Nguyen Quang Huy - Vietnam
“The time you spend at Cardiff University will be unforgettable.”
Nguyen comes from Vietnam and is studying Accounting and Finance. After graduating he hopes to get a position in one of the top international firms in the financial industry, following an ACCA qualification.
1) Could you briefly introduce yourself? (Name, school, degree, country, year of study)
My full name is Nguyen Quang Huy. My home town is Saigon, Vietnam. I am starting my final year at Cardiff Business School, studying BSc Accounting and Finance.
2) Why did you choose Cardiff?
One of the reasons I chose to study at Cardiff University was because of its reputation. Cardiff University Business School is among the top for its teaching quality, facilities and student satisfaction. Cardiff is the capital of Wales and is affordable compared to other cities in the UK.
3) Tell us about being the first Vietnamese IFP scholarship winner?
It was such an honour to be the first Vietnamese student to win an IFP scholarship. I was surprised when I received the scholarship letter from Cardiff University and felt full of joy and proud.
4) Tell us about your course. How is it different to classes back home?
I am studying Accounting and Finance at Cardiff Business School. After lectures, students are divided into small groups of 10-15 for tutorials. The tutorials are a chance to practice exercises and ask lecturers any questions. However, most of your time is taken up by self-study and reading books.
5) What you have enjoyed most about studying at Cardiff University?
Students are offered plenty of opportunities to improve their employability, to make friends from around the world, to enjoy their hobbies and to express themselves.
6) What is the best thing about living in Cardiff?
Everything you need is just around the corner! Your course mates may only live a 5-minute walk away and no matter where you go taxi fares will hardly ever be more than £5.
7) Are you a member of any clubs and/or societies? What’s it like to be part of a society?
I have been part of the Badminton Club for 3 years, Trading Society for 2 years and have just joined the Photography Society. It is great when you can meet up with people who share the same hobbies!
8) How has the University supported you during your time here?
Every student is assigned a personal tutor and a student mentor who they can approach for advice on academic and personal issues. My personal tutor has helped me during the exam periods when I struggled to find reading materials. The International Student Support department were also very helpful when I was preparing my CV.
9) What would be your advice for prospective students thinking about coming to Cardiff?
The time you spend at Cardiff University will be unforgettable.
10) What are your plans for the future?
I would like to get a position in one of the top international firms in the financial industry, following an ACCA qualification.
Jessy Lee – Malaysia
“The city is perfect for students and young professionals!”
Jessy comes from Malaysia and is doing her pharmacy degree. After graduating, she hopes to do her pre-registration year in the UK and obtain a few years of work experience before heading back to Malaysia to work.
1) Why did you choose Cardiff?
I chose Cardiff because of its academic excellence. It is one of the UK’s leading research- intensive universities and the pharmacy school is ranked one of the top in the UK. Besides that, it is a vibrant, safe and affordable city perfect for students and young professionals!
2) Tell us about your course. How is it different to classes back home?
The difference is I’m required to do more independent and self- directed study compared to classes back home. This makes me think outside the box and acquire more knowledge. Also, I can access the online library sources which make it easier for me to do research.
3) What you have enjoyed most about studying at Cardiff University?
I have really enjoyed my student life here. There are always fun things to do and discover ranging from the world’s largest coal exporting port, Cardiff Bay and the Brecon Beacon’s.
4) What is the best thing about living in Cardiff?
Everywhere is so close by! Being a relatively small city, the centre is compact which makes everywhere accessible by foot. Most of the restaurants, shops and attractions are within a short distance.
5) Are you a member of any clubs and/or societies? What’s it like to be part of a society?
I’m a member of the Malaysian Society (MSSCF) and recently had the opportunity to take part in the award- winning Festival of Diversity. It was an amazing experience. I feel that joining a society is the best way to meet new people who share your interests while having fun.
6) How has the University supported you during your time here?
The university staff have been really helpful with any queries. The lecturers are also very happy to help if you have any questions about the lecture materials or assignments.
7) What would be your advice for prospective students thinking about coming to Cardiff?
Cardiff is an amazing city to study in. Coupled with friendly people from diverse backgrounds, it has everything to offer to make the most out of your student life here.
8) What are your plans for the future?
After graduating, I hope to do my pre- registration year in the UK and obtain a few years of work experience before heading back to Malaysia to work.
Nour Alnaaji – Jordan
“The university is great academically, being placed very high in the University rankings, and the city has a lot to offer.”
Nour comes from Jordan and is studying Business Management. After graduating she hopes to carry on with a postgraduate degree.
1) Why did you choose Cardiff?
Cardiff University has a strong reputation, as a member of the Russell group. When doing my research for universities to apply for, Cardiff captured my attention as a city that has so much to offer. The student population is high, and there is something for everyone. I chose Cardiff because of its diversity.
2) Tell us about your course. How is it different to classes back home?
I am studying Business Management. The course differs from classes back at home as it offers a vast amount of career opportunities. It holds talks by entrepreneurs, career information sessions and even career fairs. The course also offers a scheme called "Business management with integrated work scheme". This gives people the opportunity to go on placement during the second semester of their second year. Besides the great career support, the course also ensures application of theory, through independent or group coursework, or sometimes even through promoting related opportunities locally.
3) What you have enjoyed most about studying at Cardiff University?
I have definitely enjoyed my studies; however I have enjoyed the extracurricular activities the most! Cardiff University offers a variety of societies and clubs, and even career related extracurricular activities, which are a great way of making friends and learning new skills.
4) What is the best thing about living in Cardiff?
The best thing about living in Cardiff is the friendliness of the city. Cardiff also has a very high student population and great sights such as the Cardiff castle, St. Fagans or Pen-y-Fan.
5) Are you a member of any clubs and/or societies? What’s it like to be part of a society?
I am a member of the Tennis society and photography society. During my first year at university I was also part of the Model United Nations Society. Being part of a society is great because you can meet people with similar interests and can establish great friendships! It is also interesting as some societies organize various events throughout the year, visiting areas of Cardiff or enjoying restaurants and pubs in the city centre! It creates a great balance between your academic work and social activities!
6) How has the University supported you during your time here?
The University’s support has been great even before arriving Cardiff! The university has trained teams in specific areas where students may need help such as financial issues, student advice, career centres etc. The university has supported me with advice when I have needed it and the friendly staff have made any issue I’ve had very easy to overcome! The University has been great at supporting me to develop my career skills, through offering a range of employability events and even work experience!
7) What would be your advice for prospective students thinking about coming to Cardiff?
My advice would be to come to Cardiff as it has got so much to offer! The university is great academically, being placed very high in the University rankings, and the city has a lot to offer. I also advise students not to stress about coming to Cardiff, the staff and students here are happy to help with any issues.
8) What are your plans for the future?
My plans at the moment are to carry on with a postgraduate degree, as I think it would be valuable for career opportunities. Currently I am very career focused, ensuring I make the most out of each opportunity the University gives me.
Yetunde Amodu – Nigeria
“The University has benefitted me greatly, by exposing me to a lot of opportunities.”
Yetunde comes from Nigeria; she plans to pursue a Master's degree in Corporations Law or Business Law. She has recently gained admission into New York University America. After that, she intends to go back to Nigeria for Law School to get acquainted with the legal system.
1) Why did you choose Cardiff?
Cardiff University appealed to me from the first time I saw it online. I saw its academic ranking and read its reviews. I felt it was a nice, small student city which would be best for a newbie like me, who had never left the shores of Africa. It was my first choice in 2012, and if asked to do another Law degree, I would definitely choose Cardiff again.
2) Tell us about your course. How is it different to classes back home?
I study LLB Law and am in my final year. So far, it has been good- stressful but good. Like all other courses, it’s all about effective reading and proper time management.
3) What you have enjoyed most about studying at Cardiff University?
I especially like the way modules are organized and delivered to help one understand the theoretical and practical aspects of each course- things are taught in a way that will be relevant to a lawyer’s life after exams!
I enjoy many innumerable things about studying here, the teachers and the way the lectures, tutorials and coursework are structured makes life easy for me. The environment is ideal for learning and the facilities and resources provided to complement the course are excellent. One can do well in school, take up part-time work, and also partake in extracurricular activities- it is all about achieving the right balance!
4) What is the best thing about living in Cardiff?
I like the quiet, but vibrant nature of the city. The mornings are cool, but the nights are wild, as in nights out, clubbing etc. The cost of living is low, and everywhere is within walking distance so no need to spend so much money on transport, like in other major cities!
5) Are you a member of any clubs and/or societies? What’s it like to be part of a society?
Yes, I am a member of AIESEC and Afro-Carribean Society. Such societies promote cultural diversity, and togetherness.
AIESEC is an internationally recognized society, where we strive to better ourselves and make the world a better place. Our main activity is to recruit interns from UK and other parts of the world to participate in global exchange and community service development programs.
We are divided into groups where we learn how to specialize in different business activities and enhance our business skills. All in all, I feel like I am part of a big happy family, where I learn a whole lot about developing my leadership and transferable skills, plus I get to socialize too!
The Afro-Carribean Society, as the name indicates, is all about promoting the African and Carribean culture. Being part of this society makes me feel closer to home; I have the opportunity to meet other Africans and I am able to learn how they speak, dance, what they eat, and get accustomed to their ways of life in general. This society makes me appreciate the beauty of Africa more, by taking me back to the roots through their traditional shows, and art events held throughout the year like the popular ROOTS and Afrogene events.
6) How has the University supported you during your time here?
The University has benefitted me greatly in many ways, by exposing me to a lot of opportunities. I now speak better and I am more knowledgeable in many areas. I feel more confident knowing I can go almost anywhere in the world, communicate effectively, and present myself and the University in the best light!
The Law School has also given me two generous Merit scholarships of £3000 in my 2nd and 3rd year due to my academic achievements, without me applying for them! This has greatly helped me (a little extra pocket money) and I feel I am helping my family, in the little way I can.
7) What would be your advice for prospective students thinking about coming to Cardiff?
’Don’t think about it, just come’. Both Cardiff as a city and University are one of the best places in the world to live in; the world just does not know it yet.
8) What are your plans for the future?
After my LLB, I plan to pursue a Master’s degree in Corporations Law or Business Law. After that, I intend to go back to Nigeria for Law School to get acquainted with the legal system. I will likely end up as a corporate lawyer in one of the big Nigerian firms, or return overseas, to become qualified too; and hopefully live happily ever after.
Alex Calvert – United States
“Cardiff University has given me a great amount of support as an international student”
Alex comes from California, USA and is studying an MSc Econ International Relations. After graduating this year she is hoping to stay and work in Cardiff. Alex has been working in one of the university offices and has found that there are so many opportunities to gain experience in Cardiff.
Why did you choose Cardiff?
I had visited Cardiff and fell in love with all it has to offer as a capital city. When it came time to applying for courses, I decided to visit again, and was led around the campus on a personal tour by a member of the international office. It was then that Cardiff University became my first choice. There was so much energy with all the students bustling around and I was able to see where I would be on a day-to-day basis. I could really imagine myself using the facilities, from the library to the Student’s Union.
Tell us about your course. How is it different to classes back home?
As a student of International Relations, I feel like for the first time, I am gaining a truly international perspective. Not only have my professors challenged me to approach the subject differently, but I have learnt from my course mates, as we are all from different cultural and educational backgrounds. I think that there is a huge bonus in pursuing an education internationally, and Cardiff University has given me a great amount of support as an international student.
What you have enjoyed most about studying at Cardiff University?
What I’ve really enjoyed about being a student at Cardiff, is being a part of a culturally diverse university and getting to know people I would not have met. Additionally, watching rugby matches at the millennium stadium and enjoying tea and Welsh cakes by the castle are such fun ways to experience the culture of Wales.
What is the best thing about living in Cardiff?
The best thing about Cardiff is that it is a major city, but is smaller in comparison to other capital locations. It has so much to offer, from public events to restaurants and shopping, but it never feels overwhelming or impersonal. I really enjoy the beautiful parks and public spaces, but can also appreciate the great dining and vibrant nightlife. I always feel like there is so much more to see and do.
Are you a member of any clubs and/or societies? What’s it like to be part of a society?
The first experience I remember after coming to Cardiff was walking through the societies fair. I was blown away by how many and how diverse the societies were. I quickly picked several that sounded interesting before realizing that there was another room with even more. This year, I have really enjoyed being a member of the Yoga Society, and have found it to be an inexpensive and fun way to work out while also meeting new friends. There are so many good student organizations, that it is just a matter of what you are interested in and how many you have time to be a part of.
How has the University supported you during your time here?
The Student’s Union has so much to offer in the way of services. When I first arrived there were special events and trips scheduled to help new students meet others with shared interests or backgrounds. I have also been impressed with the staff and how approachable my professors have been. Coming from a large public university in the past, I had very little interaction with my lecturers and found Cardiff University to be a welcome change. They really take the time to know our interests and academic strengths, so that class discussions are stimulating for everyone.
What would be your advice for prospective students thinking about coming to Cardiff?
I would advise prospective students to take advantage of all the university has to offer, from the free seminars and workshops, Jobshop and volunteering opportunities, events, trips and entertainment hosted by the Student’s Union. Cardiff University is a great, energetic setting to get involved and make your educational experience memorable. I would also say to try to plan for friends and family to come visit if possible. Cardiff is a fun, cultural city and its location to other travel destinations makes it perfect for hosting.
What are your plans for the future?
As a current Postgraduate student on a one-year program, I am hoping to stay and work in Cardiff after I finish my dissertation. I have met so many great people and I still have friends and family hoping to come and visit so I don’t feel ready to go home yet. I have been working in one of the university offices and have found that there are so many opportunities to gain experience in Cardiff.
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