Aigerim Seitova

Kazakhstan, BSc (Hons) Business Management and International Relations

“Oh it’s totally different, because here you can talk with your teacher like a friend. It’s really nice because they are very helpful. They explain everything, whatever you didn’t understand.”

Why did you decide to study in the UK?

It has been my dream since I was maybe 13 or 14 years old. I studied at university in my country for two years, but then I just decided to try to come here and do a foundation year in Oxford. I really loved it here and decided to stay in Oxford rather than go to another city, because it’s really nice.

What’s the best thing about your course so far?

I have a module on International Relations, called Political Economy of the European Union, which I really love, especially because of the teacher. It’s good because he’s passionate about it. When he’s explaining you feel so motivated, and after the lecture or the seminar you want to go out and just learn more about that subject. I really love that.

How different do you find the University’s teaching style here compared to back home?

Oh it’s totally different, because here you can talk with your teacher like a friend. It’s really nice because they are very helpful. They explain everything, whatever you didn’t understand. And in my country it’s a bit strict; your teacher is almost like a god. It’s hard to talk with the teacher, because you’re a bit afraid.

The system here is also totally different; it’s not just the teachers. In my country you have lectures and seminars every day, even on Saturdays from 9am until 6 or 7pm, and it’s really hard because you don’t have much time to study.

Here it’s good because I have lectures and seminars on Monday and Thursday and other days free for studying. I can manage my own time, go to the library if I want or take some time off.