 Name: Nguyen Minh Ha
Age: 22
Country: Vietnam
Studied: A-Levels – Business; Sociology; Accounting; Maths
Ha came to study A-Levels at Castle College Nottingham in September 2004. She completed her course in 2006 with 2 As and 2 Bs, and has now progressed to the University of Nottingham, where she is studying for a degree in Economics. During her time at Castle College she worked part-time as an International Student Support Worker in the College’s International Office, and she has continued with this role since progressing to the University.
Ha’s story:
“I decided to come to Castle College Nottingham to study my A-Levels, because the College has a really good reputation in my country for their students progressing to good universities like Nottingham.
When I first arrived in the UK I felt homesick and found it hard at first to adjust to the change in culture. But after my first few lessons I started to settle in, because the lecturers were so friendly and helpful, giving extra support in the first few weeks, which made me feel welcome.
I studied really hard to achieve the grades to get into the University of Nottingham, and I thoroughly enjoyed my time at Castle College. I made friends quickly and it is brilliant to be able to socialise with students from many countries.
I took a part-time job in the International Office whilst I was studying at the college, and the flexible hours mean that I have been able to continue with this now that I have moved on to university.
My job allows me to help international students to settle in when they first arrive, which can be daunting as I know from my own experience. I think the fact that I am an international student myself and I have studied at the college means that I understand how it feels to go to a new country for the first time, and I can use my own experience to help others.
I have discovered a lot about people’s cultures and backgrounds, which is very interesting. Studying at Castle College has opened up a lot of opportunities for me.”
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