Naiqian Wang

BA (Honours) Business Management (Top up)

Why did you choose to come to study at Sheffield Hallam University?
I spoke with an agent in China about the universities which offer courses in this area and Sheffield Hallam seemed like the best choice. My application was progressed really quickly and I was given an offer.

Why did you choose to study your particular course?
I had completed a Higher National Diploma in business management in China and I found it really interesting. I wanted to build on what I had learned in China and get experience of studying in the UK.

I think my MA will be great for my future as I will have experience of speaking English and dealing with people who speak English.

As an international student, did we provide enough support, particularly when you first arrived?
The International Support Team has been really helpful with extending my visa. 

What do you think about your course, such as its content, how it is taught, its features and benefits, the facilities that you use?
The facilities are great, there are many advantages to studying here. It is different to studying in China. I have learned most in lectures but there are also seminars to teach about group work and practice.

In two years my English language has improved a lot and I now have no barriers to communicating. The knowledge and practical facilities the university has given me should make it much easier for me to find a job.

What have you learned from your course?
The tutors have been really helpful as well as offering practical tips. I also have classes alongside British students which has been fantastic for my English language skills.

Alongside the course, I have also been recruited to help out at Sheffield Business School events when UK employers have talked about opportunities in China. One of the businesses gave me a day's work as an interpreter as they were looking to expand into the Chinese market

What do you think is the best thing about Sheffield Hallam University?
I have had the chance to meet people from different countries, cultures and backgrounds. I have friends here from India, Pakistan, Australia, France, Greece and Germany. It is a really international experience and I think this will be really helpful to me as I want to work within international business. It will mean that I already have the experience of working alongside people from different countries.

What would your top tips be to other international students thinking of coming to study in the UK?
It's important not to be shy, the different accents in the UK can be difficult at first but there are many, many opportunities to practise with other students, tutors and local people.

People in Sheffield are friendly and always seem happy to help. I think Sheffield feels really safe compared with other cities in the UK. It is not too big and not too small and there are many Chinese restaurants.

Did you take a work placement? If so what was the organisation, your job title, what did you learn, the benefits and new skills you gained?
I have to take part in a consultancy project, which is much more than an assignment. It is a way of putting what we have learned about strategy and business into practice. We are working with a UK-based building company that is looking to move into China.

Why did you choose to stay on at Sheffield Hallam for your MA after your BA top-up course?
I really liked Sheffield Hallam and I wanted to stay here because I know the system and I like the tutors and students.

It also made sense to stay at the same institutions as it made my visa application simpler.