Kateryna
Shpota

Why NTU

What inspired you to study your subject?

"I was inspired to be a teacher at the age of 18 when I started my first education. I was always passionate about working with others and helping students or adults overcome difficulties in learning foreign languages. I feel confident to teach international students English or Spanish and help them using my background and relevant experience."

Why did you choose your course and NTU?

"I chose this course because the NTU team advised me it according to my preferences which I mentioned on UCAS. Now I understand how right I was, choosing this course. It opens a wide range of opportunities as well as placement overseas. NTU has a nice location for me and a very supportive team which is also available to help and give useful advice."

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

"There are two highlights of the course for me, the  “What is Education?” and “Outdoor learning” modules. I find both of them significant and interesting for my future career success. What is more, I enjoy the feeling of how my university life gives me the understanding of teaching and learning processes."

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

"During my first year, I passed stage of NTU language programme which helped me to improve my Spanish knowledge and develop certain language skills. Also, I am going to apply for the next stage because I see this programme as a great and important opportunity for students to implement language knowledge in their future, for example, go for a language programme during the summer period."

What does Social Sciences mean to you?

"From my perspective, I see Social Science as working with humans in social and cultural aspects. Social science is a broad field of academic study that focuses on human society and social relationships. It encompasses a variety of disciplines that analyse different aspects of human behaviour, social structures, and cultural norms."

On Placement

Have you completed any work placements on your course? If so, tell us about your experience – where did you go, what did you do, what skills have you gained and what have you enjoyed the most?

"During first year I had a placement with Outdoor Forest School. For me, it was an absolutely new experience and an area where I was curious about the outdoor working system. That placement gave me opportunities to observe kids' behaviour with peers, gather and evaluate their feedback and find ways of how to improve their time spent."

Do you have any memorable moments from your placement?

"The most memorable and significant moment was on the School's Open Day. On the day we had the chance to immerse completely in their atmosphere, spend time and talk with teachers and also gather feedback from parents for Forest School. For me, it was quite a nice and busy day."

Support

What do you think of the support available from tutors and staff at NTU?

"This question provokes only positive thoughts in me and I can share nice feedback about the staff and tutor support at NTU. All university members are available every day to provide necessary information, help with any issue and answer all student's questions. In my case, I always faced support and understanding from NTU staff which helped me to not to feel stressed or confused."

Outside of the Lecture Theatre

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

"I can say it's quite easy if you are interested in it. Teachers create a proper atmosphere for students to get along, know each other and spend time together working on the same project or in groups."

The Next Steps

What’s next for you after NTU?

"In my second year at NTU I am going to pass the certtesol teaching course in Nottingham to understand the process of teaching better and of course to improve my teaching skills. I am sure that this course with give me significant knowledge which I can apply later when working with students and teaching others languages."

How is NTU helping you to achieve your career goals?

"NTU and my modules helped me to understand how education works and why it's necessary to be a good and qualified educator. Occasionally, I think about my tutors as a great example of how passionate and interested teachers should be in choosing this career."

Advice

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

"First of all study information about this place. Go to the open days and don't hesitate to ask questions, be curious and passionate. Show your interests and desires and of course, choose your course according to your preferences and interests. What is more, pay attention to the wide range of societies and sports clubs that NTU provides."

As an International Student

Why did you want to study in the UK?

"I never looked at the UK as my dream because I even couldn't dream about it. Studying abroad seemed to be very difficult and unachievable for me. Now, I can claim, there is nothing in this life which could be impossible for people."

What experiences have you had as an international student at NTU?

"As an NTU student from abroad, I found a lot of new and different things in the education system, teaching approaches and ways students work and study material. However, all these differences helped me to broaden and develop my mindset, contributing to my personal and professional development."

What advice would you give to help new international students get settled in at university?

"I would say to everyone who comes from a different country and doesn`t have English as a first language, don`t be shy to find new acquaintances and friends. Ask for advice and help where it's necessary and be active in the student life. Participate, engage and show your interest."

Clearing

Why did you choose to apply to NTU through clearing?

"In my case, I was a student with very limited time to apply at NTU, so I started my clearing process in September and literally jumped on the bandwagon."

How did you secure a place on your course through clearing?

"The NTU team and help desk always kept in touch with me, they were quite quick and responsible with their decisions and gave me relevant help about my future possible course."

What advice would you give to anyone applying through clearing?

"Don’t be scared about the lack of time, however, I would recommend not to be slow with making decisions. Think carefully and don`t make any decisions just because you are afraid not to apply at all. Be in touch with the university team and ask questions."