Let your potential bloomEducation UK Newsletter

www.educationuk.org/malaysia

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What drew you to studying in the UK?

For my bachelor’s degree, I studied Information Systems at Sunway University in Malaysia, which has an academic partnership with the UK’s Lancaster University. My background has always been in business and technology, and I am very proud to have graduated with first-class honours from a degree programme that is validated by Lancaster University.

The quality of education convinced me to further my studies abroad, so I applied to the master’s programme at Lancaster University in the UK. It has been a great experience in terms of knowledge sharing, cultural exposure, working in real-life projects, and making new friends with people from different parts of the world.

‘Say’WHAT OUR STUDENTS

Jeric yuen Juin Keat

From: Malaysia

Studied: BSc (Hons) Information Systems at Lancaster University and Sunway University in Malaysia (2008 to 2010); MSc E-Business and Innovation at Lancaster University (2010 to 2011)

Now: Web developer at MSLGroup UK

‘Always remember to keep learning, meet new friends, have fun and enjoy life too!’

That’s Jeric’s advice for new students – and his own life policy! Find out how his bachelor’s degree – a partnership programme between Malaysia’s Sunway University and the UK’s Lancaster University – inspired him to join a UK master’s course, and how an internship kickstarted the career of his dreams…

How did the teaching style in the UK compare to Malaysia?

I feel the style of teaching in my UK master’s degree is almost the same as my bachelor’s with Sunway University, mostly due to the fact that the BSc is a collaborative degree that is validated by Lancaster University. I would say the quality of UK education is excellent, which influenced me into coming to the UK for my MSc.

Lancaster University also did a very good job by having a lot of clubs and societies. I’ve learnt to manage my time effectively throughout my year there – focusing on my studies as well as enjoying myself by volunteering for Green Lancaster (an environmental society) with an organic garden. I was also a Student Ambassador, part of the team managing events on graduation day.

I was chosen by Green Lancaster to represent my university for the UK-Aware Programme in London, which showcases how technologies and big companies are playing their part in making the world a better environment for everyone. I also participated in a data workshop for the Internet of Things Day, and another event on ‘Harnessing Collaborative Software and Social Media for SMEs’. Both events were great in terms of exposure to sensory technology for open data, as well as gaining insights into how SMEs (small and medium-sized businesses) are approaching social media.

What advice would you give students hoping to work in the digital marketing industry?

For those who would like to experience working life in a digital agency, or even those who wish to know more about the industry and to find out if you fancy working in such an environment, there’s always the opportunity for a short work placement.

‘Most of the digital companies might not advertise work placements on their site, but don’t feel shy to send them an email enquiring about work placements for two weeks or even a month, just to get a feel for the environment. Lastly, always remember to keep learning, meet new friends, have fun and enjoy life too!

What’s your number one memory of your time as a student? The one you’d tell your grandchildren about?

One of the best memories as a student would be meeting people from all over the world, and gathering together for a potluck dinner – where you can taste different cuisines from different countries, chat and share all day and night about cultures, foods, families and experiences.

Many factors influence and make me who I am today, but the one thing that I always keep in my mind is a quote by Gandhi that goes by the saying, “Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever.”

Jeric on the University of Lancaster campus – looking colourful after Holi, the festival of colours!

Read more alumni stories at www.educationuk.org

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Zhi Ting, Fou Ynn and Jerome are all studying at the University of Reading, and are members of RUMBSA (Reading University Malaysian Bruneian Singaporean Association). They would be happy to chat with you about their experience at the University.

Contact us and learn more about their journey by visiting www.reading.ac.uk or email international@reading.ac.uk

STUDY AT A TOP 1% UNIVERSITY

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OXFORD BROOKES UNIVERSITYTopratedmodernuniversityinThe Complete University Guide 2015

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Zhi Ting, Fou Ynn and Jerome are all studying at the University of Reading, and are members of RUMBSA (Reading University Malaysian Bruneian Singaporean Association). They would be happy to chat with you about their experience at the University.

Contact us and learn more about their journey by visiting www.reading.ac.uk or email international@reading.ac.uk

STUDY AT A TOP 1% UNIVERSITY

B12038 Malaysia advert NM v2.indd 1 11/24/2014 9:33:24 AM

Think World Class

www.aston.ac.uk

Founded in 1895 and auniversity since 1966,Aston has a proven history of academic excellenceand employable graduates

u Programmes Foundation, bachelors, masters and research programmes in; -Business & Management -Law -Life & Health Sciences -Languages & Social Sciences -Engineering

Our undergraduate programmes include an optional year’s paid work or unpaid study placement (excludes Pharmacy and Optometry)

u An International Institution23% of our students come from over 120 countries outside the U.K. making studying with us a truly international experience Where students are encouraged to take overseas placement

opportunities and expand their working and studying experience beyond Aston campus.u ReputationAston is placed in the top 30 overall in all three UK 2014-15 rankings: The Complete University Guide, The Sunday Times/Times Good University Guide and Guardian University Guide. This guide highlights to our existing and potential new students that they can expect a high quality experience at Aston University.

u LocationOur attractive, self-contained campus is situated in the centre of Birmingham, one of Europe’s liveliest and most dynamic cities. Our students have great shopping, social, cultural and sporting opportunities on their doorstep!

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Paddington BearWestminster

If you’re new to the UK – or just want to get out and explore – then why not take inspiration by following in Paddington’s pawprints? After all, bears, toys and a rather famous train station can be a great springboard for discovering the UK.

Here are some ways to get started.

Best for…bear museums

PADDINGTON IS GREaT

Meet life-size toy bears at the Teddy Bear Museum (Picture © Teddy Bear Museum, Dorchester)

The Teddy Bear Museum at the Polka Theatre (Picture: Polka Theatre)

Dorset Teddy Bear MuseumDorchester, south-west Englandwww.teddybearmuseum.co.uk Bears of all shapes, sizes and ages greet visitors at this museum in the historic market town of Dorchester, less than three hours by train from London.

Meet antique bears, contemporary bears and the human-size teddy bears of Mr Edward Bear and his family in the Teddy Bear House.

Teddy Bear Museum, Polka TheatreWimbledon, Londonwww.polkatheatre.com/editorial/teddy-bear-collection Meet Paddington Bear here, as well as Winnie the Pooh, the Muppets’ Fozzie Bear and hundreds of others.

Once housed in Stratford-upon-Avon, this museum has now moved to a children’s theatre in south-west London, the Polka Theatre, so once you’ve looked at bears to your heart’s content, you can round the trip off by taking in a play.

Explore the UK with

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Paddington BearWestminster

The Long Walk leading to Windsor Castle ©VisitBritain/Pawel Libera

Welcome to the oldest and largest inhabited castle in the world, and reportedly the Queen’s favourite. Here you can see the largest doll’s house in the world and explore the State Apartments.

One way to see it is with Mind The Gap Tours, which do day cycling trips starting from Paddington Station – the meeting point is the Paddington Bear statue of course! – and take you through the beautiful Thames Valley for a leisurely and relaxing ride towards the Castle.

Drop off the bikes and have a well-earned pub lunch before an afternoon at the castle and a train ride home (£69 per person. (www.mindthegaptours.com/windsor/tour/index.php)

Ashmolean museum, Oxford ©VisitBritain/ Britain on View

Did you know that the PADDINGTON movie was created by the same producers of the Harry Potter films? And while Harry Potter may have taken the Hogwarts Express from Platform nine and three quarters at Kings Cross Station, Potter fans should head out from Paddington to get to the historic city of Oxford, where many scenes from the films were shot.

The Great Hall, where Harry, Ron and Hermione dine and dance is really Christ Church College and the atmospheric cloisters of New College were also used in filming (www.chch.ox.ac.uk/visiting/harry-potter). Look out for students wearing gowns and a red carnation – that means they’re off to sit final exams.

Trips from Paddington train station

Windsor CastleTrain from Paddington: 30 minutes

OxfordTrain from Paddington: 1 hour

CardiffTime from Paddington: 2 hours

PenzanceTime from Paddington: 5 hours 30 minutes

Staircase in Christ Church College, Oxford ©VisitBritain/Kiyoshi Sakasai

The Ashmolean Museum is a must for art and history lovers, and its rooftop café is a lesser-known pearl where you can see over the city’s dreaming spires and relax in a deck chair (www.ashmolean.org).

Check out more in our guide to 10 things to do in Oxford (that aren’t a university)! (www.educationuk.org/global/articles/10-things-to-do-in-oxford/)

Cardiff Castle ©VisitBritain/Ben Selway

Paddington is the gateway to another country – you can reach Wales in just 2 hours, and its capital Cardiff is great for visitors with interests as diverse as rugby, Doctor Who, tea and cake and history.

The Millennium Stadium is Wales’s national rugby stadium, a must for fans of the sport – you can take a backstage stadium tour too (www.millenniumstadium.com).

The Millennium Stadium, Cardiff ©VisitBritain/Britain on View

The city is also home to the fantastic Doctor Who Experience, which will thrill anyone who loves the TV series: follow the Doctor on an adventure and be confronted with Daleks and other monsters; when filming isn’t on you can even step into the Tardis actually used in the show (www.doctorwho.tv/events/doctor-who-experience).

And don’t miss Cardiff Castle before you leave – after all, Wales has 647 castles, so start ticking them off your list! (www.cardiffcastle.com)

Find out more tips from international students in our guide to Secret City: Cardiff. (www.educationuk.org/global/articles/secret-city-cardiff/)

St Michael’s Mount, Penzance, Cornwall ©VisitBritain/Jason Hawkes

If you want to embark on a real adventure, head to Penzance in Cornwall, the region at the very tip of Britain’s ‘boot’, where you can explore some of the most beautiful coastline in the country.

See St Michael’s Mount, which you can visit on foot or by boat, and which is home to sub-tropical gardens and a medieval castle.

Penzance is also the gateway to the Scilly Isles, with Tresco Abbey and Gardens for wildly exotic plant life, horse-riding, watersports, beautiful beaches and five inhabited islands to explore (www.visitislesofscilly.com).

Find out more from international students in our guide: Secret UK: Cornwall. (www.educationuk.org/global/articles/secret-uk-cornwall/)

Of course Paddington is a station on the London Underground too, connected by the Bakerloo line, Central and District lines and Hammersmith and City line to the whole of London! Get a Visitor Oyster Card (you can order one before you get to the UK or in the UK) and start exploring the city by tube and bus straight away (www.visitbritainshop.com).

If the idea of exploring another country appeals, head five stops along from Paddington to Kings Cross station, and from there it’s just under four-and-a-half hours to Edinburgh, the capital of Scotland. Arriving into the city you’re treated with the sight of its castle to welcome you, and as soon as you step out of the station you’ll see the grandeur and splendour of its architecture and be ready to get a taste of Scottish hospitality (www.visitscotland.com)!

Check out our Explore the UK guides (www.educationuk.org/global/sub/international-students-guide-to-the-uk/) for more student tips on trips around the UK.

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Gower College Swansea is a high performing FE College in the heart of Swansea Bay where a vibrant city, stunning coastline and diverse countryside blend to offer a superb and safe quality of life. With a dedicated international team on hand to give advice, support and guidance and highly qualified teaching staff, it is no surprise that we welcome students from all over the world each year. Please visit our website for photos and full information about GCS: www.gcs.ac.uk

GCS is one of the Highest Performing Colleges in WalesThere was a 98% pass rate at A-level in 2014. 25% were A*/A grades. Both figures are higher than the national average. Vocational students also excelled with over 120 students achieving triple distinction.

Student Progression to Higher EducationIn 2014, over 900 students progressed to higher education, with 140 accepted by Russell Group Universities. 9 of our students were successful in their applications to Oxford and Cambridge. Our

Oxbridge preparation programme provides individual programmes for those who wish to apply to leading Universities.

GCS representation in MalaysiaIf you would like to speak to someone about what GCS can offer you our International consultant Caroline Townsend Jones would love to speak to you and will be available at the following events (look out for our College logo):

• The British Council Education UK Exhibition. 21st and 22ndMarch 2014 at Exhibition Hall 5, Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, Kuala Lumpur City Centre, 50888 Kuala Lumpur

• TheBritishCouncilEducationUKExhibition.24thMarch2014atthe Ballroom G Hotel, 168A Persiaran Gurney, 10250 Penang

Contact and Enrolment InformationWe have an area of our website dedicated to information for international students you can find full contact and enrolment details here: http://www.gcs.ac.uk/international

WHy STUDy AT GowER CollEGE SwanSEa (GCS)

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Each year many school leavers aspire to study at an overseas university as the next step in their education. In addition to helping them fulfil their academic ambitions, time spent in a university abroad can benefit students in other ways, offering a rich experience and exposure to different cultures and outlooks that will be of value in the future. However, studying overseas is not without its challenges..

One of the first obstacles to overcome will be securing the required score in the IELTS exam. Even students with a good degree of competency in English need to be equipped with the right techniques to achieve their desired score. The ability to be able read and analytically interpret lengthy academic reading passages under time pressure is a skill that is difficult to master purely through self-study. In the writing paper, candidates need to be able understand and describe data clearly and concisely, and also write a clearly structured discursive essay. The fastest way to acquire such skills is to attend classes, and the IELTS courses at the British Council have been designed to help students develop better exam strategies.

DEvELOpiNg EnGlISh SKIllS TO gET AHEAD

Once a student has secured a place at overseas, he or she will then need to demonstrate the ability to take part in discussions and tutorials, expressing their views clearly and accurately. To do this, students will need to feel confident in all areas of English (speaking, listening, reading, writing, grammar and vocabulary), and the Full-time Adult courses at the British Council have been designed to help students develop their competence in all of these areas. With a strong focus on interaction, these courses will help students build up their confidence and fluency as well as the accuracy of what they’re saying via classroom tasks and feedback from their teacher.

With a syllabus that includes a focus on how to offer opinions, speculate on ideas, take part in discussions and check and clarify information, as well as assessed tasks for both speaking and writing, the full-time courses offer students a real sense of progress.

SECRET CiTy: DUnDEE‘One City: Many Discoveries’... it’s no wonder that this is the motto of the place that’s known as ‘Scotland’s sunniest city’.

From world-famous scenery to top-notch sports facilities, we get the lowdown on Dundee... and taste one or two Scottish delicacies along the way!

What’s your favourite Dundee word, phrase or expression?

‘Eh?’ – meaning ‘What?’

‘Scotland’s sunniest city’ – so how would you spend a sunny day in Dundee?

Dundee lives up to its name as the sunniest city and I like to spend those sunny days at Baxter Park or the Broughty Ferry Beach.

What do you do if it rains in Dundee?

Find a local artisanal café – there are lots around – and sit and relax with a good book.

Where do you go to find out what’s on in Dundee?

Dundee is a lovely tight-knit community where you can find out about most things by word of mouth. The local paper The Courier also provides a comprehensive ‘what’s on’ guide.

Dundee is famous for producing jam… but what’s the number one food that any student in Dundee should try?

Dundee’s marmalade – that’s orange preserve to non-UK people! It’s great for breakfast toast. You can purchase it at any local store.

Name: Audrey Kwan From: MalaysiaAge: 28Studied: BA (Hons) Dance (Completion Award) at Dundee and Angus College (Graduated 2013)

Dundee: Key Facts

Location: Eastern central Lowlands, Scotland

Population: 156,561 (2008 estimate for 2012)

Famous for: ‘Jute (a type of cloth), jam and journalism (this is where some of Britain’s best-loved comics are produced)’, Antarctic exploration, biomedicine, technology, shipbuilding, entertainment industry, cinema.

Famous Dundee people: Brian Cox (astronomer), William Turnbull (artist), JM Barrie (author of Peter Pan), Liz McCoglan (Olympic gold medal athlete)... and HRH Princess Margaret!

UK comics created in Dundee: The Dandy, The Beano, Desperate Dan, Oor Wullie, The BroonsMajor Dundee football teams: Dundee FC and Dundee United

Closest airports: Dundee Airport, Edinburgh Airport, Aberdeen International Airport

Train to London takes: Approx. 5 hours 50 minutes

Train to Edinburgh takes: Approx. 1 hour 10 minutes

Where’s the best place for sport (either playing or watching)?

…and one of the newest swimming pools in Scotland, with state-of-the-art movable floors and walls!

Dundee’s motto is ‘One City; Many Discoveries’ – tell us about one thing you’ve discovered since you arrived that you think is unique to Dundee?

Dundee is a great city to develop yourself as an artist as the artistic community is very united and supportive. I love the V&A Museum of Design as just one example of a really artistic place.

And finally… what’s the number one experience you’ve had during your time in Dundee? The one you’d tell your grandchildren about!

I can’t choose one experience – but I feel I’ve redeveloped myself into someone who can bring arts, fitness and science together.

For more information about events and attractions in Dundee, go to Visit Dundee or Discover Scotland. Explore the UK at www.educationuk.org/global/sub/international-students-guide-to-the-uk

Snow in Scotland: A sight not to be missed (Picture: Visit Britain)

Dundee delicacies: Rich fruity Dundee Cake is famous the world over (Picture: Visit Britain)

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Oxford Brookes Formula Student Team are the top UK Student Formula team, in the latest International Formula Student competition. Winning the design competition, and fending off fierce competition from Bath and Cardiff University teams throughout the rest of the competition, Oxford Brookes Racing become the UK’s top racing team for a record fifth time.

The team finished sixth overall in the world, improving on two years ago when they finished in seventh place. Formula Student is Europe’s most established educational motorsport competition, run by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers.

Backed by industry and high profile engineers, the annual competition seeks to help inspire and develop upcoming student teams from universities from around the globe. Teams are asked to develop and create a prototype vehicle that must be low in cost, easy to maintain, and reliable, with high performance on the track.

Each prototype vehicle is put through a rigorous testing process, covering everything from design and safety, through to acceleration, endurance and even fuel economy to see which team comes out on top, with industry specialists judging the vehicles throughout.

Gareth Neighbour, Head of the Department of Mechanical Engineering and Mathematical Sciences at Oxford Brookes comments:

“The engineering, dedication and perseverance of the team and all of its members in my view is second to none and is one of the leading factors why the department produces graduates wanted by F1, leading motorsport teams and engineering sector employers.”

Oxford Brookes offers both undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in this field, situated within the Department of Mechanical Engineering and Mathematical Sciences including: • MechanicalEngineering(BEng/MEng)• MotorsportEngineering(BEng/MEng)• AutomotiveEngineering(BEng/MEng)• MotorsportTechnology(BScHons)• MechanicalEngineering(BScHons)• MechanicalEngineering(MSc)• AutomotiveEngineering(MSc)• MotorsportEngineering(MSc)• RacingEngineDesign(MSc)

a wInnInG FoRMUla FOR MOTORSpORTS, AUTOMATivE AND MECHANiCAL ENgiNEERiNg AT OxFORD BROOKES

ResearchThe Department is also celebrating success in the recent UK Government Research Excellence Framework (REF) along with the University as a whole. In REF 2014 94% of research at Oxford Brookes is internationally recognised and 59% was judged to be of ‘world leading’ quality or ‘internationally excellent’.

Professor Alistair Fitt, Pro Vice-Chancellor for Research and Knowledge Exchange comments:

“We are justly proud of our thriving research community and these results are testament to the hard work of world-leading experts at the University. “

More details are available here: www.brookes.ac.uk/research

ScholarshipsOxford Brookes International is offering scholarships of £4,000 to international students from Malaysia who are starting the first year of an undergraduate degree in September 2015.

More details are available here: www.brookes.ac.uk/international/finance-and-fees/scholarships-and-bursaries

Online Open DayThe department of Mechanical Engineering and Mathematical Sciences have an online open day, which can be viewed here: http://mems.brookes.ac.uk/virtualopenday/

More details on studying as an international student at Oxford Brookes University are available here:www.brookes.ac.uk/international

yoUR FEEDBaCK IS IMPoRTanT To USEmail us the type of articles you would like to read in future newsletters. Would you like more of:

a) tourism in the UK b) food and culture c) living in the UK d) stories of Malaysians in the UK Contact: kualalumpur.education@britishcouncil.org.my

Upcoming education exhibitions by the British Council in 2015/16:

at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre

10 – 11Oct

20151 – 2 Oct

2016at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre

in Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Kuching and Kota Kinabalu

27 Feb – 5 Mar

2016

Education UK 2015 exhibitions

Kuala Lumpur 21 & 22 March

Penang24 March

Kuching26 March

Kota Kinabalu28 March

Don’t miss the largest UK education fair in town!

• Meet representatives from UK universities, further education colleges & sixth-form colleges

• Various scholarships are available

• Attend free seminars on Getting into Top UK Universities, Choosing the right A level/IB subject combination, studying Medicine and many more

• Students are encouraged to bring their academic transcript and certificates

Pre-register* your attendance for the privilege of entering the hall 15 minutes in advance of our official opening hour and stand a chance to win exciting gifts!

*terms and conditions apply

Kuala lumpurE: kualalumpur.education@britishcouncil.org.my

PenangE: penang.education@britishcouncil.org.my

SarawakE: sarawak.education@britishcouncil.org.my

SabahE: sabah.education@britishcouncil.org.my