I love the diversity in the classroom

WHERE ARE YOU FROM?

I am from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, in the United States.
 

HOW DOES IT FEEL BEING AN INTERNATIONAL STUDENT AT THE UNIVERSITY OF WORCESTER?

For me, I love it. It is a good conversation starter. People are always interested in knowing where you are from and why you decided to come to Worcester to study. I feel that although I am international, I am very accepted here and I feel like a regular student and not an "outsider" or a "foreigner"
 

WHAT MADE YOU CHOOSE TO STUDY AT THE UNIVERSITY OF WORCESTER?

For my undergraduate degree, I studied International Business and was required to study a semester abroad. I had looked at all the schools that had an exchange option with my home university, Indiana University of Pennsylvania. I looked at schools based on their sizes, location, class offerings, and experiences from previous friends/classmates who have studied abroad. After all my research, I decided on Worcester because it met all my needs for a university.
 

WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO COME BACK TO WORCESTER FOR YOUR POSTGRADUATE DEGREE AFTER FINISHING YOUR EXCHANGE?

Having studied International Business for my undergraduate degree, I always knew that I wanted to continue my education and earn my master's degree. I decided that since my degree studied "international" business I should probably go abroad to get a further understanding of the world around me. Having to decide where to decide was an easy answer. To me, Worcester was home. I made so many friends, I loved the city, and I enjoyed how the lecturers set up their classes. I also felt that during my exchange, six months was simply not enough time and that I must return to Worcester.
 

USE ONE WORD OR SENTENCE TO DESCRIBE STUDYING AND LIVING IN WORCESTER.

There is a certain feeling of relief and happiness when you return to your home or to your family, and for me, when I'm in Worcester, I get that feeling, that feeling of being home.
 

WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT YOUR COURSE?

I love the diversity that is in the classroom. My peers come from all over the world and each person provides a unique perspective on certain issues and topics, something that I never got/experienced in America.
 

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN STUDYING AT WORCESTER VERSUS YOUR HOME COUNTRY?

I would say definitely the diversity. In America, I would be in class with mostly Americans and maybe one or two students from elsewhere. I feel like those students are then more reserved and tend not to share as much about their culture or their experiences. My classes in America were also test-based. I felt like some of my professors would then teach students information to pass the exam rather than understand the material. Here at Worcester, diversity is everywhere and everyone is happy to speak about their cultures and experiences, which really adds to one's education. As for classes, the lecturers are always there to help you. They help you to understand and to apply the theories that you learn about in class.
 

WHAT DO YOU LIKE MOST ABOUT WORCESTER AS A CITY?

It might not be a large city, but it has everything that you need in a city. There are cute mom-and-pop shops as well as major retailers. There is a great variety of food choices. It is also a very beautiful city. I love walking from St. John's campus to the city because there is so much to look at.
 

HAVE YOU FOUND IT EASY TO MAKE FRIENDS?

Oh yes! To be honest, I think the friendships I have made here are more sincere than any other friendship I have ever made. I have definitely made some lifelong friends here.
 

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO PROSPECTIVE STUDENTS ABOUT STUDYING AT THE UNIVERSITY OF WORCESTER AND WORCESTER CITY?

I would say if you are considering studying at a school in the US and a school here in the UK, Worcester in particular, I would 100% suggest studying at Worcester. I am only 23 years old and I know that not many 20-somethings can say that they lived and studied abroad for the amount of time that I have. I think that it will make you look like a unique candidate for future jobs to which you might apply. The experiences you gain here and the people you meet will definitely be worth it.
 

HAVE YOU JOINED ANY SPORTS OR SOCIETIES AND IF SO, HOW HAVE YOU FOUND THEM?

I have joined Pole Fitness Society and I have absolutely loved it. It was a great way to stay active as well as meet other students.
 

WHAT SUPPORT DO YOU FEEL YOU GET FROM THE UNIVERSITY?

I feel that my lecturers are very supportive and are always there to listen when I have a problem or a question about an assignment. While studying here, I had a friend from home pass away, and it was difficult because you are thousands of miles from home. When all you want is your family or "home" friends, but they are not there. I was fortunate enough because I have made such a great group of friends here that helped to comfort and support me in my time of need.
 

WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO ACHIEVE FROM YOUR TIME HERE AT THE UNIVERSITY?

Coming here, I wanted to gain a more international thought process, to stride away from how the typical American views things, and I really think I have been able to achieve that so far.
 

WHAT OPPORTUNITY HAS STUDYING HERE GIVEN YOU?

It definitely has given me the opportunity to meet and become friends with so many people. It has also given me the opportunity to go outside of my comfort zone and it has challenged me to think differently.
 

PLEASE TELL US ABOUT YOUR INTERNSHIP.

I just started my internship with the Worcestershire Association of Carers. I have only worked one day, so can't say too much about it yet.
 

HOW DO YOU FIND THE SOCIAL LIFE?

If you want to be social the University definitely gives you plenty of opportunities to do so. There are so many sports and societies that someone can join that will meet your interest, and if there are not, then you're able to start your own! Honestly, it is so easy to meet people and be social, but you have to make the effort to do so!
 

HAVE YOU USED ANY OF THE UNIVERSITY FACILITIES AND IF SO WHICH ARE THE BEST THAT CAN HELP YOU WITH YOUR STUDYING AND LIFE AT WORCESTER?

I have used Pierson a few times to study and meet up with group members for presentations.
 

HOW HAVE YOU FOUND THE ACCOMMODATION?

During my exchange, I lived in Berrow Halls. I absolutely love Berrow. The halls were set up in a perfect way to interact with fellow students and become friends with people. It was at a good location and the room sizes were perfect. For my master's, I have lived in Avon Hall and sadly, my experience was not the same. The halls are set up in a very anti-social manner.

- Ali