英国爱丁堡大学之行(李月)
发布时间：2018-03-19 访问量：
My 21st birthday was a special day for me. Before I went to sleep, I opened my mail box as usual for the hope to receive any new replies of my postgraduate applications from universities. As I browse emails, a new email from the University of Edinburgh caught my eyes, showing my application status was updated. After I opened my application, I realized that I had received my best birthday gift at the end of my birthday, the offer of MSc Accounting and Finance from my dream school.
I have spent a fulfilled and unforgettable year in Edinburgh, which is both an international city and a historic World Heritage Site. Edinburgh has consistently been considered as one of the most desirable places to live and work in the UK, and is remarkable for its outstanding architecture and spectacular natural scenery. More importantly, Edinburgh is also named as the heart of UK’s second largest financial center with a thriving and diverse economy for its economic growth and business expansion. Located in Edinburgh, the University of Edinburgh is notable for its profound history, high educational reputation and world-class faculty since it opened the gates to welcome its first students in 1583. It is not surprised to find that, in this university, a great number of renowned Nobel laureates, Olympic champions and celebrities in other fields have explored their academic issues and pursue their chosen career path. For example, it was there that Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, the author of the well-known detective fiction featuring the character Sherlock Holmes, studied medicine at the Medical School and was inspired to create fascinating stories about Sherlock Holmes. Studying in the world-leading center of academic excellence, I was proud to achieve personal goals as well as professional performance and successfully became one of the graduates of the University of Edinburgh.
(The photo was taken in the University of Edinburgh Law School, namely, Old College)
Major in MSc Accounting and Finance at the University of Edinburgh Business School, I have received a rigorous and balanced academic training in accounting and finance related disciplines. In accounting related modules, I became familiar with fundamental accounting principles and standards, such as International Financial Reporting Standards, and was encouraged to discover essential issues and implications about their practical use. I was also directed to explore prevailing issues in contemporary accounting researches, such as carbon accounting and accounting profession, to be equipped with up-to-date views on topical questions in accounting. Regarding finance related modules, I was acquainted with quantitative econometric methods used in empirical research in finance based on my understanding of fundamental statistical concepts and apply those methods on the analysis of financial research as well as my dissertation. In addition to basic financial theories used for investment decisions and empirical research about corporate finance, I found it intriguing to study how to valuate corporations from a comprehensive perspective based on both quantitative and qualitative analysis such as corporate governance, financial performance and accounting statements.
One of my impressive coursework was to valuate one of the largest online travel agency named Expedia. We analyzed this company from several perspectives, including industry and corporate analysis. Specifically speaking, in the industry analysis, we made a general overview about the industry of online travel agency and found competitions among the industry giants. The corporate analysis would be more complicated. We examined Expedia by evaluating qualitative indicators, such as company strategies, corporate management and governance and company risks. We also valuated the company quantitively by analyzing important financial ratios and using two valuation models, namely, the Discounted Cash Flow Model and a relative valuation based on EV/EBITDA target multiple approach. This coursework provided a valuable chance for me to undertake an integral analysis about equity valuation and make investment decisions.
The academic study in the University of Edinburgh was demanding but meaningful. Thanks to my bilingual education in my undergraduate study at the Jiangxi University of Finance and Economics, I had already been equipped with language skills so that I could be easily adapt to English professional materials and foreign teaching modes such as group works and presentations. The intensive study in the academic year at the University of Edinburgh Business School equipped me with strengthened accounting and finance capabilities in related analysis, research and numeracy. Most importantly, it also improved my comprehensive skills in critical thinking, adaptability and fast learning which would be greatly beneficial for my life and future career. As a member of the internationally diverse group, I was grateful and impressed by the harmonious learning community at the University of Edinburgh.
(The photo was taken in the University of Edinburgh Business School)
(The photo was taken in the party of the University of Edinburgh Business School)
Life in Edinburgh was not only comprised by study, but also entertainment. The daily life in Edinburgh provided me with more opportunities to experience a different life style. In my leisure time, I usually went to the swimming pool which was near my accommodation and went shopping to bought a bouquet of flowers to decorate my room. I also went to small historical restaurants to enjoy local cuisines with my colleagues after school. And I loved to walk around the city, which was made up of beautiful cobbled streets, ancient buildings and landmarks, to visit historical sites and museums to experience the culture and history of Edinburgh. Sometimes, I also went to classical concerts to enjoy a wonderful time in my favourite classical music. It was amazing to see and listen the live performance so that I quickly immersed myself in classical symphony.
(The photo was taken in the street where my accommodation was located)
Edinburgh had lively festivals and holidays. During Christmas, stores and restaurants would be decorated with delicate Christmas ornaments. And there would be a popular Christmas market in the city centre, where people could buy Christmas goods as well as hot food and drinks. August should be the most vibrant time for the whole year in Edinburgh. In August, Edinburgh would host a great number of arts festivals which are collectively known as the Edinburgh Festival. These arts festivals included the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, the Edinburgh International Festival, the Edinburgh International Film Festival and the Edinburgh International Book Festival. With comedy, music, theatre, dance, screenings, talks and other performances, it could be easy for everyone to find something to enjoy. Also, students could get involved by helping to organize and run the various festivals. During long holidays, I would visit other cities in the UK and travel to other countries in Europe that I was interested in, such as France, Spain and Italy.
(The photo was taken in the Prince Street, Edinburgh)
(The photo was taken in the Edinburgh Christmas market)
The day when I left Edinburgh, I saw a billboard showing, “it’s good to be home”. For me, Edinburgh is also my home. Hope I can visit Edinburgh again.
