Hugh
Barnett

Why NTU…

What inspired you to study your language?

This goes back to 2021 when I was getting into anime and manga from Japan. I was becoming increasingly aware that the western English localisations were having a lot of current-day western social politics inserted into them and I wanted to know what the Japanese authors had actually written. So, long story short, I enrolled on the NTU’s Japanese language programme.

After one year on the Japanese course I found a renewed interest in French, which I had failed miserably at school, so I signed up for the NTU’s French course alongside the Japanese course. Since 2022 I have been doing two languages each year.

Having now completed the Japanese course I am now doing both French and Spanish (which I also failed at school), so I’m now correcting mistakes I made nearly 50 years ago!!

Why did you choose to study at NTU?

At the time, the NTU was the nearest institution that was offering in-person Japanese classes. I’ve stayed with the NTU because of the variety of languages offered, the teaching methods, the learning environment, and the standards they expect from students.

How did you find the sign-up process and attending your classes? (Are you attending in person, online etc)

As an “external student” I have found the sign up process to be easy and straightforward. Attending classes requires a 20-25 minute car journey to the Hucknall tram stop and then a 20-25 minute tram ride. Nothing too onerous or stressful, except for when the trams have an issue.

What’s your experience been like of your course so far? Can you pick out any highlights?

When I signed up in 2021 it was mid Covid time and we had a hybrid course of some lessons on-line and some in-person classes. It was an interesting experience but I found the in-person classes to be more enjoyable than on-line because of the personal interactions with the tutor and other students.

Having said that, I opted last year for the online Spanish course as it meant I could spend more time on the course content instead of travelling. Going forward, I am happy to consider more on-line courses if they help with managing the workload but this year both courses are in-person and I am looking forward to that.

Have you been involved in any projects or extra-curricular activities that have supplemented your studies?

Not being local to Nottingham makes this difficult but I am a Mature Student Ambassador and I have attended some extra-curricular activities at the City campus Global Lounge. Also, being a very mature student, I prefer to leave many of the activities for those with fewer years on the clock and more youthful energy to expend.

Support...

What do you think of the support available from tutors and staff at the University Language Programme (ULP) and NTU?

With regards to the ULP, on the whole I have found this to be excellent. Any queries I have are usually answered promptly and with a lot of knowledge and experience.

On more broader issues the picture is a bit more varied, usually depending on the issue and its complexities.

Outside of the Lecture Theatre…

Did you find it easy to make friends and settle in?

Being a mature student who lives outside of Nottinghamshire, making friends at university has not been a priority for me. The friends I have made are small in number but are extremely valuable to me. I am also fortunate that I don’t have any accommodation issues to deal with, and I am not confronted with the financial issues that many students face, so settling in to university and the student experience has not been a problem for me.

Notwithstanding this, with regards to social activities and the opportunities for students to meet new people and make new friends, I am very impressed with the range of services and support that the NTU offers to new students. I would certainly recommend to anyone looking to expand their social networks to try out as many different activities as they can, because there will be somebody in the same position who are looking to make new friends as well.

Advice...

What top tips would you give anyone thinking about studying a language course at NTU?

First, don’t be daunted with the prospect of learning a new language. The tutors, staff and other students will help you get settled into your course and will help you with any challenges you are facing.

Second, negotiate with your family, friends and/or colleagues to protect your study time from external interruptions. Joining the ULP is a positive choice that you have made, and you are entitled to have your study time protected.

Third, in-person/online contact time is just two hours per week per course so a lot of your learning will be done outside of these times. Speak to your tutors about the best materials that can help you with your studies when not in class or working on course materials. There are so many helpful materials available that you can find something suitable that will enhance your ULP studies.

Last, but not least, enjoy yourself!
がんばって (Good  luck!)
Bonne chance!
¡Buena suerte!