Student Case Studies
Tony Han, (China) now studies at Imperial College University, London (Aeronautical Engineering)
“I came to Newcastle college at 2006 to learn A-Level course. As I expected, this college is one of the biggest in UK, great location with a friendly atmosphere in campus.
As i am an overseas student, I received a lot of help from the International Office about accomodation, travelling, advice about courses and so on, all the staff are easy to talk to and helpful.
At the end of my first academic year, I was elected as the new International Officer at Newcastle College Student Union for my second year. In this role I orgnised an international society group to help international students enjoy their free time outside college, try to solve issues raised by international students, and participate in organising parties for them. It is my privilelge to be international officer at this college.
As I'm approaching my graduation in this college, I would like to say thanks to my teachers at college and staff in the International Office who have offered me so much help, I had a fantastic experience at this college.”
James Wong, (Hong Kong) now studies at University of Manchester (Medicine):
“I am writing to tell you how pleased I was with the level of education Newcastle College gave me, particularly with regard to the excellent service offered by the International Office.
Newcastle responded to our numerous queries immediately, and was so helpful and efficient - it felt like we were royalty studying in a top class college. All my worries and anxieties about my education abroad disappeared as I knew it was in capable hands.
Without doubt, the effort, the manner, and the exceptional levels of education that Newcastle offered made it the best day of our collegiate lives.
Needless to say, I give Newcastle the highest recommendation to all our friends."
Lucy Nguyen (Vietnam) studied A’ levels applied to Durham University (Science)
“I was lucky to get help from Newcastle College International Office. They helped me find my way and settle down in a new city. I made friends with many people from different countries. When I started my course the teachers usually gave me extra help since English is not my first language. They were willing to answer all my questions not only in the lessons but also outside the class room. Thanks to them now I have received an offer from Durham University, one of the best universities in the UK. I do really appreciate all their help.
There are many computing facilities so I can keep in touch with my family by using email and find information which was relevant to my course.
Generally speaking, studying at Newcastle College was an excellent experience. If I had a chance to choose again, I’d not hesitate to choose Newcastle College”
Pham Trang studying the International Diploma in hospitality…
...has successfully been taken on at the prestigious Marriot Hotel Chain at the Metro centre branch Newcastle.
Initially, she says that she applied as a breakfast waitress but “when they looked at my CV they started me on a Food and Beverage Internship where now I am being trained as a training supervisor at the Rare Bar and Grill after only 6 months”
Trang will stay there until December where she will finish off her completion year at Newcastle College. “To be honest I was very surprised that I have achieved so much and am really enjoying it!”
Kudzai Pauline Chinamasa (Africa) studying BSc Business Management, at Newcastle College, (accredited by Leeds Metropolitan University)
I wanted to study at Newcastle College because of the availability of the course that I wanted at a reasonable cost. I also wanted to experience the rich cultural diversity in England as well as a world recognised qualification upon completion. It was recommended to me by a lot of people, plus I loved the photos that I saw of the place. It looked appealing and lovely.
The south is expensive and the lifestyle is not affordable, especially if you come into this country as an international student. Newcastle is cheaper, beautiful and very affordable.
I like business, plus I grew up in a business orientated family. I also chose it because I want to gain knowledge so that one day I can start my own business or expand our family businesses. All tutors are exceptional and willing to help. I have all the assistance that I need all the time. It was nice and challenging, it was full of scope. It is full of exciting modules that have added value to my life and has made me confident and optimistic about my life.
I made friends, learnt more about the British culture, had an open mind and focused on making the most of this opportunity. I also visited all the places that were recommended by the international students’ office, they were excellent; I found them all willing to help, from picking you up at the airport, finding accommodation for you, making you feel at home and arranging events that are exciting.
I would like to further my studies to a master’s program (MBA) when I finish my current degree. Then I hope to find an appropriate job in my specialist area of study.
GO FOR IT! It is a once in a life time opportunity that will add value to the person you will become whilst at Newcastle College. You will grow up with a life changing experience which is invaluable.
Ali Al-Najjar was offered a place at Newcastle University, and is currently studying Finance with Business.
Ali had heard great things about the college from his brother and friends who were already living in Newcastle before him, and was attracted to the good “quality of life in the North East”.
Ali enjoyed his course and felt it was a good institution to go to, to progress to University by doing a foundation degree which he found extremely “worthwhile”.
When he first arrived, the international office helped him settle in by assist him to organise his medical and banking services in the city.
Ali enjoyed the progressive sports facilities the College offers and has a good relationship with his tutor to the extent that he keeps in regular contact with them. He begins university in September and feels the many friends he has made while at the College will help his transition into his new course.
Arsalan Qureshi, now studying Aerospace Engineering at University.
“I was attracted to studying in England because of Newcastle College; it is the largest college in the country and is much nicer than London, less crowded”.
Arsalan had heard about the college in his home country of Pakistan and through friends who were already living in the area and felt that the large size of the institution was a very positive indicator of a successful business that would act professionally and with care towards his studies.
He studied an Aerospace Engineering course with the college and was excited as very few other places offered this course which he found even better than expected because of the helpful and welcoming nature of his lecturers and their “very high teaching standard”. He hopes that his time at the College will enable him to fulfil his dream of being an aerospace engineer and is well on his way as he is currently studying an Aerospace Engineering Diploma at University.
Brigitte Ndela, was offered a place at Nottingham University to study criminology.
When Interviewed Brigitte commented on the family atmosphere the college has and the encouraging nature of the lecturing staff who, she commented, were one of her best and abiding memories of her time in study here. She would definitely encourage her friends and family to undertake a course of study at the college.
Brigitte became involved in the Students Union and Duke of Edinburgh scheme the college encourages its students to participate in through which; she learned new transferable skills that have helped her progress into higher education.
After she has finished her degree in criminology brigitte plans to do an Ma. in education.
Thanh Hai Nguyen, (Vietnam) now studies at Durham University (Business & Finance).
Thanh’s friend’s who were already at the college before he arrived encouraged him to come and study because of their positive experiences of life here, this was supported by his knowledge of the college in his home country as an established institution.
When he arrived he was not disappointed and found the college to be larger and more modern than he had initially expected.
He studied A-levels as he believed they were the best route to progress to University and the good links he knew the college had with other higher education institutions consolidated his decision to study here.
He found his tutor “…very good, friendly and helpful”, he stays in contact with them and his other friends that he made through the College, he thinks of these as his favorite memories from his time here and says he would definitely encourage other friends and relatives to come here.
When asked in interview if there was one thing that would have made his stay at the college better he replied… “nothing, perfect”!
Yu Jing (China), Studying Accounting, Business Finance and Management at the University of York
“I really valued the help and responsibility given to me whilst at Newcastle College. I studied IT, Business Studies and Mathematics modules as part of the International Foundation Programme (IFP). I gained theoretical and practical knowledge and have been able to experience the English culture and environment. It has been a really good start to my career and a new life in a foreign country. Studying overseas creates a wonderful environment for you to exchange academic knowledge, practical experiences and spiritual thoughts. It has laid a strong foundation for my subsequent progression.”
Chi Zhang (China), now studying a Masters in Engineering at Newcastle University
“Studying at Newcastle College has been one of the best choices in my life! I studied the International Foundation Program (IFP) which included Maths, Applied Physics and IT modules. I really enjoyed the course and found the staff kind and very helpful which stopped me from feeling so homesick.
I enjoyed volunteering in the International Office whilst I studied; it gave me lots of experience and the chance to make a lot of new friends from countries all over the world.
The IFP is accepted by most universities throughout the UK, so most of my classmates and I received more than four offers from universities such as the University of York, University of Edinburgh, Newcastle University and Durham University. I chose to further my studies at the University of Newcastle because I love the city and I was offered a four year Masters of Engineering Degree course with a £3,000 scholarship given for each year.”