A BIG STEP
I always knew I wanted to study abroad after completing my bachelor’s degree, but deciding where to go was the most difficult part for me. Luckily, one of my Internet research sessions led me to find Across the Pond. With the help of my advisor I found several schools in the UK that offered graduate programs I was interested in. I applied to several programs, but finally decided to attend Oxford Brookes for their MA Publishing.
Oxford Brookes appealed to me for a number of reasons: their student satisfaction rating was very high on a number of different websites, the lecturers on the publishing program had a history of industry experience, and the modules listed for the degree seemed directly relevant to the field. I wanted a master’s program that would help me gain industry experience as quickly as possible, and the Brookes MA has really lived up to my expectations. Already by the end of my first semester I had secured a work experience placement. I have since also acquired two volunteer positions related to publishing. If you want to learn the skills you need to be a publisher and have supportive teachers and advisors to help you get experience in the industry, I’ve found both through the MA Publishing at Oxford Brookes.
Some of the courses I’ve taken for my MA include an editorial module (with a proofreading tutorial), a marketing module, and a module covering design and production for publishing. In my second semester I am currently studying my elective modules: New Product Development (an editorial-based course), Rights Management, and Children’s Publishing. During this semester we are also required to submit a proposal for our final dissertation or major project that will be completed over the summer to finish the course.
I moved to Oxford just a week before the start of classes for my degree, in mid-September. I found it to be a beautiful city full of old buildings and rich history, and also quite a change from the busy urban setting where I had studied for my bachelor’s in Canada. While it may not have all the amenities of a big city like London or Toronto, the transit is easy to use, the city centre has decent shopping and there are loads of nice places to eat.
Oxford may not be a big city, but it is a very expensive place to live. Once you add up the cost of rent, utilities, food, and a transit pass, staying in residence starts to seem a little appealing. The postgraduate residence where I chose to stay (Clive Booth Student Village) ended up being the most cost-effective for me as the fees covered everything from Internet to a local bus pass, plus the location was close to all of the campus sites I needed to access for classes.
One of the nice things about my program in particular is that we are offered the chance to participate in school-coordinated travel to book fairs all over Europe. I had a chance to attend the Frankfurt Book Fair in Germany, and I will also be attending the Bologna Book Fair in Italy later this year. There are lots of places to see near Oxford as well, just an hour or two away by bus or train. Many of my classmates go to Bath on weekends, or take the bus to London. If you’re from Canada or America where the norm is traveling for a long time but getting nowhere, the UK is a pleasant change, because a two-hour train ride can get you to Paris! Travel is definitely one of the perks of studying in the UK… when your classes afford you the time, of course.
Everything about moving from Canada to the UK was a big step for me, and working with an advisor from Across the Pond helped ease the process a little bit. It was reassuring to know I could ask my advisor whenever I had a question about my school choices, my applications, or my VISA, and I would always get a prompt response. I also found the documents provided to me just before my move, like the Pre-Departure Guide, helped prepare me a little more for what life would be like in England. To any new student looking to study at Oxford Brookes, my advice would be to put yourself out there! Especially in the field of publishing, meeting people is the best way to gain experience, learn new things, and get access to resources (for example, those sought-after internships)!
There are some really good resources available at Brookes, from the lecturers themselves to the careers centre, librarians, and the Brookes Union. If you’re going to make an international move for school, make the most of all the new experiences, and talk to people! It can be hard to be sociable at first in a new place surrounded by new people, but I found the MA Publishing students to be a very international and very friendly group.
Taking a risk is worth it!
FROM ALL AROUND THE WORLD
The best thing about the course is where all the students come from. We literally come from all around the world and everybody has so many different experiences to share.
LOUGHBOROUGH IS REALLY DIVERSE
Leaving home and travelling across the Atlantic to come and study in the UK I wanted to make sure I was choosing the best place possible to study. I spent 4 months researching the rankings of the course and university as well as the location in terms of travelling within Europe. My first impressions of the Loughborough campus upon arrival was that it was very pretty and reminded me of home, coming from a small town myself.
The professors here at Loughborough are incredibly passionate about their subject areas and this helps motivate the students in class particularly when the professors are referencing their own research. Our very first lecture was by Professor Clyde Williams, he has a building named after him on campus – so is a pretty big deal in Sports Science!
The other aspect of my course (MSc Exercise Physiology) I really enjoy is the fact that we are taught by different Professors specialising in their subject area, rather than one professor covering lots of subjects. I am also very impressed by the safety of the campus, with 24 hour security and being located near to a small town I feel very safe walking around at night. Plus the facilities on the campus mean everything is accessible; a medical centre, pharmacy, dentist, opticians and hairdressers all on campus – alongside shops and restaurants. I can also get my grocery shopping delivered to my accommodation which is great!
When I first moved into my hall of residence I was pleased to see that Loughborough University is really diverse – all of my 7 roommates come from different countries and are studying different degrees, this has really helped me to make friends outside of my course.
AN EXPERIENCE LIKE NO OTHER
Moving to another country is, at first, both scary and exciting. You’re moving away from who and what you know. But it is an experience like no other, and one that everyone should have if they get the opportunity. I’m studying at the University of Kent, which is in the historic Canterbury, only about a two hour bus ride from London. There is a lot of wonderful history to explore in the city centre, as well as many shops and pubs. It’s not that far from different beautiful coastal towns like Whitstable and Dover. There is also a ferry from Dover to Calais in France that is extremely cheap for foot passengers, so it’s easy to go exploring in your spare time. The university itself is fantastic as well. The graduate student accommodations are excellent, at Woolf College you get your own bathroom which is probably my favourite part! There are lots of places to eat, drink, and socialize on campus so you never have to go far. And of course, there are lots of places to study, so you’ll never have to fight for a study area. I’m studying International Relations, and one of my favourite things about it so far is the diversity among the professors and the students. Everyone has different backgrounds and brings different perspectives to the classes, which makes it more rewarding. While it is always more expensive to be an international student, you definitely get your moneys’ worth in education. There are also services to help international students find part time jobs if you need one. Across The Pond helped me to figure out if going to another country to do my Master's was for me. They help with the planning, the actual application, and the steps that it will take you to move to another country. The support they give you, especially with the visa applications, is invaluable. I’m not sure I would have even bothered to apply if it wasn’t for them! Once you get to the university though, it is up to you to make the most of it. If I could give one piece of advice to prospective students that are about to go aboard, I would say make sure you attend every welcome event that you can and make sure to get involved.
A FRIENDLY, CREATIVE AND WELCOMING COMMUNITY
Why Falmouth?
Having visited Falmouth a few times before coming to Falmouth University, I knew that I loved the town. There is such a friendly, creative and welcoming community at both the University and in Falmouth, it was an easy choice.
What is the most difficult thing about being an international student?
Because I lived in England before coming to Falmouth, I haven’t missed home any more than usual. I’m just really excited to be here!
How have you found the course?
In just the first 2 months of my course, I have learned so much - not just about textiles but about how I work and develop ideas. Even though it has been a lot of information and work in a short space of time, I’ve felt excited about the new opportunities to create. The tutors and technicians have been so helpful, supportive and motivating right from the beginning.
The Academic School?
The library has been the most lovely resource. It is all too easy to get lost exploring the journal collections!
What social activities do you enjoy?
My friends and I have started a Sunday night dinner club. The discussion is usually focused on everyone’s course work, and it’s nice to hear about other courses. In the end, we are all influenced by each other.
What’s the best thing about living in Falmouth?
Being next to the sea. I love being able to walk to the beach whenever I please, it’s such a treat!
What will you miss most about Falmouth?
The friendly and welcoming atmosphere - of the town and the university.
Has the University been supportive?
Yes. The international office has been so helpful and lovely. When I was sorting out my visa from Canada, they were there to answer any questions that I had (there were quite a few).
The future?
Now that I’m here, I don’t want to leave! I’d love to go onto an MA after this.
