Horay! I was shouting inside my heart when I finally arrived at Heathrow airport.
A few months earlier, I was in a crossing road, to decide where I wanted to further my studies over a few choices such as Australia, USA, and of course UK. My school in Singapore had collaboration with universities from all of those countries. Hence, the decision to make was not an easy one.
Questions were immediately pop-up in my head.
What if I am sick, who is going take care of me while UK is so far away from Indonesia? Will the Europeans people like to be friend with Asian? Can I follow the class? Some lecturer think that Asian people was lack behind, please proved it that they are wrong. Be proud to be Indonesians Mate! J
You do want to know why I finally choose UK over other choices, don’t you? I hope ten reasons below helps you make-up your mind to UK J
Best Education
1. Guarantee quality education
In other countries, it is 'known' easy to earn a "title" (read: “graduate”). That is not the case with UK University. If you failed in any of 2 subjects during your study means you are out (DO). Though heh?
2. Shorter studying time
Typically it took you 36 months to get an Honour degree as an undergraduate. My previous credits were transferred from Singapore school. Hence, it took me 12 months to complete my Honours degree programme. Another 12-18 months to get a master degree (post-grad). In other countries, it takes another 24-36months to get a Master Degree.
3. More recognized qualification in your chosen field.
Consider fact no. 1 above. Another example, for our homework references I could borrowed more than 10 books at one go from the library!!! J
4. I want to go out as far as possible from any other Indonesians to practice my English.. * he he he * They are to many Indonesians in Australia & USA. On every corner or turn you will surely meet an Indonesians in those countries. Tips: O is pronounce as U. ie. “Munday” not Monday.
Best Culture
5. During holiday, I can travel to so many other Europeans countries. Nicest one mountain peak? Switzerland [Jungfrau?]. They are eternal snow in the peak, + some people like to play skiing during summer in Europe? * ha ha ha ha * My passport was full of visas’ of the Europeans Country.
6. People from different country will act differently, based on their background & culture. In UK, you will not only meet Briton from different county side, but also different nationality from Europeans continent such as Greece, Spain, French, Switzerland, Dutch, etc. It is fun to mingle around with them.
7. As I want to be an entrepreneur, I believe UK opens (business networking) door to the Europeans Union market. It is considered as one of the most expensive place to live (expensive not only to us, Indonesians). In principle, it is great to have friends from all over the world. Who knows after you are graduated, you can start a business together.
8. If you like to watch modern opera, theatre in London is a good place. The theatre ticket is not as expensive as if they played anywhere else. At least just go once and watch “Phantom of the Opera” or “the Cats”.
9. Many legend started from England, Sherlock Homes and Robin Hood, to name a few.
10. Last but not least.. speaking of culture, who doesn’t know anything about the “RED DEVILS”? If you have not been to “OLD TRAFORD” stadium, you have not been to UK mate! :p
As I mentioned above, I want to fully utilize my time in UK and get as many business contact as possible while I was there. Hence, I was graduated with Honour class, and have friends from Europe & Asian continent.
My advice to you is going there, study hard, pray hard, but play harder. J
If you are looking for grade, take subjects that are easy to earn good grade.
If you are looking to widen your networking circle, join the student society.
Quoted from UK Alumni admin note, success is not depending on what you know,
“the old rule that it is who you know that matters not what you know, is very valid” [-- Williams Harris]
Have a fruitful studying time...
Cheers mate,
Julijanta Gunawan
