What our students say

 Daria Polunina – Certificate of Higher Education in Business (Accounting, Finance and Management) 2008 – From Russia
“My experience as an International Academy student was truly memorable, as I received a strong base for my future studies at the University. First of all, the teaching team of all the lecturers and tutors were the best that an international student in his/her first year abroad can get, as they were not only masters at teaching, but very supportive and amicable as well. The question of whether or not to attend the lectures and classes was never raised, because they were all really interesting, presented brilliantly and any obscure parts were always explained as soon as you asked. ".

Ella Medikhanova - Certificate of Higher Education in Business 2009 - From Khazakstan
“Our classes were held on the main campus in a picturesque area on the Wivenhoe Park. While studying on my course, I enjoyed being part of the University; being part of such an internationally-diverse community is really fun as it is very interesting to meet new people and learn about their cultures. This is probably the most favourite aspect of my study here at the University. I also enjoyed attending events organized by the Student’s Union; they bring students together and help to enhance interpersonal and communication skills.
I would never change anything about my last year. The International Academy helped me to reach high academic standards, and it prepared me for challenges during my further studies, both socially and academically.”

Elliot Mbiko South Africa 03 December 2008

"I was offered by the University International Academy department to pursue the Pre-sessional course which provided me with a solid foundation and other international students to prepare for the academic term and also acclimatize to the environment. The University of Essex was my preferred choice after I have been awarded with the fellowship by Ford Foundation International Fellowship Programme to pursue a Masters degree at any university of my choice. Apart from being the renowned university in the world, its department of economics is ranked as 5 star department in the UK. Furthermore, the university has also strategic links with the Ford Foundation International Fellowship Programme and that on its own had an impact on my choice.
From my personal perspective, the International Academy (IA) is the gateway towards any academic programme in the university especially for international students. The experience that I have acquired during the Pre-sessional programme is immeasurable due to the international exposure that I have accumulated. The reception by the International Academy was beyond my expectations in and outside of the classroom environment. The international mix of students from Africa, North America and China etc. was an amazing experience to such an extent that I can say few Chinese words.
It remains my commitment to share and plough back the experience that I have acquired in the UK to my country. Therefore, I intend to return to South African and contribute towards the socio-economic goals of my country. However, I will always cherish the international experience acquired during my stay at the University of Essex.
International Academy (as the name suggest), you are the entrance of the University of Essex, guardian to all international students and you have friendly staff, so keep up the good work! I wish to keep in touch with you even if I have return to South Africa.
Enkosi! Thank you!"

Ian Keith Sinnott, UK International Academy PEP Tutor  Part-time MA TESOL Student, 2010
“I can say, without a shadow of a doubt, that enrolling on the MA TESOL course has been a turning point in my life. As a member of staff teaching at the International Academy on the PEP programme, I was given plenty of help with re-arranging my teaching schedule to fit in with my Masters’ timetable. The course has not only prepared me with the necessary tools to go into the classroom to be a better teacher, but has helped me to develop into a better researcher and critical thinker.
The lectures bring a wealth of experience onto the MA TESOL course and I have found them to be very helpful, friendly and accommodating to a student’s particular needs.
I believe that as long as you work to the best of your ability and make use of all the resources available, you will most definitely achieve your goals at Essex University.
Since starting my MA TESOL, I have found myself more able and willing to develop teaching materials and I feel that I have become a more efficient teacher.
So all in all, the course has been highly interesting, invigorating, inspiring and as a result of this, I have grown as a person and more importantly as a teacher.”

Sophia Yugbovwre – Certificate of Higher Education in Business (Accounting, Finance and Management) 2008 - From Nigeria
"My experience as an International Academy student was an interesting experience. This was due to the fact that I had a good route to the second year; the course was not too demanding; I had wonderful lecturers who provided useful information and were usually there to assist me when I needed them.
I chose the course at the University of Essex because of the perfectly tailored content, in regard to my needs. It also provided the opportunity to learn from outstanding lecturers.
The programme has great practical usefulness and attracts a broad and very interesting variety of people. University of Essex offers the best conditions for a very rich intellectual and cultural life, and provides a learning environment in which we are encouraged to think critically and independently. The experience enabled me to enhance links between my research and my day-to-day subjects. I would advise anyone to do this programme because it enables you to save a year. The programme prepared me for degree level.
I would like to use this opportunity to thank my Academy lecturers and staff who supported me throughout the year. "

Yulia Plaksina 

"The University of Essex was the first educational institution I attended in the UK and it appeared to be an amazing example of how studying can be effective and enjoyable at the same time. The programme is designed to provide international students with efficient knowledge about the British educational system and deliver the same material as the University of Essex students receive in their first year. Therefore, the International Academy is a very efficient program for students who do not wish to lose one year doing foundation programmes.
The educational system in my country differs considerably from the British one. In particular, we do not have to write so many essays, and even if we do, the requirements are completely different. University of Essex provided me with knowledge on how the educational system works here. We even had a separate subject on academic English language and essay writing where our tutor helped us to meet University requirements.
Teachers, lecturers and other staff in the University of Essex give their students all the support they need, plus a little extra, creating a very friendly atmosphere. In addition, the teachers in the International Academy are extremely qualified and deliver their subjects in a very enjoyable way.
They always include up-to-date issues regarding the topics. Moreover, our teachers had an individual approach to delivering their subjects, helping each student personally.
As opposed to the rest of the University of Essex, the International Academy provides weekly two-hour tutorials in order to support the material given during the lectures. I found this to be the perfect amount of studying. The knowledge we obtained during our year in the International Academy was not only sufficient for starting the Second Year but actually exceeded that of regular university students."

Winnie Igbokwe - Pre-degree Bridging Year 2008 - From Lagos, Nigeria
“I chose to study Law at the University of Essex because it has a good reputation for law and also for making its students feel comfortable and settled in. For example, the Law Society Ball and Fresher’s Week activities take place in the first week of term one, giving an opportunity to meet other students.
My Bridging Year at the University actually started out great. Although I was quite nervous at first, the administrative staff, who are always ready to help, were so friendly that I immediately felt at home. Furthermore, being a Student Representative gave me the opportunity to meet more students who had issues relating to settling
into the course and student life.
During the Bridging Year, I attended classes in British Studies, Law, Sociology, Study Skills and an option of Linguistics. These subjects, I believe were a good foundation for my current study of Law, especially British Studies and Law. Also, the Study Skills subject improved my essay writing skills and ability to answer examination questions.
I feel like this is my home, next to the one in Nigeria. The teachers explain the material so well making my course relatively easy to understand. The University of Essex meets all my expectations. The social life here is great. I am sure that my remaining years in Essex will prove to be equally exciting and prosperous.” 

Last modified on 13 January 2012