Contingency Plan - while studying in the UK
What do I do in case of an emergency abroad?
To study in the UK has been immensely rewarding!
Studying in the UK has been an incredibly rewarding experience for me, and there are several reasons why I chose to pursue my education here:
Firstly, I was drawn to the vibrant student atmosphere that permeates many cities across the UK. I found the energy of Oxford invigorating, and being so close to London provided me with countless opportunities to network within various work communities. This environment has been invaluable in helping me build connections and explore potential career paths.
Another factor that influenced my decision to study in the UK was my family ties to the country. With relatives here, I had always harboured a desire to visit and experience life in the UK. Additionally, I was attracted to the scope of physiotherapy education offered in the UK, which has a positive global reputation and can be easily transferred to multiple countries, including my home country of Canada, as well as destinations like Australia and New Zealand.
My time as a student in the UK has been incredibly positive, largely due to the diverse and inclusive student community I have been a part of. I've had the opportunity to meet and collaborate with individuals from all over the world who share similar aspirations of becoming qualified physiotherapists. This exposure to different perspectives and backgrounds has enriched my learning experience immeasurably.
One of the highlights of my course has been the multitude of opportunities it has offered beyond the required curriculum. For instance, I've had the chance to gain hands-on experience working pitch-side with rugby clubs in Oxford, which has not only complemented my studies but also provided valuable practical skills and insights.
Moreover, studying in the UK has opened up exciting travel possibilities during breaks and holidays. With short travel times to neighbouring countries, I've been able to explore diverse cultures and landscapes that would have been less accessible from Canada. This aspect of my experience has broadened my horizons and enriched my personal growth.
My advisor from Across the Pond was instrumental in helping me achieve my goal of studying in the UK. I was given insight on how to apply to universities across the UK as well as how to write an appropriate personal statement that was well suited from my programme.
Overall, my decision to study in the UK has been immensely rewarding, offering me a supportive learning environment, diverse opportunities for personal and professional development, and the chance to explore new horizons both academically and culturally. I would highly recommend it to any prospective student looking for a fulfilling and enriching educational experience.
- Liam
I am now pursuing my career in the world of fashion!
My experience with Across the Pond has been incredible. From the moment I decided to search for a university in England until the day I settled in, I received exceptional support and personalized guidance.
My advisor was fundamental throughout this process, and I am very grateful for her dedication and kindness. She was always there to clarify my doubts and keep me informed of each step I needed to take. Her positive attitude and attention to every detail made me feel always supported.
It's evident that Across the Pond has great experience in the market, as they proved to be a reliable and effective agency, making it possible for me to gain admission to the university I desired, where I am now pursuing my career in the world of fashion.
My experience studying in the United Kingdom has been very satisfying. It has not only met my academic expectations but also provided me with an enriching life experience. I chose to study at the University for the Creative Arts because it is a school focused on creative disciplines. Since I want to pursue a career in the fashion industry, this institution perfectly aligned with my professional aspirations. Additionally, the study methodology, which is largely based on research projects, suits my learning style very well.
I opted for the MA Fashion Business and Management program, which is enhancing my creative focus and allowing me to apply it in the business field. So far, my experience has been very positive. I have learned a great deal from my classmates, who come from various parts of the world, enriching the academic and cultural environment even further.
The school projects are very challenging and push me to use critical thinking to propose innovative solutions to improve the fashion industry. Life in the United Kingdom is amazing, with an abundance of art events that I can attend as a student. I greatly enjoy these activities with my friends from school, who have been very open and always willing to share their experiences and knowledge.
- Anaid
The journey of studying overseas has been truly transformative!
Students come from across the world to study at AECC University College. We recently caught up with Danny Nguyen, one of our final year chiropractic students who studies the Master of Chiropractic MChiro course, to hear more from him and how he became interested in this course and why he enjoys studying in Bournemouth.
What drew you to study this subject?
"My initial interest started with physiotherapy, as I was and still am a fitness enthusiast. I wanted to combine my knowledge and passion with providing something of myself to society. My best friend’s dad is a chiropractor, who has been helping people improve their health and quality of life, which I thought sounded interesting”.
Why did you choose AECC University College?
"As there are not any chiropractic courses in Norway, every keen student has to travel abroad. One of the conditions to work back in Norway is for the university to provide an accredited course accepted by the Norwegian Chiropractic Association, which AECC University College offers. In addition, the UK is not too far away from Norway, and I knew the language would not be a problem for me versus other European countries."
How did you find moving from Norway to the UK to study?
"At first it seemed challenging, moving completely alone to a different country. During the first journey I was fortunate to have my family with me, which certainly made the move feel less overwhelming and smoother. I was also excited, as I would be in a completely different and new environment, where people from all over the world could meet. I was determined, I do not regret a single thing about the decision to study overseas."
Are you involved in any student societies, or do you compete in any of the AECC UC Sports clubs for example?
"Yes I am a member of the social societies including the Asian Pacific Society, Asian-Afro Caribbean Society, and the FICS Club, as well as sports clubs like the Movement Club and our university Volleyball team. Myself with two other year four students are the current leaders of the Movement Club. In addition to my competing in the BUCS league for volleyball."
What do you like to do outside of your studies?
"I like social activities with my friendship groups. We often have dinners, game nights and movie nights together. Our household functions as a hub for most social activities. Similarly, I have a passion for fitness with interests in calisthenics and volleyball. Outside of my studies I like to improve my learning at various levels, such as additional seminars for adjustment practice, functional rehabilitation, personal reading of similar contents or self-development books. Lastly, but most importantly, spending time with my girlfriend is what brings me the greatest joy outside of my studies."
What do you love most about living in Bournemouth / UK?
"Unquestionably, I have to appreciate the nearby long sandy beach Bournemouth coast has. This partly due to not having as a sandy beach back home, but also because it is a well-developed and a comfortable beach to spend long days at during the summer. The friends and the people that I have met here are most definitely my greatest reason to enjoy the life in Bournemouth."
What are your ambitions for the future?
"My long-term ambitions would be to combine my greatest desires in life, which includes experiencing the world and being a director of my own day. In more specific terms, I would love to work internationally in many countries, for different lengths of times. Ideally, where sports chiropractic fits into the picture. Europe, Asia, America and Oceania, you name the continent, I would love to be there. After I have achieved this, I would love the opportunity to build a connection with a local community, to develop my own clinic and build a practice."
What would you say to school/college-leavers who are thinking of studying abroad?
"Don’t overthink the pros and cons of going abroad. If you want to move to study overseas, then you should prepare and commit fully to it. The journey of studying overseas has been truly transformative. Not only does it provide an incredible opportunity to step out of your comfort zone, but it opens a world of endless exploration and personal growth. With careful planning and a thoughtful approach to mapping out this journey, it’s a testament to the privilege it is to study abroad. The decision to embark on this adventure may come with its risks, but the rewards far outweigh any uncertainties. I highly recommend it for an experience that will enrich your life in ways you never thought possible.”
- Danny
How to Write a Professional Email
As you’re applying to university, you may find you need to contact your chosen university by email. Writing a professional email is a skill you can take with you for emailing professors, applying to jobs, and future careers. Read on to find our top tips for writing a professional email!
Formatting Your Email
Make sure to use a professional email address, that you check often. For example, your previous university or school email is fine, but don’t use something like coolguy@gmail.com, as this seems unprofessional. If your email is a variation of your name, that is fine – just make sure to check what the display name on your account is as well, as the universities will be able to see this.
The subject line of your email should be short, concise, but tell the receiver what the email is about. When emailing a university, always include your student or reference number.
For example: 12345678 + Visa Question
Avoid using words like “Urgent”, “Please Respond”, etc. in your subject line, unless it truly is an urgent email - if every email the university received was marked urgent, there would be no way to differentiate the emails that actually are.
Finally, check the font you are sending your email in – something legible, like Times New Roman, Calibri or Arial is fine, in size 12-point type. Do not use all caps, or unnecessary highlighting or colour.
How to Start Your Email
Your email starts with your salutation. This is where you address your email to the recipient. If you know their name, include it. For example:
“Dear Mr. Smith,”
If you don’t know their name, something more general like:
“Dear Sir or Madam”, or “To whom it may concern”, or “Dear Admissions,” is fine.
Do not ever just say “Dear Sir” or “Dear Madam”– you do not know the gender of the person answering your email, and should not assume.
“Dear” is the more formal address – avoid saying “Hello,” “Hi”, etc.
Feel free to follow the address with a kind greeting, such as “I hope this email finds you well”, but this is not required.
Composing Your Email
You should introduce yourself to start the email. List your name, the course you applied for, and the purpose of your email.
For example: “My name is John Smith, and I have applied to study Law and X University. I have a question about my offer conditions.”
From there, make sure to be concise, explaining as clearly and briefly as possible the reason for your email, so that the recipient can best assist.
For example: “On my offer letter, I was asked to provide IELTS results. As I completed a degree in English in my home country, I was wondering if this condition could be removed? Thank you for your assistance.”
Try not to drag the email on – it is completely fine for your email to only be 2-3 sentences, as long as the reader can understand why you are emailing, and what they need to do to assist.
Make sure you use formal language – avoid slang terms, unnecessary contractions, emojis, profanity, or jokes. Always write in complete sentences, and check for any spelling errors.
Completing Your Email
Make sure to use a formal closing, don’t leave your email open ended. There are several options you can use, but it should read as though you are signing a letter. Phrases like “Sincerely,” “Respectfully,” “Best wishes,” are all fine, followed by your name on the next line, and your student number again.
For example:
“Best wishes,
John Smith
12345678”
If you have stated in your email that you will provide an attachment, make sure it is attached. Check again for spelling and grammar, and then you are ready to send!
Finally
Before sending, check that the email address of the recipient is correct, and all attachments have attached correctly.
Once you’ve sent your email, you will usually receive an automatic reply, which often states the standard timeline for a reply. There is no need to reply to this email. Keep in mind that you will only receive a response during the recipients work hours – and that those work hours will more than likely be in the UK. If you don’t receive a quick response, that is not unusual.
If you don’t receive a reply, it is fine to send a follow up approximately two weeks after your initial email. Following the rules above, be polite, and simply say:
“Hello ,
I hope you are well.
I would just like to follow up on my previous email. If you require anything further, please let me know.
Best,”
With these tips, you should successfully be able to send a professional email, and find success with your studies!
Written by Lauren - Wed, 05/08/2024 - 22:20
Job vacancies at Across the Pond
Vacancies at Across the Pond
Below is a list of vacancies at Across the Pond:
👉 Student Advisor: Sweden
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Study Business at University of Exeter (England)
Interested in studying business in the UK? Join us in this webinar and learn all about why the University of Exeter's Business School should be at the top of your list. A Russell Group uni with both undergraduate and graduate courses ranging from international business, finance, marketing, management and even an MBA, Exeter is one of the only business schools in the world that offers triple accreditation. In this webinar you'll get an in depth look at everything Exeter's Business School has to offer: its beautiful campus and facilities, focus on sustainable business practices, and commitment to student satisfaction and developing leaders for a better world.