Home > Current students > International students > Student profiles

We can give you all the reasons why we think the University would be the right choice for you. However, don't just take our word for it! Some of our current and recent International Students have given us their opinions.

James Khumo, BA (Honours) Architecture (Botswana)

James Khumo, from Botswana, came to the University to study for a BA (Honours) Architecture after completing his Bachelor of Science (part 1) at the University of Botswana in 2000. James is very pleased with the University and the course he chose.

'I like architecture, actually I love it. Creating is what I like most about it. Where a single line leads to a finished building.'

Commenting of the course and the challenges he has faced James says

'The workload is intense and I have spent many hours drawing and making models for design projects, as well as attending lectures, study visits and learning the necessary science and technology. The lecturers made this course a success for me. They have always been there when I needed their help most.'

James has enjoyed studying in the second largest city in the UK, a city undergoing massive regeneration where hundreds of millions of pounds are being spent on developing new facilities and infrastructure. The regeneration of the city and the new developments have provided excellent case study material for students like James interested in construction and architecture.

As well as studying hard James still found time to be an active member of the UK Botswana Students Union and has been involved in running their national conference.

On the time he has spent at the University James says: 'I have achieved a great deal of knowledge and I'm proud to be a Birmingham City University graduate.'

Peter Karanja, MSc Business Management (Kenya)

Peter Karanja from Kenya completed an MSc in Business Management in 2004 and has stayed on at the University to take his MBA. He found in the University a dedicated and professional teaching staff and a stimulating learning environment:

'The University offered the exact course that I knew would boost my chances of securing the good career I was looking for. I haven't been let down. The teaching staff are great at what they do, always have time to talk about what is expected of us and clarify difficult issues.'

But it wasn't just the teaching that impressed Peter: it was the whole spectrum of support and development services that enabled him to make the most of his potential and prepare for a successful career:

'You can get lots of advice here about gaining employment after graduation. I hope to go back home to Kenya and apply the knowledge and experience I've gained here to make a successful living for myself. I would advise anyone to take all the opportunities that the University offers and you won't look back!'

Cindy Liu, MSc Management and Marketing (China)

Cindy Liu, from China, had worked in international business for several years when she decided to take the MSc in Management and Marketing in order to progress her career. She graduated in 2004.

'I had been working for an import/export corporation in China for 9 years as a Business Manager in the marketing area, but realised my knowledge wasn't enough in the competitive global environment. I decided to complete my Masters, giving up all my company perks to go back into full-time higher education as an investment in my future.'

After thorough research she settled on Birmingham City University as her place of study because it offered an extra practical dimension:

'I chose the University because of the Business School's attention to vocational education, a unique selling point compared to other regional institutes, and also because of its location in the UK's second city. I had no qualifications in my field and wanted to put the practical and theoretical worlds together so joined the MSc Management and Marketing pathway.

'It has been an unforgettable experience. While on the course, I acquired knowledge in theory but the course has also lead to other opportunities such my current role as a research assistant and my plans to continue on to complete my PhD. The lecturers and administration staff are very friendly and helpful; they made me feel at home and I made so many friends from different countries with different culture backgrounds.

'I didn't expect that I could do so well on the course, I have a special feeling towards the University and I believe I am moving towards a bright future here in the UK.'

Arun Subramaniam, MSc Data Communications and Software (India)

Educated in India and Kuwait, Arun Subramaniam graduated from his home university with a Bachelor of Engineering degree. Wishing to pursue postgraduate studies in computing and having family connections in the Midlands, he embarked on an MSc degree in Data Communications and Software at the Technology Innovation Centre (tic).

Arun is now preparing to read for a PhD in wireless networks. His vision is to use the skills he has acquired at tic to further the development of his home region, Tamil Nadu. He will be able to use the knowledge and skills acquired at tic to advance the lot of poorer people in the state, helping them develop the skills and confidence to make the most of modern technology. It is through the Birmingham City University that Arun is able to make such a valuable contribution to the development of his country:

'My MSc course at TIC has given me greater knowledge and confidence than I had imagined possible. In a short period I have become much more technically competent than when I arrived. My desire now is to put my skills and knowledge to the test in the working environment.'

Hariet Wu, BMus (Honours) (Taiwan)

Now in her final year at the Conservatoire, clarinettist Hariet Wu is studying for a BMus (Honours) in Music. Originally from Taiwan, Hariet auditioned for the Conservatoire in her own country, and had never been to Britain before beginning her course. However, she found the transition straightforward:

'I found it easy to adjust because the Conservatoire is a welcoming and comfortable environment. As an international student I feel very supported here - both faculty and students are open, patient and good with communication.'

Like the majority of the Conservatoire's international students, Hariet chose to live in Cambrian Hall, a short walk from the college, where she found her flatmates to be friendly and helpful.

'The city centre is a great place for students and Cambrian Hall and the Conservatoire's central locations are very convenient. Symphony Hall is nearby and the ticket prices are very reasonable due to the discount for Conservatoire students.'

Even though she had participated in an academic high school exchange to the USA, Hariet found the variety of British accents challenging. But rather than finding herself isolated, Hariet quickly became part of the Conservatoire's large international student community:

'Because of the language, many of my friends are international students, but that's not because the English students are unfriendly. We find it easier to speak to one another, but there's no segregation here. I have several English friends too.

'I chose Britain because I wouldn't have the chance to study at this level in Taiwan and the cost here is much more reasonable than some other places, like the States. The Conservatoire timetable is flexible enough to fit in as much practice as you need and I enjoy the course. I would say to other international students that they shouldn't worry about fitting in here - it's very easy to adjust and there's a lot of support.'