Kimheng
Thea

What were you doing before you came to NTU?

I had been teaching for more than two years at a university in Cambodia. I am also a qualified freelance translator. Doing a Masters degree in the UK appealed to me as you only have to spend one year completing a masters course which is shorter than other countries where it takes two years.

After I’ve completed my master I want to establish my own translating company which is actually in its first stages already.

What do you enjoy the most about your course?

The course allows me to expand my knowledge. In Cambodia we usually follow the traditional methods - you have to follow what the teacher instructs, but here there’s a lot of independent study.

I love the specific modules on my course. We also use teacher apps which help me to analyse myself with my career as a teacher and a teacher trainer in mind. I have already recommended the course to another applicant and encouraged them to apply for a scholarship here.

What do you think are the best things about Nottingham for an international student

It’s a vibrant city. Whatever you need you have it here. Even if you are from an Asian country, you've got the Chinese market, you’ve got the food -  the food is amazing. I love how the people are really friendly here. It feels like home.

How did you feel when you found out you’d been awarded the Chevening Scholarship?

I was so shocked at the time because I didn’t think I would make it to be honest, as there was a lot of potential candidates and it was very competitive. It was the best feeling - I knew I had achieved something big.

When you were applying to University, how important was the scholarship to you?

The scholarship was very important to me since I knew it would help me to reduce some of the financial burden. I can focus on my studies without having to worry about finding jobs to earn income to finance my study.

As well as a fee reduction, what other opportunities have you taken up as part of the scholarship scheme?

I've attended some events related to social welfare as part of the scholarship scheme. I also have attended some events related to leadership training and international relations to build networks and connections with the other scholars from the other countries.

I would recommend the scholarship at NTU to other students, as they could have the opportunities that I am so delighted to experience at NTU and at the same time, they could have the opportunity to receive knowledge from this amazing institution.

Have you got anything else you would like to say to international students?

The first thing is to be prepared. You have to know about the country or the place that you want to do your degree. You have to know about the culture, to avoid culture shock. You have to know what to expect from the course, and if you would like the course before you apply. Think whether the course inspires you to come or what inspires you to apply for the course and the school.