British Council: On Fish & Chips and Chilli Crab
23-year-old Hany shares her experiences discovering friendship and independence in the UK.
Hany had, by her own admission, a “trouble-free childhood”.
Having lived her younger days safe in the comfort of home, Hany desired to take a leap of faith and challenge herself, and her ability to live independently, overseas.
Since young, Hany knew she wanted to be a lawyer and that was the reason why she chose to study a diploma in Law and Management instead of taking A-levels. In her opinion, it will provide a better foundation for her degree.
In fact, the internship opportunities during her polytechnic days made her even more determined to further her studies in Law.
Rigorous research pointed Hany towards the United Kingdom (UK). Besides an outstanding quality of education and a rich culture, UK law degrees had the added benefit of commanding unparalleled prestige worldwide.
Her university of choice - the University of Liverpool.
Preparations
The decision to go alone to the UK did not come easy for Hany. There was much to prepare and learn before embarking on this journey.
Through the British Council website, Hany could make the necessary preparations, from understanding the process of gaining entry into a UK university, to gathering carefully categorised advice about transportation and student life in the UK.
As the British Council is a reliable guide on studying in the UK, Hany could also count on it as a one-stop centre for all her queries.
Well-prepared and ready to face the unknown, Hany went on to explore the UK experience for herself.
Excellently independent
Now in her third year, Hany reflects on the UK education system she has since got accustomed to.
Being a world class university, education at the University of Liverpool is a holistic experience, delivered to students through various channels.
Hany attends lectures, tutorials and seminars. Of these, she finds seminars to be the most unique as they involve an interesting blend of independent research, reading materials, close interaction and debates, overseen by a skilled University tutor.
One difference Hany highlights is the emphasis that is placed squarely on self-study.
While the words ‘independent self-study’ might ring alarm bells in the heads of Singaporeans who may not be comfortable with a “hands off” approach from their lecturers, Hany offers reassurance that the experience is enjoyable.
As it turns out, far from the “go and do everything yourself” mindset we sometimes mistakenly associate with the term “independent study”, Hany is continually impressed with the generous and genuine guidance provided by her lecturers.
“They don’t simply teach you. They guide you. Tell your lecturers where you wish to go, and they’ll provide you the tools to do so.”
She particularly enjoys the module where she gets practical experience providing advice to the local community in Liverpool, while being accompanied by a legal solicitor.
The learning is beyond the books, as she gains a deeper understanding of the culture and needs of the people she interacts with.
Job prospects of the graduates are also important to the University of Liverpool.
The Law department has ample links to the top firms in the UK. Legal job fairs are often organised where representatives from the various firms talk to the students and even recruit the suitable ones. International students may sometimes find employment opportunities in their home countries, through firms with multi-national set-ups.
Self discovery
Hany’s acquisition of independence extends beyond her academic obligations.
She has picked up better time management skills, as she enjoys potluck sessions with fellow Singaporean students, long drives and visits to various places of interests over the weekends, while maintaining good grades.
Furthermore, this young lady, who didn’t know how to cook a bowl of rice, is now confidently whipping up expertly-prepared chilli crab dinners for her friends.
Making it a point to travel twice a year after each round of exams, Hany has, to date, an enviable list of visited countries stamped in her passport – France and Spain, just to name a few.
As an international student ambassador and the Vice-President of the Singapore Society at her University, Hany identifies with the new students passing through the University’s entrance, and takes pride in helping them get acclimatised to their new environment, just as her friends had done for her.
The girl who had been relying on her parents now realises her true potential as a leader, independent learner, and sociable team player.
These are the qualities she’s honed since entering this foreign land, and she humbly credits her environment, the University, and British culture for all of it.
Coming home
Hany has already been offered a training contract with a firm back home, and intends to pursue her career as a lawyer in Singapore.
Her life experiences in the UK have moulded her into the confident leader she needs to be, and her education has given her the unique advantage of being able to take on the needs of both local and international clients with equal professionalism, confidence and expertise.
Dispensing advice to students making their way to the UK, Hany laughingly says, “Try the traditional fish & chips. They’re fantastic.”
With a wink and a smile, Hany knows her story is a testament to the advantages of a UK tertiary education, and invites like-minded individuals to undertake their own personal transformation in a land she now calls her second home.
Contributed by JobsCentral Pte Ltd
