international newsletter november 2014
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Worcester international
news THE UNIVERSITY OF WORCESTER INTERNATIONAL NEWSLETTER
November 2014
WELCOME DR FORLAND New Pro Vice Chancellor International joins the University p. 2
In this issue:
International Induction p.4
Scholarship Successes p.8
The University of Worcester is delighted to welcome Dr Heather Forland as the new Pro Vice Chancellor InternationalHeather, who joined us in August, will continue to raise the profile of Worcester across the world to prospective international students. Heather’s role will enhance the opportunities for international students to come and receive a high quality UK education at Worcester. When asked about this Heather was keen to elaborate that Worcester is going from strength to strength and has everything a prospective student would need in order to fulfil their career aspirations.
“I want the University of Worcester to be the ultimate stepping stone for international students who wish to embark on a rewarding, exciting and highly successful career” Heather said.
It is no surprise that Heather has lots of future aims and aspirations for the University of Worcester. When asked about these Heather was very keen to mention that she wants to increase the number of students the University of Worcester welcomes from across the world and wants more diversity in nationalities.
“I really want to make Worcester more appealing on a global scale and to reach out to more nationalities. One of my main goals is to introduce more postgraduate courses and scholarships to international students whether they are prospective or current students or even alumni. I don’t just want to make the University of Worcester more appealing but also more accessible by building upon some of the University’s main strengths, which consist of its community atmosphere and student focus.”
Heather feels international students will be most impressed by Worcester’s traditional setting and rich historic attributes as well as its beautiful riverside and community atmosphere.
“One of Worcester’s many appeals is the fact that Worcester is not a big city, the people are very friendly and the city is easy to navigate around. There’s something about Worcester that makes you feel at home straight away and the city has fantastic restaurants and cafés. It came as no surprise when Worcester was voted as the UK’s 8th happiest place to live; it is also very appealing that Worcester is just a short travelling distance from London, Stratford-upon-Avon and Oxford which are some of the UK’s best historical locations.”
So why should an international student come to study at Worcester? Heather was keen to mention the University’s efficient and supportive staff: “Every student is treated as an individual and is never in short supply of help and guidance, Worcester’s student focus is one of the many reasons why the University of Worcester is such a great place to study.”
Heather added that Worcester has a happy and friendly campus including accommodation for international students, which she feels is a very important addition to the university’s overall appeal. When talking about the University of Worcester you cannot fail to mention the University’s terrific facilities.
“The Hive is such a terrific building and is Europe’s first library used by both the University and the public. The University of Worcester Arena is also an impressive addition to the University, which has already made Worcester such a key place for disability sport and coaching. The impact these facilities have had on students has been and will continue to be invaluable.”
The International Recruitment Team left -right: Catherine Hyde, Christopher Taylor, Heather Forland, Jane Shore, Rebecca Crowther, Elizabeth Watson and James Laws
FEATURE
2 / NOVEMBER 2014 / [email protected]
CONTENTSFeatures Dr Heather Forland joins the International team 2
First Class Honours 6
Book publications 10
INTERNATIONAL NEWS
International Induction 2014 4
Ugandan student returns home in bid to transform children’s lives 5
Sprint star determined to make his mark in the classroom 5
University of Worcester welcomes Commonwealth Scholarship students from Ghana and India 7
Academic lecturer Ruth Jones OBE awarded for her work 7
University’s inclusive sport plans welcomed by Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport 8
Bulgarian student earns £1000 scholarship for outstanding academicachievement 8
Countdown to Worcester’s European Championships 9
‘There is no better job for me at this point in time’ 9
CONTACT USIf you need to contact Worcester International, you can reach us at:
University of Worcester, Henwick Grove, Worcester, WR2 6AJ, UK
Tel: +44(0)1905 542640 or email: [email protected]
Stay in touch with us on Social Media: www.worcester.ac.uk/follow-us
[email protected] / NOVEMBER 2014 / 3
INTERNATIONAL NEWS
WELCOMEWelcome to the new edition of the International Newsletter Firstly a big welcome to all the new international students who have started their degrees and a life changing experience at the University of Worcester in September 2014. We hope you feel settled and that you enjoy your first semester here with us!
Congratulations to all the students who graduated this year; we hope your university experience has been an enjoyable and rewarding one. Graduation is also one of the biggest highlights of the year, celebrating the success of more than 3,000 students receiving their degrees this November.
We are excited to tell you that we’ve recently welcomed Dr Heather Forland to the team who is our new Pro Vice Chancellor International. Find out more about Heather and what she aims to do for international students on page 2.
Catherine Hyde and Lois Lewis, based in the Peirson Study and Guidance Centre, are always happy to help too. You are welcome to visit us for any support that you need or just to say ‘Hello’.
The University has welcomed two new Commonwealth Scholarship students James Abrokwah and Divya Madhusudhan. Find out what inspires them to study here and why they chose Worcester on page 7.
Dr Dean Wilkinson, a senior lecturer in Forensic Psychology, has co-authored a bestselling book. In addition Ruth Madanhi, a psychology student from Zimbabwe, also had her book published. Find out more about why Dean and Ruth were inspired to write their books on page 10.
We hope you are enjoying what our student bloggers are writing about in the ‘Worcester Student Life‘ blog. If you haven’t seen it yet, you can visit www.worcesterstudentlife.com
Don’t forget to check our Facebook page for information and events updates at www.facebook.com/UniversityofWorcesterInternationalStudents
Your well-known friends from the International Committee are also planning events for you! Just check their Facebook page for the latest updates at www.facebook.com/worcesterinternationalcommittee
If you have a story that you would like to share with us for the next edition of the newsletter, please email it to [email protected] or pop in to see us!
Best wishes,
Worcester International
International Induction 2014Ahead of the start of the new academic year, students from across the Europe and as far afield as Iran, Nigeria, China and Vietnam have arrived in Worcester - the city they will call home throughout their studies.
The first week of the programme was entirely dedicated to international students. The main aim of the week was to help the new international students settle into, not only a university, but an entire new country and way of life before the new British students arrived. For some it was their very first time in the UK and the advantage of this week was to help each and every international student feel as welcome as possible.
However settling in doesn’t happen overnight. The induction week invited the new students to take part in talks, campus tours and various social events in order for them to become familiar with their surroundings and make new friends. In total, over 250 overseas students from 28 different nations have enrolled here at the University, and the University’s new Pro Vice Chancellor International, Dr Heather Forland, was delighted to be able to welcome them to the St John’s and City campuses.
“The decision to move abroad to study is never taken lightly, but we are sure that our overseas students will flourish both academically and as members of the community here in Worcester.”
“We were so pleased to see so many international students attend our welcome events and begin their journey with us” Dr Forland said.
Beatrice Botezatu, who is a new international student, said that “Worcester’s friendly and welcoming atmosphere is evident to those moving from overseas”.
An International Business Management student, Beatrice who is originally from Bacau in Romania, explained: “There is something about Worcester that makes it feel like home, right from the start.”
PHOTOS: Students settle in and make new friends at the welcome breakfast with the addition of a talk by PVC Dr Heather Forland
4 / NOVEMBER 2014 / [email protected]
INTERNATIONAL NEWS
INTERNATIONAL NEWSINTERNATIONAL NEWS
[email protected] / NOVEMBER 2014 / 5
Ugandan student returns home in bid to transform children’s livesA Ugandan student intends to change the lives of many children in her home nation after completing a Masters degree in Applied Psychology at the University of Worcester.
Letisia Murungyi intends to return to her job at Global Health Uganda, where she worked with children suffering from Cerebral Malaria, after a year in the UK gaining an MSc in Applied Psychology.
With a greater knowledge and understanding, Letisia is hoping to help those children to better deal with the psychological impacts of living with the disease.
“The Masters has been transformational for me both professionally and personally,” she said. “I feel that I can go back to Uganda and make a real difference to the lives of the children I have worked with before, and ultimately to broaden my work to other areas.”
Twenty-six-year-old Letisia, from Kampala, completed her undergraduate degree in Community Psychology in Uganda before successfully applying for a place at the University of Worcester through the Commonwealth Scholarship scheme.
Letisia said the degree challenged her to think critically and to develop her own learning. “Coming to a new country with a different education system and a whole new way of learning was difficult, but it has been a fantastic experience and I got so much support. I have become a better person as a result; I am more open minded, and I can deal with situations more confidently.”
Letisia Murungyi
SPRINT STAR DETERMINED TO MAKE HIS MARK IN THE CLASSROOM
British sprint sensation Matthew Hudson-Smith says he is looking forward to continuing to thrive both on the track and in the classroom after enrolling at the University of Worcester.
19 year-old Matthew enjoyed a stunning summer, winning gold as part of England’s 4x400m relay squad at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, before claiming individual silver and relay gold over the same distance for Great Britain at the World Championships in Zurich.
With the Rio De Janeiro Olympics now less than two years away, and the prospect of the World Championships in Beijing next year to contend with, Matthew believes that the support he will receive during his studies will be vital.
“The support network here is good; it caters to my needs and everything is tailored around the individual, which I like,” he says. “I’m not sure how it’s going to work in terms of balancing my studies when the big competitions come along, but thankfully they’re very supportive here, so I know I’ll be helped out.”
Matthew Hudson-Smith in action
FIRST CLASS HONOURSUniversity of Worcester Vice Chancellor and Chief Executive, Professor David Green, said: “This year, over 250 University of Worcester students earned First Class Honours. This is a tribute to their hard work and talent together with the University’s ability to help students thrive. This record number of graduates with Firsts underlines the value of a University of Worcester education, as does the fact that so many of our graduates are being snapped up by employers on graduation. 15 out of 16 of our students were in employment or further study last year within six months of graduation.”
Svilen AndreevA student from Svishtov in Bulgaria has earned a First Class Honours degree from the University of Worcester.
Svilen, who studied Business, Accountancy and Economics, said: “I am proud to be awarded with First Class Honours. It is a true reflection of the effort and the time I invested in my education.”
The 23-year-old said he chose to study at the University of Worcester because of its reputation and because of the city itself.
“Worcester is such a beautiful city which combines modern and old architecture,” he said. “I really enjoyed my time in Worcester”.
Svilen received an Academic Scholarship from the University at the end of both his first and second years, based on his academic performance. He has now secured a job as a Financial Analyst with a housing organisation in Worcester, called Sanctuary Group.
“My future ambitions are to grow in the hierarchy of Sanctuary Group,” he said. “I am proud to be a part of such a successful organisation. I think the degree from the University of Worcester helped me to find the job I was dreaming of.”
Svilen Andreev
Luciana BlahaLuciana Blaha, who studied Business, Leadership & Human Resource Management, said: “Being awarded a First Class Honours while working as a manager and setting up a business has been a bumpy ride; I doubt I would have made it without my best friends and loved ones. I am so amazed and very grateful.” “Studying a specialised degree like Business, Leadership & HRM was something I was really looking forward to, as well as living somewhere where I could feel safe,” she said. “Worcester seemed a good choice due to its friendly, open approach to things, access to many other locations and balance between the quiet study places and the exciting events in and outside town.
The lower living costs and short walking distances to all amenities are also a good thing.
“The international recognition of this degree has come in very handy, as well as the work experience that comes with it. What I’m most grateful for, regarding this degree, is its international outlook and the understanding of the global market it has given me.”
Luciana said her time in the UK had been a learning journey. “Discovering Worcester and its people gave me an outlook on British culture that differed from my expectations quite a lot; maybe not so many people wear tweed and drink tea all day,” she said.
Luciana Blaha
STUDENTSUCCESS
6 / NOVEMBER 2014 / [email protected]
[email protected] / NOVEMBER 2014 / 7
INTERNATIONAL NEWS
University of Worcester welcomes Commonwealth Scholarship students from Ghana and IndiaThe University of Worcester is celebrating the arrival of its latest two Commonwealth Scholarship students.
James Abrokwah, from Ghana, and Divya Madhusudhan, from India, will spend the next year studying at the University under the Commonwealth Shared Scholarship Scheme. The scheme, which is a joint initiative between the UK Department for International Development (DFID) and UK universities, supports scholarships for students from developing Commonwealth countries who would not otherwise be able to study in the United Kingdom.
James, who is studying for an MSc in Applied Psychology, said: “Without this scholarship I would never have had the opportunity to study in the UK for a Masters. I’m finding the course great, but very challenging, which is a good thing.”
Twenty-seven-year-old James, who hopes to become a Clinical Psychologist on his return to Ghana, applied to several universities and was accepted on all, but chose to come to Worcester for its course offering and its small community-based city.
Twenty-two-year-old Divya, who is studying for a Masters in Public Health, added: “I’m really excited to be studying in the UK and at Worcester. I am enjoying my course thoroughly; the tutors are great and all the people here are really friendly. The Commonwealth Scholarship programme is very competitive so I was amazed to be accepted.”
Divya, who studied at RV College of Physiotherapy in Bangalore, would like to start her own Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) back in India, concentrating on public health issues.
University of Worcester Vice Chancellor, Professor David Green, said: “Highly skilled graduates working in such vital areas as public health and clinical psychology are essential for social and economic
development. The University of Worcester is delighted that James and Divya have chosen to study with us this year before returning to contribute their skills to further the development of Ghana and India respectively.”
Commonwealth Scholars James and Divya with Vice Chancellor Professor David Green
ACADEMIC LECTURER RUTH JONES OBE AWARDED FOR HER WORKWe were delighted to hear that Ruth Jones OBE, Principal Lecturer and Director of the National Centre for the Study and Prevention of Violence and Abuse (NCSPVA) has been awarded for her work. Ruth was honoured at the International Gender Responsive Policing conference in Pakistan by the Chief of Pakistan Police Bureau on behalf of the International Gender Responsive Policing Project, for her international work on violence against women.Photo: Ruth Jones with Head of Police Pakistani, Police Bureau
University’s inclusive sport plans welcomed by Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport
The Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, The Right Honourable Sajid Javid MP, has given his approval to the University of Worcester’s ‘ambitious, bold’ plans to create an International Centre for Inclusive Sport.
During a visit to the University of Worcester Arena, Mr Javid heard from the University’s Vice Chancellor, Professor David Green, and the Head of its Institute of Sport and Exercise Science, Mick Donovan, about the plans to expand on the existing vision in place at the University, to form a world-leading centre for inclusive sport.
The University Arena was designed and built specifically with the needs of wheelchair athletes in mind and, since opening its doors last April, has provided increased opportunities for athletes and participants of all ages and ability levels to enjoy, and thrive in, a sporting environment, in line with the legacy targets of the London 2012 Olympics and Paralympics.
The new proposals would see the University’s research, participation and development initiatives expanded and its expertise utilised further to deliver truly inclusive sport to a wide range of athletes and participants, including women, disabled competitors and older people.
After hearing of the proposals, Mr Javid said: “I think the plans are very ambitious, very bold; but I think that’s the kind of thing you need if you truly want to see a change in approach towards having more inclusive sport.
“This is my first visit to the University Arena – I’ve heard about what’s going on here and have wanted to come down for a while – and it’s been great to have a look and I’m really impressed by what I’ve seen. The inclusivity is especially impressive – getting more people to participate in sport is hugely important, and is again a key legacy of the Olympics.”
Sajid Javid at the Arena
Bulgarian student earns £1,000 scholarship for outstanding academic achievement A student from Burgas has won a £1,000 scholarship for outstanding academic achievement at the University of Worcester.
Kalin Delev, a former pupil of GS Rakovski School, was one of 112 students presented with a scholarship by the University’s Vice Chancellor and Chief Executive, Professor David Green, during two ceremonies at the University of Worcester Arena.
19 year-old Kalin earned his award in recognition of outstanding achievement throughout the 2013/14 academic year.
After receiving his scholarship, Kalin, a second-year Business, Accountancy and Economics student, said:
“Winning this award was one of my main goals during my first year of study. It feels fantastic to have set a goal for myself and successfully achieved it.”
This year the University of Worcester was delighted to award academic scholarships to 112 students and hope to award even more next year as our students go from strength to strength.
Kalin Delev (left) with David Green (right)
8 / NOVEMBER 2014 / [email protected]
NEWS
Countdown to Worcester’s European ChampionshipsIn August next year, elite athletes from across Europe will be in Worcester for the start of the 2015 European Wheelchair Basketball Championships.
This August marked the beginning of the countdown to the Championships, where both the men’s and women’s tournaments will run side by side at the University of Worcester Arena.
The Championships, which will take place between August 28 and September 6 next year, will see Great Britain’s men defend the title they won in Frankfurt in 2013, while the women will be hoping to build on their best ever World Championship campaign earlier this year, and improve on the bronze medals they took home from Germany.
Great Britain’s women are captained by University of Worcester student Sophie Carrigill, and she believes that the tournament will provide the British teams with the opportunity to excel in front of home crowds.
“It’s a really exciting thought that the Europeans are only a year away,” Sophie says. “The University of Worcester Arena is not only a fantastic venue to train in, but it will be a great place to showcase the international competition.”
Photo: Title celebrations for the men’s team
‘THERE IS NO BETTER JOB FOR ME AT THIS POINT IN TIME’ Having excelled on the University of Worcester’s Outdoor Adventure Leadership and Management course, it is perhaps unsurprising that Heidi Schwenk is currently establishing herself in her chosen career – halfway around the world.
21 year-old Heidi gained a First Class Honours degree earlier this year, before moving to Hong Kong to take a graduate role running expeditions for Outward Bound.
Now thriving in her new job and surroundings, Heidi believes that the knowledge, experience and support offered to her by her lecturers have given her the perfect springboard from which to forge a successful career in such an exciting, dynamic industry.
She explains: “My job in Hong Kong is putting everything I have studied into practice. To have the chance to work in a place like this is the reason I went to university in the first place, so there is no better job for me at this point in time.
“My lecturers have been fantastic; they are so experienced and have been great mentors. They have supported my cohort academically and practically by providing us with opportunities left, right and centre to gain relevant work and get ourselves into the industry.”Heidi Schwenk
[email protected] / NOVEMBER 2014 / 9
NEWS
PSYCHOLOGY STUDENT PENS HER FIRST BOOK
A Zimbabwe-born Psychology student at the University of Worcester is celebrating the publication of her first book.
Ruth Madanhi, from Wolverhampton, was born in Harare, Zimbabwe, before moving to Britain with her parents at the age of 16 to pursue her dreams.
Ruth’s book, entitled Be Encouraged, is published by AuthorHouse UK.
It aims to be a daily reference for people who are experiencing low self-esteem or struggling with feelings of hopelessness. The book is infused throughout with Ruth’s Christian values, and is designed to be, in Ruth’s own words, “a gentle voice of comfort and daily source of inspiration. I wanted to share hope with people who may be going through difficulties.”
Be Encouraged blends inspirational messages with more traditional biblical scripture in a mix that Ruth believes can be of use to any reader in their day to day lives, regardless of whether or not they are a part of the Christian faith.
Ruth admits that she did not expect that one day she would write a book:
“It came as a surprise to me. Some people say that the unexpected can happen, and that’s certainly the
case with me. I just had a strong feeling that I wanted to share my faith with others to try and help those who might be struggling. My parents were also very supportive, giving me confidence and helping me believe that anything is possible.”
Ruth said it was the University’s friendly atmosphere that convinced her that Worcester was the right place to inspire her: “I just knew that it was going to be my place to study. The teaching staff are excellent, and it is also such a friendly place. There are a lot of good people around the University.”
Dr Dean Wilkinson with the bestselling book
WORCESTER PSYCHOLOGY EXPERT CO-AUTHORS BESTSELLING TEXTBOOK A textbook co-authored by a University of Worcester expert has topped an Amazon bestseller chart.
Forensic Psychology, by Dr Dean Wilkinson, Senior Lecturer in Forensic Psychology at the University of Worcester, and Dr Laura Caulfield, is currently the top-selling forensic medicine title on the website.
The book is part of a suite of texts – Psychology Express – to which all Psychology academics of the University of Worcester have contributed, and which aims to guide undergraduate students through their studies and the early years of their career.
Forensic Psychology enables students to develop an understanding of key concepts, research and critical issues, while also offering advice on exam and assessment techniques.
Dr Wilkinson explains: “This text has been written with the student in mind; it presents a careful balance of content, coached critical thinking and assessment guidance to support students studying any forensic psychology module.”
10 / NOVEMBER 2014 / [email protected]
BOOK PUBLICATIONS
Ruth Madanhi