By Yi SONG from 2007 International Business (2)
I embarked on the journey to Glasgow, United Kingdom on September 8, 2011. At that moment, I officially started my studying career in UK. I was very lucky to catch up the opportunity of economic globalization so that I was able to complete my study in a well-known university.
Obviously, I should tell you something about University of Glasgow. The University of Glasgow is the fourth oldest university in the English-speaking world and one of Scotland's four ancient universities. Located in Glasgow, United Kingdom, this university was founded in 1451 and is often ranked among the world's top 100 universities compiled by various academic authorities. In 2012, Glasgow ranked to its highest ever position, placing 54th in the world and 9th in the UK at the QS World University Rankings. In 2007, the Sunday Times labeled it as "Scottish University of the Year." The university is a member of the Russell Group which represents the highest-ranked public research-based universities in the UK. It is also a member of University 21 the international network of research universities. For me, I am honored to be able to be a student of University of Glasgow.
For Chinese students, they should remember some significant tips to support themselves in applying to study in a British school.
1. How to apply to study in UK
The process of applying to UK independent boarding schools can vary. Some UK independent schools have formal application procedures, and often they prefer prospective students to apply up to a year before they wish to start. It means that you should prepare all your files when you are a senior student and you should write an attractive personal statement first. Most universities are concerned about your learning ability and youracademic performance. If you are ready to begin your application, the first step will likely be to obtain and fill in a number of forms. These will either be downloadable from the school's website or can be sent directly to you on request. Most schools will also require further information about the particular merits, abilities or aptitudes of the pupil. A detail about the pupil’s academic ability is important, but the school will also be interested in things such as musical or sporting talents. Schools that have a selective admissions policy will require this information before they make a decision on whether to award a pupil a school place.
2. Language barrier
The most significant ability of studying abroad is your English ability. If you choose to study abroad, I suggest you should better get a higher IELTS score. Otherwise, you should pay the expensive tuition fees to study English in UK until the tutor believes that you are able to study in English. A language is not something that we can learn and be fluent overnight. One has to learn over a long period and to be fluent and able to use a language effectively; one has to use the language constantly. However for one who hails from a non-English speaking country, but has some formal training in the English, preparation should begin at least 2 or 3 weeks before sitting for the test, preferably 3 weeks. The best preparation would be to practice the sample test papers published on IELTS website. When doing writing in a test, we do not have the luxury of time. Time is limited and if we are not prepared, we panic and when this happens, we tend to make a lot of mistakes. The feeling is totally different if we have ample time to carry out a task. We do better when we are not under pressure. No secret really, spend more time practicing the sample tests and get you familiarized with the format. If we do not know the answer to one particular question, move on to the next. Write notes as you listen to the listening part.
3. Adapt to a new learning method
First of all, you need develop the ability to think independently in your daily study. Generally speaking, your teacher just introduces the basic content of the curriculum, the way to analyzing data and the request of the school assignment. You need search all the other information through the Internet or school library. Learning in UK, the textbooks are so expensive so that most students should borrow the book in library. However, the number of textbooks in the library is limited thus can not meet every student’s needs, so that you should better start earlier to get the book you need.
Second, all the Chinese students are very nervous when writing dissertation. Usually, the tutor would give you some tips and guidance about your topic and give everyone the chance to ask questions outside the classroom at the office time. Don’t be shy, you should seize this opportunity. Most British students have already prepared all the information they need before writing their thesis. However, to be honest, it is a real challenge for Chinese students to find out suitable readings for references to write the dissertations and summarize all the information they read in their own words. Actually, it is very hard to finish a qualified thesis.This could also be different in education between China and Britain, the British teacher seldom request students to remember the formulas and always provide the calculation formula in the examination. Every teacher has his personal teaching method. Typically, the teacher only needs you to understand the general content of the course, and record the points. Some teachers will let you take notes and it is more suitable to Chinese students because we could write down the points much faster than the British students. Third, Most Chinese students feel not at ease in group discussions. Few students are bravely enough to talk with foreign students in English.
Anyway, I have been deeply impressed by the unique culture and teaching mode. By the way, the scenery in UK is fabulous. I have been back to China for 6 months and I really miss the life experience in Glasgow. I highly recommend you to study in UK, I hope all of you enjoy the unforgettable study and life experience in this beautiful country.
