Why we decided to study abroad in the UK

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Home to universities with an outstanding academic reputation producing world-class research and innovative teaching, the UK has plenty to offer as a study destination for students from all over the world. In fact, the UK attracts more than 485,000 international students every year, making it one of the world’s most popular study destinations.

Jiaxin from Mainland China and Daniyar from Kazakhstan both study at the University of Reading, which ranked 27th in the UK in the QS World University Rankings 2021. TopUniversities caught up with Jiaxin and Daniyar to find out what made them decide to study in the UK.

A degree from a UK university is recognised worldwide

The UK boasts a long-standing reputation for academic excellence and currently has 84 UK universities featured in the QS World University Rankings 2021. This is something which was a major factor for Jiaxin and Daniyar.

After having already graduated with a master’s in entrepreneurship and management at the University of Reading in 2017, Daniyar knew that he wanted to stay on and further his education with a PhD.

While Daniyar already knew what studying at a university in the UK was about, Jiaxin had never visited the UK before she embarked on her studies. It was only when her best friend had planned to study here, that she also considered studying here and did her research.

Jiaxin, who is now studying a BSc in Accounting and Finance said: “UK degrees are generally well recognised by employers and academics worldwide.

“I also considered the ranking of the university for the specific course that I wanted to study,” she added.

Daniyar, who is studying for his doctorate degree in management leadership, organisations and behaviour, agrees.

He said: “The UK is one of the world’s leading destinations for international students. UK universities are among the best in the world, and consistently perform well in world rankings.

Reputation for world-class research and innovative teaching

UK universities are continuing to raise the bar when it comes to world-class research and innovative teaching.

Daniyar emphasises the importance of having access to leading research resources and facilities. He said: “I always get support from academics from different departments, even if the area of my research might be different. Plus, the role of supervisors is crucial – my supervisors help me tackle various challenges in my PhD.”

For Jiaxin, being able to put theory into practice was a priority when it came to deciding which university and degree to apply to.

She said: “As well as good learning resources and atmosphere, I wanted to have enough practical modules which would allow me to get to know the industry in even more detail.

“Before I came to university, I didn’t have much knowledge about finance and investment. However, with my course, they provide a dealing room that allows us to use the market simulation system and other software such as Eikon and Bloomberg.

“For students who do not know how to use the software, the university provides workshops for free,” she added.

It prepares you for excellent graduate employment opportunities

Graduating from a reputable university in the UK is very likely to give you a competitive edge in the graduate job market and help you stand out to future employers.

Jiaxin said: “A UK degree implies that with all the experiences that I obtain in the UK, I will be able to find a better job in the future, not only in the UK and China but mostly all around the world.”

It was also important for Jiaxin that she considered the graduate employment rates of the universities she was interested in applying to.

She said: “Most students plan to start working straight after university, and so I would search the employment rates for the specific university, their career choices as well as the career services available at the university.”

Daniyar considers how important it is for students to have the opportunity to develop the skills, knowledge, critical thinking, and connections to drive forward their careers as well.

Having the opportunity to do an internship as part of your degree is a great way to gain insights and experiences that are in high demand around the world while studying. At the University of Reading, students have access to a dedicated internship hub where they can access all they need to know about internships, including available positions and how to secure one.

The UK is a hub for diversity and culture

UK universities welcome students from all over the world and are recognised for their diversity and culture. The University of Reading is home to an international community of over 5,000 international students from over 140 countries.

Jiaxin says she “loves the cultural diversity” of the UK.

She said: “The UK is well known for being an ethnically diverse society. Here we can get to know people and students from other countries who have similar interests.”

Lead image credit: University of Reading