Arnaud Ekonde

Could you tell us a bit about yourself, your background or why you chose to study at Newcastle College University Centre?

I’m an international student at Newcastle College University Centre, originally from Cameroon, currently in my third year of an Honours Degree in Mechanical Manufacturing Engineering. My passion for Engineering, coupled with my desire to innovate within the mechanical manufacturing sector, led me study this course as I believe the University Centre has one of the most cutting-edge courses available.

What benefits do you think there are in studying at Newcastle College University Centre?

Speaking as an international student, a major benefit in choosing to study at Newcastle College University Centre is the lower academic fees compared to other UK universities.

What has your experience of studying a degree at Newcastle College University Centre as an international student been like?

Studying at Newcastle College University Centre has been challenging, but definitely enriching. Adapting to a new educational system and an unfamiliar culture while staying focused on my studies required a lot of effort at times. Fortunately, the community I’ve built in the University Centre has been a big help – my classmates and friends, the tutors in my faculty and the International Team have all been really supportive whenever I’ve been struggling, and that’s made my personal journey much smoother.

What was the application process for Newcastle College University Centre like, in your experience?

The application process for Newcastle College University Centre was thorough, but thankfully quite straightforward. It took a bit of time to gather all the necessary documents, and making sure they all had the right information and the forms were filled out properly took a lot of attention to detail. Thankfully, the International Team were all very responsive and willing to help with any issues I had, and the clarity they provided to the process as a whole was very helpful.

How did the International Team help you with your application to study at Newcastle College University Centre, and what support have you received whilst being a student?

From my application to settling into life in Newcastle, the International Team has been a pillar of support. They helped me so much with enquiries about my visa, finding accommodation in Newcastle and details of my student orientation, which made the transition to life in the UK much easier. The fact that every member of the International Team is willing to respond to our emails and messages shows just how much the staff at Newcastle College University Centre cares about every individual student and go out of their way to make sure we have the best experience possible.

Tell us about how you have worked with industry whilst studying your degree (i.e. talks, live briefs, projects, etc.).

My degree has offered quite a few opportunities to interact with the local industry. The main point of contact with industry employers has been by working on live briefs throughout my degree, which have included (for example) engineering design challenges. We’ve also had major employers in the local engineering industry come in to give guest lectures or workshops, which have been really insightful and provided a new perspective on the challenges of working in engineering today.

What has been the biggest challenge for you, either before or whilst studying for your degree?

My biggest challenge was definitely adapting to a new educational and cultural environment by moving to the UK. Coming somewhere so far from home, which was also so different to what I was used to, took some getting used to! It was challenging navigating these changes while still maintaining my record for academic excellence – it required a lot of resilience and good time management skills. Luckily for me, the International Team was always on hand to help and were really supportive, which made overcoming these challenges a lot easier.

What inspires you?

I’m inspired by the potential to innovate and contribute to sustainable manufacturing practices in engineering. The idea of creating efficient, eco-friendly manufacturing solutions for the future drives my academic and career aspirations.

What have you enjoyed most about living in the UK?

I’ve enjoyed the multicultural environment and historical richness in the UK and within Newcastle College University Centre itself. The opportunity to meet people from various backgrounds and expand my horizons has really enriched my experience. I’ve also appreciated the educational excellence I’ve had the chance to experience during my degree studies at the University Centre.

How do you feel that your degree at Newcastle College University Centre has prepared you for the future?

My Honours Degree at Newcastle College University Centre has equipped me with a strong foundational base of knowledge and skills in Mechanical Manufacturing Engineering that I wouldn’t have been able to achieve without the dedicated, one-to-one support I received from staff at the University Centre. Additionally, my degree was designed to provide the greatest links to industry possible, which was proven by the number of industry guest speakers, workshops and live projects I’ve had access to throughout my degree. Altogether, the high-quality education I have gained at Newcastle College University Centre has absolutely prepared me for a successful career in the engineering sector.

What are your plans after you graduate?

After Graduation, I aim to work within the engineering manufacturing industry, focusing on sustainable design and manufacturing practices. Long-term, I aspire to contribute to innovations in the sector that can enhance efficiency and sustainability in manufacturing, which has the potential to help lots of people around the world.

What would you say to any other international students considering studying a degree at Newcastle College University Centre?

I would definitely recommend studying at Newcastle College University Centre if you’re an international student. The University Centre offers a supportive, friendly environment for all students, with a diverse community of students and staff who all go out of their way to make sure you have everything you need to thrive. It’s also very financially accessible to study here, as the academic course fees for international students are almost the same as the home students’ fees, which is a massive selling point!

Describe your student experience at Newcastle College University Centre in three words.

Challenging, rewarding and enlightening.

What are your top five tips for other international students considering studying a degree at Newcastle College University Centre?

1. Actively engage with the University Centre support services – they’re a big help if you need it, you only need to reach out!

2. Immerse yourself in the UK’s culture and community.

3. Seek careers guidance – make sure you use the HE Careers and Employability Team to build your CV, prepare for interviews and make yourself as attractive as possible to future employers.

4. Manage your time effectively to balance your studies and your personal life.

5. Network with your peers and professionals so you enrich your learning experience.