell and I now have friends from France, Mauritius, Uzbekistan, Pakistan, Hong Kong and of course friends from the UK. Malaysia is renowned for its beautiful beaches and picturesque sceneries. The country is also home to the famous Petronas Towers and the Rafflesia flower.

However my favourite time of year and my favourite festival has to be Raya. Raya is a religious holiday for Muslims and is celebrated by the whole of Malaysia.

During Raya we visit friends and family in our traditional costumes, baju kurung for women and baju melayu for men. And what is a festival without food? The delicious foods we eat during Raya include roti jala, ketupat, lontong and rendang.

After I finish my Graduate Diploma I will continue onto my Masters in Developmental Psychology. I enjoy working and living on campus very much. Everything is green and so calming. The library is my favourite place to unwind.

I would advise any new student to be a sponge and absorb everything around you. Experience everything, the university has a lot to offer, grab any opportunities you can. Join the societies, make friends and you will have the most fulfilling university experience. Don't be afraid to ask questions. Speak up! The teachers and tutors here are ever ready to help you and give you their utmost attention.

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PATHWAY PROFILES SHAO-CHUN WANG | TAIWAN | PRE-SESSIONAL ENGLISH My name is Shao-Chun and I’m from Taiwan.

I’m studying Logistics and I'm from Taipei in Taiwan, Taipei is a modern and very busy city. I love Kent because it is a beautiful school and it is a good place to study as there are lots of academic teachers who are always willing to help you.

I would advise any new student not to worry too much about different cultures and to simply enjoy life here. I have made many friends at the University of Kent who are from all around the world, including countries such as Thailand and Japan.

Chinese New Year is a vital festival for everyone in Taiwan.

We have a long break over the holiday to celebrate the New Year. During the long holiday each day has a different meaning, the first day of the holiday represents happiness and safety for all of the year in your family. On the second day of the festival my mother will return to my grandmother's house. This is because traditionally once a woman is married she would not be able to return to her family home. Thus, this day is for woman.

There are a lot of night markets in Taipei which you can buy different kinds of food from, these are all very yummy. Along with food markets there are lots of 24hour convenient stores where you can buy food at any time from.

Bubble tea is a delicious drink and the most famous tea in Taiwan, it is a traditional style of tea which everyone really loves.

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PATHWAY PROFILES MAI TSURUTA | JAPAN | JYA ENGLISH PLUS My name is Mai and I’m from Japan.

I’m studying on my Junior Year Abroad. Coming to England and studying abroad has been a great experience for me, my feelings towards different cultures and countries has now changed. When you are abroad I think it is important to be flexible in your thoughts and attempt to adapt to different cultures as quickly as possible.

Having now studied in England, I hope to find a job which relies on me having to use my English. I also want to be mixed with people of different cultures and make use of the experience I have from studying abroad.

Since studying at the University of Kent I have realised that there are many kinds of Japanese cultures which are integrated into other countries. I have also found that a lot of people are interested in Japanese culture.

I chose to study at Kent because I know that a lot of students come to study at this University from around the world. This was appealing to me because I wanted to make friends with people of different cultures to widen my views.

A festival which I particularly look forward to in Japan is our annual fireworks festival which takes place in the summer.

At the festival we enjoy different food stands while we watch the display. Another Japanese festival which I particularly enjoy is called Setsubun, this takes place during February. Setsubun is a festival where people sprinkle soybeans to invite happiness into their life’s and to protect themselves from demons.

My home town is Kobe. Kobe is a multicultural city which hosts a lot of people from overseas; because of this Kobe has many international restaurants which is fantastic because it means I can eat delicious foods from other countries.

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CONNECT WITH KENT INTERNATIONAL PATHWAYS Facebook.com/KentCEWL

Like us on Facebook for the latest news, photos and events.

Twitter.com/Unikentpathways

Follow us on Twitter for up to the minute news and announcements.

Flickr.com/KentCewl

Follow us on Flickr to view stories and photos of our events.

Kent International Pathways

Kent International Pathways

Kent International Pathways, Centre for English and World Languages, Keynes College, University of Kent, Canterbury, Kent CT2 7NP, UK T: +44 (0) 1227 82 4401 E:cewl@kent.ac.uk

www.kent.ac.uk/international-pathways