The appeal of the UK
There are no sun-drenched beaches, the food can’t compare to much of Europe, public transport is a glimpse into hell and a cup of coffee can bankrupt you. Yet the UK continues to draw more international students to its universities than ever. According to the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA), the number of students studying in the UK from EU member states is continuing to rise; particularly students from Poland which saw a 56% increase from 4,325 students in 2005/06 to 6,770 students in 2006/07.
Iga Koczorowska, a student from Poland, has just graduated from Middlesex University with a first class degree in Journalism. I spoke to Iga to find out what exactly motivated her to come and study in a country that was unfamiliar to her, and what she thinks the UK has to offer students from afar.
What made you choose the UK to study?
I chose the UK because I was learning English and wanted to improve it. At first, I just wanted to spend a year here and then go back to Poland and study English at university, but when I found out that I had a pretty good chance of getting a place at an English university I gave it a try and was successful.
How different is the UK’s education system compared with Poland?
It is extremely different in terms of discipline. In Poland, we have the same levels of schools as here: primary, secondary and universities, but the rigour is much stricter. From primary school, pupils have to study hard in order to advance to the next class and they are always assessed through tests and exams, which get more difficult the older they are. Secondary schools are very challenging and when it comes to universities, they only admit the best of the best.
What do you think the UK has to offer students from foreign countries?
The UK is a wonderful country when it comes to educating foreign students. The British are very understanding and tolerant. The ESOL and EFL courses are a great opportunity for people like me to learn English and then progress on to further education and then eventually a career. I think the most vital thing the UK has to offer is its education.
Did you find the course staff and other students welcoming?
The staff on my course were all wonderful people – very supportive, understanding and helpful. They understood my needs and always made me feel equal. As for the other students on my course, I have to admit there was only a handful I could call welcoming; the majority was rather indifferent.
Did you ever have doubts that you made the wrong decision?
Both decisions to come to England and to study journalism were good ones. Even though I have always missed my family and friends, the experiences and knowledge I gained here are invaluable. As for the journalism course, I found it very enriching, despite the fact that I want to change the direction of my further education slightly and focus more on magazine design rather that print journalism, the course was vital in discovering that the design part of journalism was something I was good at and enjoyed the most.
Was it the first time you visited the UK?
Yes. When I came here, I studied English for a year and passed all the English entry exams to university and then I was accepted to Middlesex University.
