Name: Goitseone Lucy Hopkins
Home country: Botswana
Institution: UWIC
Programme: BSc (Hons) Biomedical Sciences and MSc Biomedical Sciences (2002-2007)
Current Employment: Biomedical Scientist, Haematology department, NHS Tayside, Ninewells Hospital in Dundee, Scotland

I first heard about the amazing student life at UWIC through some friends who studied in Cardiff while I was studying in the University of Botswana. I chose to study BSc Biomedical Sciences at UWIC as the course is accredited by the Health Professions Council. The knowledge, skills and experience I developed during my studies made me more marketable to employers and I now apply those skills every day in my current post.

Studying at UWIC provided the opportunity for me to meet people from all around the world. Some of my friends have visited my home and family in Botswana and I have been to Canada, Switzerland, and France, with friends that I met during my time in UWIC. I am also still in touch with my UWIC lecturers and supervisors as well as the International office.

Since graduating with my MSc I have moved to Scotland with my husband, a UWIC Fine Art graduate who I met in during my time there. I am now enjoying the challenges of my new career as a Biomedical Scientist in the NHS.



Name: Vijaya Kumar Venkatesh
Age: 26
Home country: India
Institution: UWIC
Programme: MSc Advanced Product Design

Vijaya, from Tamil Nadu in India, gained a first-class degree in mechanical engineering in 2003 and then joined Shanthi Gears Ltd as an apprentice. He was an engineer in the tool design, research and development department at Lakshmi Machine Works Ltd from 2004 to 2007, before coming to the UK to study at UWIC.

"I chose to study at UWIC because it has a good reputation for product design courses. MSc students have their own separate room and workshop and also have access to the 24-hour information technology facilities. I get to interact with students from different backgrounds and countries and benefit from their different views and experiences. The course is really well organised and the tutors have a broad range of experience in different fields.

"A typical project will involve hand-drawing and making prototypes to explore my ideas. The Professional Development module helped me to analyse my strengths and weaknesses and improve my portfolio. For my major project I will design a new product incorporating my knowledge from the previous taught modules. Finally, the industrial placement will allow me to gain hands-on industrial experience during a ten-week placement. Apart from the University and course, the thing that I enjoy most is the city. Cardiff is a nice place to live, the people are friendly, the environment is calm and the city is very green. I have really enjoyed myself in Cardiff.

"After completing my course in UWIC, I hope to find employment in the research and development departments in the automotive manufacturing industries. I am sure I have a bright future and lots of opportunities ahead of me."

Name: Osama Jawad
Age: 27
Home Country: Pakistan
Institution: UWIC
Programme: MBA

Osama Jawad, from Pakistan, graduated with his MBA in 2007. Osama was a student helper and Ambassador for UWIC, and has since used his qualifications to gain a wide range of work experience in local and national companies based in Wales. Osama has recently been selected by the United Nations Organisation as one of 4 graduates to participate in a Leaders Training placement.

"Since graduating, I have worked for a number of prestigious UK organisations including Royal Mail and Golley Slater. During one placement at the International Space School Education Trust (ISSET), which works in association with NASA, I worked on their marketing project to encourage young people to find new ways of Space Walking for Astronauts.

"Whilst studying at UWIC I have been encouraged to partake in a wide range of additional activities. I have been elected as a student helper and student Ambassador for UWIC, and I am a member of the Welsh Centre of International Affairs and the United Nations Association Wales.

"I have made lots of friends in Cardiff and also met people from all over the world due to the multicultural environment in our university and around town. For me, meeting new people is an important part of the student experience so I actively encourage others to do the same.

"Since graduating, I have been offered jobs in London and other parts of the UK but I have chosen to stay in Wales. I love the people and the environment, the mountains and beaches around Cardiff. Wales is perfect for a person like me who is out going and loves nature." 



Name: Olusola Adeola Okhiria
Nationality: Nigerian
Courses at UWIC:
MSc. Biomedical Science – Microbiology (2003- 2004)
PhD Biomedical Science – Microbiology (2004 – date)

Olusola came to UWIC in 2003. Her impressive performance led to her tutors encouraging and part funding her PhD. Olusola has a very strong background in the area of her studies having worked in laboratories and teaching part time for a number of years prior to coming to UWIC. Alongside her studies, Olusola is employed as a UWIC student helper, providing guidance and support to our International students.

"I am doing PhD Biomedical Science (Microbiology), which has to do with micro-organisms that cause infections in humans. Since I came to UWIC I have attended Scientific Conferences in the UK and internationally (Canada, USA, Ireland and Scotland). I have had the opportunity to present part of my research work as well. I have been sponsored to attend the Conferences by UWIC (Canada) and the Society for General Microbiology (SGM) (Bath, Canada, Ireland and Scotland).

"I did not know anyone when I first came to Cardiff. I chose to come to UWIC because of the fees, which were cheaper than the other two Universities in England that gave me admission. I was really lonely during the first week, I felt homesick but managed to find my way to the international office. A member of staff (Kathryn Wheeler) was so helpful, she helped me to call my family.

"It is quite challenging coping with education, family life and part time job, but the members of staff at UWIC especially those at the international office, the School of Health Sciences, Security, Reception and my Supervisors have been particularly helpful and supportive. My research is quite elaborate and time consuming, I am always around till late, at times on weekends and bank holidays but the security staff are so understanding, they will open and lock the Laboratory as often as you call them.

"I think I made the right choice by coming to UWIC. UWIC has high academic standard and reputation, Cardiff is good place to live, it is peaceful and safe, with little or no hassle especially in terms of transport and traffic and availability of important amenities. The cost of living is also affordable and students can easily adapt to the environment.

"I have joined a church in Cardiff. The people in my Church are friendly and supportive so I feel at home. There is someone I call ‘Mum’ in my Church, she is like a mum to me and her daughter treats me like a sister. My friends in the Church give me nice treats at Christmas and Easter and they do not let me feel homesick.

"I am now a Mentor to some International students because I like to give information to people and to render help generally. I believe this is a way to show love to others as I have received from others and to utilise my wealth of experience to the benefit of others. I can not believe how many people I know and how I am so well known around UWIC and Cardiff.

"Before I came to UWIC I had taught many university undergraduates through my work place when they were posted for their projects, as well as voluntary teaching and lecturing for over 15 years. I decided to do a PhD to enhance my potential for better opportunities in future. I am interested in research and lecturing and I believe with my training and experience I will achieve my goal.

"I have no regrets coming to Cardiff, I have been so lucky!!!!"

Contact
The International Office
UWIC
Llandaff Campus
PO Box 377
Western Avenue
Cardiff CF5 2SG

T +44 (0)29 2041 6045
F +44 (0)29 2041 6928
E international@uwic.ac.uk
W www.uwic.ac.uk
www.uwic.ac.uk/international