Students and graduates with links to every continent share their love for studying in Norwich
By: Communications
The University of East Anglia (UEA) continues to foster a global, diverse and enriching environment by welcoming international students from all corners of the world.
With an award-winning green campus, vibrant student life, prestigious academic programmes, and a city steeped in history, UEA is a positive place for international students seeking to expand their knowledge and explore new avenues.
Did you know that students with links to every continent study here at UEA? From semesters studying abroad to years dedicated to degree learning, we spoke to past and present students who travelled to study at UEA from across the globe.
South America
Lorena Robles Ramirez is currently studying on the MA Globalization, Business and Sustainable Development programme from Mexico.
"I like living in Norwich because the location is pretty, and there's lots of things to do, from going to the theatre, music festivals, riverside walks, and trips to the beach. What's great about UEA is all the support they give to students, with so much focus on wellbeing through things like the Student Information Zone and careers support."
Europe
Dr Mariia Levchenko completed her MA in International Relations. Her work in the field of peacebuilding has taken her around the globe to countries such as Uganda and Chad. She was also recently awarded the Luxemburg Peace Prize 2023 for Outstanding Peace Activist, in acknowledgement of her peace support work in Ukraine.
Mariia said: "From the moment I stepped foot on campus, I was embraced by a warm and inclusive community. My classmates, hailing from diverse backgrounds and cultures, have been a constant source of support. Their genuine curiosity about my culture and shared enthusiasm for learning have fostered an environment of mutual understanding and collaboration. The professors have not only nurtured my intellectual curiosity, but also encouraged me to explore and embrace my unique perspective and cultural heritage within the realm of my studies.
"My degree has served as a pivotal stepping-stone, providing me with the essential knowledge and skills that later supported my experiences working for organisations such as the OSCE, PATRIR (The Peace Action and Training Institute of Romania), and other international organisations."
Asia
Aiko Imamura studied for an MA International Development at UEA, where she was also the University's Japanese ambassador, offering guidance and introducing life in Norwich to prospective international students.
Aiko said: "I really liked spending time on campus and in Norwich, and I already miss it after coming back to my country. Norwich is such a cozy city to live and UEA is a wonderful place to study - not only because of the programme, lecturers and cohorts, but also because of the campus full of nature. I already miss it after coming back to my country.
"Now I'm back in Japan, I'm hoping I can use the knowledge and new perspective I gained at UEA to see things critically when tackling global issues and contribute positively to my home city, as it's getting more diverse and needs different perspectives to not leave anyone behind."
Africa
Dr TecLino 'Tec' Afewerki, arrived in the UK as a refugee from Eritrea in 2009, where he began studying an MPharm degree at UEA. He is now a cardiovascular scientist and locum pharmacist, having completed his PhD with UEA's School of Pharmacy in 2022.
Tec said: "Since finishing my PhD, I have actually started helping my community through the different scientific experiences I acquired during my time at UEA and as a senior pharmacist. So far, I have served more than 4,000 people from 38 countries, and I am now supporting East African athletes globally to incorporate nutrition into their hard work. For the next year, I will aim to help reach 10,000 people."
North America
Rachel Enns arrived from the University of Victoria (UVic), Canada to study a semester of Film, Television and Media. She said: "I landed on studying at UEA because of its unique media classes offered, and Norwich seemed like a small and safe city to live in as someone coming from abroad.
"The University and Norwich definitely exceeded my expectations for what I was looking for, with an amazing television studio available on campus and the city being lovely to spend time in. One of my favourite things was how involved the exchange student programme was, with frequent events to get people together. I still keep in touch with other exchange students I met at UEA that are from all over the world, such as Uruguay, Australia, and Portugal."
Australasia
Ace Lin visited UEA from Deakin University, Australia, as part of a two-week exchange with Norwich Business School. On his arrival, he quickly found fame alongside students Axel Blitzman and Lachlan Salvador, when the trio came to the rescue of a broken-down car and driver on the A11.
Ace said: "The staff at UEA really helped me come out of my shell during my time there. I gravitate towards being quiet and more reserved, but the staff here guided me to being more proactive and not afraid to speak up. I hoped that going all the way out to the other side of the world would be a bit of a confidence booster for me, and I feel that I achieved what I set out to do."
Antarctica
Though UEA does not currently have any students hailing from the chilly climate of Antarctica, Daisy Pickup, a postgraduate researcher within the School of Environmental Sciences, is currently focused on pH in Antarctic coastal regions for her PhD. As part of this project, she has been involved polar science trials in the continent and testing aboard the RRS Sir David Attenborough ship:
"My time at UEA has provided me with opportunities I never imagined I could have, that have aided my development as a researcher. It has been a privilege to carry out research in Antarctica and I feel hopeful that my findings will benefit the future scientific community."
Karen Blackney, Associate Director of UEA Global, said: "UEA is proud to have students and alumni from every continent, with 3,500 international students studying as part of our 18,000 strong community of students in the academic year 2022-3. And, with 165,000+ graduates living in in over 200 countries, this helps to get UEA and Norwich better known across the globe.
"UEA's international students are the heart of our global community, enriching our campus with diverse perspectives and creating a truly dynamic learning environment. They contribute not only to the academic vibrancy of the University and the region's economic landscape, but also to the cultural growth of Norwich."
If you are looking to start university in September 2023 and still considering your options, then consider joining a top 25 university this September through Clearing.
Find out more about Clearing and view available courses
For more information on becoming an international student, visit the UEA International Students webpage.
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