Georgia
Mansfield

In her second year, Georgia spent a summer at Donghua University in China, on a summer school exchange programme.

What made you choose to study at NTU?
“NTU had the best facilities and tutors that I needed for the course I wanted to study.”

What do you enjoy most about your course?
“I enjoy that we get to design and then make our own things; it is very satisfying to see something you have drawn come to life.”

Has the course included any industry competitions?
“Yes, the Hainsworth competition encouraged us to use fabrics we had never worked with before, to create some exciting riding jackets.”

What do you think about the course staff?
“The tutors and lecturers are very knowledgeable, useful, and helpful. They encourage us to think for ourselves, while advising us on how best to do things.”

What do you think about the facilities available to you?
“The course level facilities are very well equipped and have everything we need. The Bonington shop is very useful and the Bonington Gallery is a wonderful place to have a break. In addition, the library is a great help, and the lecture theatres are modern and spacious.”

What do you like about studying and living in Nottingham?
“I really like how close everything is to the city centre and to other parts of the campus. Even if you’re living away from the student halls in your second year, you are still close by.”

In a nutshell, why would you recommend your course / NTU to someone looking to study BA (Hons) Costume Design and Making?
“The course is very thorough and you learn about every aspect of Costume Design and Making in a calm and helpful environment.”

Questions about Georgia's summer school exchange to Donghua University, China

What was the highlight of your time at Donghua University?
"The trip was amazing, and I think the highlight was seeing pandas in person, or the city skyline from the top of the Shanghai Tower, the second tallest building in the world!"

What did you get up to in your spare time?
"In our free time we went off in little groups and explored all around Shanghai; from a huge botanical garden in the centre of the city to a massive, gold Buddhist Temple surrounded by tall office buildings!"

What was the most valuable lesson you learnt whilst on exchange? 
"The most valuable lesson I learnt was to let yourself explore new things. Don't try and hold yourself back by being afraid or nervous."

What made you apply for the scholarship to Donghua University?
“I was planning to redesign and make a costume from a historically accurate version of Disney’s Mulan, so I knew that the programme would help me to learn new things that I wouldn’t otherwise have had a chance to.”

What did the Santander Student Travel Scholarship application involve?
“I had to write a statement about how the scholarship would be useful to me, and how the Chinese Traditional Costume Programme would help me in the future. The scholarship could cover any part of my trip.”