Nigeria

Hello! we're Kelechi and Bisola, the International student ambassadors for Nigeria. 

Kelechi:

When I decided on a career change to International development, more specifically, impact evaluation (which are studies that attempt to measure the causal impact of a project, programme, or policy on one or more outcomes), I was looking for a school with a specialised International development degree, a world-class reputation for research in the subject, as well as a gold status in Teaching Excellence and Student Outcomes Framework (TEF). Besides the fact that UEA was the only University in the United Kingdom that had a master's in Impact evaluation, the modules were a perfect fit for the skills and knowledge I needed. I’m learning to produce descriptive statistics, implement econometric analysis, implement cost-effectiveness analysis and design proposals and surveys for development projects. Computer workshops on Stata (widely used econometrics software for quantitative analysis) are a personal favourite as seminars are thorough and engaging.

What sealed the deal in my choice of UEA was the wealth of support the University provided in making my move seamless. There was a responsive Sub-Sahara recruitment manager, student ambassadors who were so gracious in sharing their experiences and knowledgeable pre-departure briefings that made transitioning flawless. I also love that UEA is a campus-based University with everything you need within walking distance. The campus has distinguishable architecture, beautiful landscapes, amazing on-campus facilities like a live music venue (which offers weekly club nights and events), shops, eateries, an SU bar, a 24/7 library, a sportspark for sporting, health and recreational activities, a campus lake and the amazing on-campus art gallery, The Sainsbury Centre for Visual arts also known as the Avengers Headquarters (fun fact: The building is a filming location for The Avengers movie…you’re welcome). As very accurately put on The UEA website, “UEA campus is like a mini city, big enough to find your niche but small enough to call home”.

Norwich is a delight to explore. It’s the city’s superb fusion of the modern and historic that makes it the most complete medieval city in the UK. Its history of arts, culture and music adds to its magnificence… little wonder it’s called The City of stories, England’s first UNESCO City of Literature. Norwich is also a shopper’s delight, recognised as one of the top 10 places to shop in the UK. It has High Street names and with over 40percent of the shops independent, shoppers get the best of both worlds, paradise!

When I’m not studying, you’ll sometimes find me taking a gentle stroll around my favourite places like the plantation garden or riding a rented bike around the city. Other times, I’m taking a swim at the sportspark, shopping in paradise or off to the train station to explore the rest of England. So, If you ever need tips on where to go, I’m your girl!

Bisola:

My journey to this land of 'many stories' - Norwich, is that of intense research that uncovered loads of fascinating realities amongst which is the combination of aesthetic medieval architecture and academic excellence . 

UEA is a school that harmonizes students from different countries with diverse ethnicities via the availability of different groups and clubs in order to foster social interactions among students. UEA is also highly student-cantered in terms of prioritizing and providing quality academic and wellbeing support at various levels. More interesting is the fast admission process, timely responses to enquiries and the flexible payment methods which is the icebreaker. The Nigerian representative and student ambassadors also makes the admission process a lot easier by being usually accessible and available to douse the flames of confusion and give clear directions where necessary.

I love the study of human nature and health and have always found myself within the spheres of leadership and responsibility at every point, and that is where my interest in health and wellbeing was birthed. Studying nursing in the school of Health Sciences at UEA has proven to be a step in the right direction; to mention a few will be the gripping practical simulation sessions, one-on-one mentorship educational system whereby students' academic growth is every lecturer's concern. Also, the inter-professional learning opportunity where students from other faculties within the school of health sciences learn to work together to promote excellent teamwork which underpins the Nursing profession. 

I love taking long walks along the school’s riverside which gives a glimpse of the epic coastal sceneries that surrounds UEA and grabbing a cup of coffee from Ziggy's or I choose to chill in the evenings with friends for a fun-time at the scholars bar on campus: UEA is simply home from home for me.

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