Claudia
Agyemang-Yeboah

What made you think that you wanted to come to the UK and NTU?

In Ghana I was training to be a lawyer, doing my pupillage at a family law firm. I wanted to have a change of direction and specialise in something I really liked. I studied Human Rights when I was at University it was something I was really passionate about.  

The Ghana School of Law, where I studied, had links with NTU and occasionally staff would come in to our school to talk to us about the university. One of my favourite teachers who was the head of the board of lawyers in Ghana came to study here so I had an interest in coming .

What’s the best bit about the course?

I don’t know where to start because I love it so much. My favourite module was Victims’ Rights and Restorative Justice. It’s an area of the law that back when I was in Ghana we did it just for a little bit and it didn’t seem very important there. Here it was just something I saw in a whole new light and I really enjoyed it.

I liked the setting of the class too; I’m used to having lectures with so many people and not talking to anyone, but here you have four or five students really engaging in a conversation especially with this particular module. It was so enlightening. I learnt so much. I would recommend the course. If this is your passion then of course, pursue it. The course is taught very well here by lecturers who love what they are doing and it shows in their teaching.

You were awarded a Nottingham Law School Scholarship. Tell us about this.

I almost didn’t apply for this scholarship because I didn’t think that I could be successful but that made all the difference. My dad really was a driving force in me applying for the scholarship as well as the International Officer for Africa – Selma. She was really helpful and showed me the scholarships I could go for. It’s very easy to think things are above you, but just apply. You never know what will happen.

Honestly I can say without a scholarship I would not have been able to come to university. There are so many people that have the potential and they just need an opportunity like this. Receiving the scholarship  took off a huge burden from me and my family. The scholarship meant everything to me and has also opened up so many opportunities for me. I have done some volunteering work, I’ve also applied to go to a summer school in Geneva which is linked to human rights. I went to the Scholarship Awards Evening and took part in Global Week. There’s so many things to do when you are here.

How have you found studying here compared to Ghana?

As a lawyer in Ghana you have to do so much reading and the materials are sometimes difficult to come by. At NTU I have all of the materials that I need. It’s an environment that facilitates my studies, helping me to get what I need and want. I have a place to study, I have all the books that I need and I have all the guidance I can get from my lecturers who are always so willing to help.

What are the best things about Nottingham and NTU for international students?

The city is ideal. I’ve been to London a couple of times and frankly it is too busy and too big for me. Nottingham has a city vibe but it’s smaller and as I am based on City Campus there are so many places that you can go without having to even use transportation which economically is very good as well!

What advice would you give to other students think of applying to NTU?

There are so many opportunities when you are at NTU. Take advantage of every opportunity that you have. Sign up and do something, it builds up your experience and confidence. NTU is such a relaxing, comfortable environment with so many friendly people.  I’ve met most of my friends from my classes and have met people from so many places. It was a goal of mine to make friends not only from Africa, but from all over the world. The Global Lounge is a great place to meet new people, have a cup of coffee and hang out.

It’s a good decision coming here. I’d do it over and over again. I’ve learnt a lot in so many ways. If you have the opportunity, you should really consider here. The experience has been wonderful and I’m enjoying every second of it.