Name: Rachel Nurse
Course: Journalism
Study Level: Master’s
University: University of Westminster
Country of origin: Trinidad and Tobago
Q. Why did you enroll on your course and how did you choose your university?
Being a journalist was my dream since I was very young. I did internship in BBC in my home country and decided that this is my career for life. I went to Westminster because of its renowned reputation in media research and study, and this year’s experience has proved that I made the right decision.
Q. Why did you choose the UK as a study destination?
I travelled to the UK three years ago and just fell in love with this country. I liked the climate here because Trinidad was too hot, and I just love to study in such a clean and quiet country. Besides, my cousin lives here, so at least I’m not alone.
Q. How would you describe the structure of your course?
It was quite good. I learned lots of hands-on experience and got chances of producing documentaries on my own. The one-year course was intense but I managed to survive.
Q. How did you fund your studies?
My dad supported me during the year. I applied for the scholarship but didn’t success, and I was so afraid of losing the chance of studying abroad. I’m really thankful to my dad because if it wasn’t him, I wouldn’t be able to come here.
Q. What were the biggest challenges that you faced in your first year?
I like the climate here, but it was a big challenge for me because I wasn’t used to the freezing winter. Also, there’re loads of assignments for us and we didn’t have time for anything else. The study pace was very fast.
Q. What are the best things about your course?
I chose broadcast pathway and had the opportunities of doing interviews outside campus and producing my own stories, and you can get to know more people either through your work or via Facebook. I like this best because it would be easier for us to get a real job when you’ve had hands-on experience. I felt like a real journalist while studying.
Q. What are you planning to do after graduation?
I have got the post-study-work visa and have the right of staying in the UK for up to two years. I’ll look for a permanent job and if possible, I also want to extend my staying here simply because I don’t really want to go back home.
Q. What advice would you give to other new international students?
Face the challenge and enjoy the study. It might be very difficult sometimes, but with the help of tutors and fellow students, you’ll get over it and be a real master in a year.
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