Laura Natara Malave

International Relations and Politics, 2016

“I love Oxford because despite being a small city it makes such a big impact in the world. As a student here you will have access to opportunities that students from other parts of England can only dream of having”

Originally from Venezuela, Laura was on an exchange in France when she decided to come to Oxford Brookes to study Economics, Politics and International Relations. She will graduate in 2016.

I decided to come to Oxford Brookes because of the immense opportunities that the university offered me from day one. Back in Venezuela it wasn’t possible to study more than one subject at a time, whilst Brookes offered all sorts of interesting combinations that allow students to build their degrees according to their own interests. In my particular case, I was really interested in both Politics and Economics, so when I had the opportunity to come to Brookes to study them both I didn’t think twice – I packed my suitcases and moved to England!

I decided to come and study Economics, Politics and International Relations at Oxford Brookes for a number of reasons; I was not only fascinated with the flexibility of my course, but also with the numerous opportunities to take part in student exchanges overseas. Being at a university that puts so much emphasis on encouraging students to go abroad for a term or do a placement is truly a blessing – it shows how this university is committed to helping students to become the best candidates in the international job market.

Now that I am studying here there are so many things that I love about my course. The most important being the freedom that we have to express our ideas. Back in Venezuela there are severe restrictions on freedom of speech, so the fact that I can come to Brookes knowing that I will have a say and that people will respect my opinions is such an amazing feeling! I would like to say that in particular I have been inspired by my dissertation tutor Rozana Himaz. She has an outstanding academic background and her classes are just amazing to be a part of!

I love Oxford because despite being a small city it makes such a big impact in the world. As a student here you will have access to opportunities that students from other parts of England can only dream of having; I can use the Bodleian libraries for my dissertation, and as a member of the Oxford Union I have been able to attend lectures and meet so many important figures across both the political and economic spectrums of the UK and the rest of the world. Also, as president of the ESN society here at Oxford Brookes I have had the chance to make friends from all over the world.

My words of advice to any other international students thinking of coming to university here just pack your suitcases and come to study at Brookes! You will not regret it!