I have an opportunity to work abroad, more experience for when I go back to China

Sharon Wen Shi comes from China, and love travelling and exploring new cultures. She finished high school in New Zealand and now studies International Hospitality and Tourism Management.

Agency

I found my course with the help of my agency. They help students through the process of applying. They advised me that hospitality would be good for me because I can do different roles like human resource management or other hospitality roles. In China, when we apply the agency will help us to apply to all the universities and complete the process step by step.

Course

I learned so much during this semester and gained more confidence. I am the only international student on my course. Sometimes I’m a little bit shy and I don’t know how to start the conversation with other students. But luckily, they are so nice to me when I don’t understand something. When I sit alone, they will talk to me first and be more friendly to me. And then I think I could change and be more confident. For hospitality, you need that confidence in dealing with people, lots of different people, international people.

University of Gloucestershire has a placement year, so I can have an opportunity to work abroad, and I think that is a great opportunity for me because I can get more experiences for when I go back to China.

Teaching

On the hospitality course, teaching is focused on practical elements and not just on the books. The school will take us on field trips to hotels or events. Last semester we went to the Queens Hotel in Cheltenham. The professionals there shared with us what they do. And we can ask questions about the work they do which is very helpful for students. We also went to Racecourse when they were doing the graduation for last year students. We went there to see how they manage the event.

Future

I have one more year of placement. Maybe I will move to another country for the placement, but I’m not quite sure right now. Maybe I will do a masters degree.

Learning English

When I was in New Zealand, my English was not that good. I was afraid to say anything because I felt it was not correct. When I was speaking, I would just translate from Chinese to English. But when I would say it, it would just be different. I think the environment is really important because you can hear a lot of English living in the UK. Speaking more and listening more is very important. Right now, my English is much better because I have to speak it all day long.

Favourite places

I went to Gloucester cathedral which is beautiful. I also went to an Italian restaurant in Gloucester. The people there are really friendly and nice. They were teaching us some Italian and then they also asked us to teach them how to say thank you in Chinese.

Facilities

I think that the business school is great. They have so many facilities that we can use. I like the study area. We can just have a small chat or relax on sofas. And I like the private space. If the library is noisy, we can book the self-study room.

Student accommodation

I live in Blackfriars student halls. I am in a studio apartment, so I have my own kitchen as well as my bedroom. That is really nice.

Activities

Every Wednesday, we have a Global Café for international students. It is great because we can make friends from different countries. And we can share food and have a chat.

Challenges

The most challenging thing for me is to speak out. I would advise students from China to not be afraid about speaking English and don’t be afraid that others can’t understand you. If they didn’t understand, they will ask. Or if you didn’t understand, you can ask. Just don’t be shy. Just go ahead. I remember once I went to Racecourse to help with the graduation event. And the organizer asked me how my course is going. At that moment I did not feel confident. And then she said to me I should be proud of myself because I have experience from New Zealand and other countries. And I can share my experience and use it in my work.