The following quotes are from international students who found that studying in the UK revealed aspects of their personalities that they never knew existed!

Sarwat Gilani
Pakistan  

Sarwat, who was scared of using computers, now enjoys his new skill. ‘I used to be so scared to work independently on a computer but now I enjoy it and can work on it for hours. That computer fear has vanished forever….

I like one more thing here, that we are encouraged to develop our own opinion and judgement and be able to justify it through evidence and argument. I never hesitate to disagree with my professors and they would encourage it. This has enhanced my confidence enormously with logical thought development.’

Ogechi Elizabeth Chibueze-Ukaegbu
Nigeria  

Ogechi discovered that she had a gift for working with children. ‘I never knew I could do so very well handling younger children. I became a member of the student mentors in the University. I took care of children between the ages of 13 and 16.

I was exposed to knowing how to handle problems in a school environment,  in cases where students bully their fellow students, or when there are students who are slow in learning, how to help and encourage them.

It's really been interesting and I have been in positions where I work as a team member, having to take orders and to work with my own initiatives.’  

Tian Rong Jiang
China

Tian found confidence through sport. ‘From the first day I arrived in Lancaster, I told myself that I must use my initiative to get the most of my time here, both in and out of the classroom.

I joined the University's Lacrosse Club, which has proven to be extremely helpful to me. In the club I trained with a lot of British students, and as we played together there were lots of opportunities for us to talk to each other naturally, thus I have made some very good friends.

The experience in the Lacrosse team has greatly strengthened my confidence … and enabled me to talk with other students, who I have found are all interested in Chinese culture and wanted to learn more about China from me.’

Nelly
October 2005

• Further information on The Man Booker Prize 2005 and a poll event with prizes.
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