Andrew
Soi

Why NTU...

Why did you choose to study a postgraduate degree?

"I chose NTU because of its prestigious programmes especially my course International Relations & Security. I could not find this combination in many universities in the US, Canada, Australia or even back in Kenya. I was also able to get a scholarship for part of my tuition fee.

NTU also has the state-of-the-art infrastructure and world-class staff.

At NTU you will find students and staff from all over the world. This means there is a huge pool of experience and opportunities to broaden your knowledge not only in what you are studying but also open yourself to opportunities from all over the world.

NTU is also ranked as one of the best International Universities in the UK for International Students. This means when you come here there is a likelihood you will meet someone from your home country and this helps when you are settling in and it will help you along the way until you graduate."

Why did you choose your course at NTU?

"I chose my course at NTU because of my previous work experience. My desire to further my studies was propelled by what happened after the Covid-19 pandemic. I was made redundant and chose to better my job opportunities by furthering my studies in an area I had experience in. This necessitated searching for a course combination that could encompass my previous work experience, and that is how I arrived at NTU. I could not find this course in universities across the world with the exact combination."

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

"My experience so far has been incredible, it is total contrast of my previous experience in colleges and universities back home in Kenya. The mode of delivery, the staff and resources give me the desire to excel. The resources are immense. One huge resource is the online library, it is not only enormous in the outlook, but you literally get access to knowledge and information from all over the world in academia and even general information.

The other huge difference is mode of delivery. I find it very thought provoking why universities still use the human – class and chalk system in this day and age. There is a lot of limitation with not employing technology in this day and age, and that is the difference of studying abroad, especially for those in college and universities in Kenya."

What does Social Sciences mean to you?

"It means having a deep understanding of global systems. Since joining my class at NTU I have started developing a clear picture of how international political systems, global governance, and security frameworks work, I would not have gotten this if I would have furthered my studies in Kenya. I now have a broader view on issues that are ailing our politics, education, our governance back home and above all, I have some ways of providing solutions, especially in transforming lives as a frontline service provider. I see myself as one of those who is able to advocate for rights for the marginalised, enlighten the community on matters of environmental protection, the need to have accountability in governance, improving our education system and quality healthcare for our people."

Support...

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

"So far, the support I get from staff and tutors at NTU has been great. They are very helpful and informative."

Outside of the Lecture Theatre…

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

"It has been easy to find friends at NTU because we have a good number of Kenyan students."

The Next Steps…

What’s next for you after NTU?

"I am looking forward for placement and the opportunities available and I will probably come back and do a PhD later."

How is NTU helping you to achieve your career goals?

"NTU is helping me in shaping my understanding of the openings in my field, I have so far noted that there are more ways of creating an opportunity rather than seeking for one, especially in international security."

Has the employability team helped you plan for life beyond NTU as a postgraduate student?

"I have visited the employability team and are working on my placement options and also career paths for future."

As an international student…

Why did you want to study in the UK?

"I wanted to study in the UK because of the courses they offer, NTU is one of the best international universities so far and the opportunities that I have at NTU as an International student too are immense."

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

"My experience with my course mates and my tutors has been very informative and thought provoking. How I started is very different to how I am now. The staff and the community are very warming."

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

"I would encourage you to join the societies and groups available at NTU and get to meet new people not only from your country but also from other parts of the world. You will definitely not remain the same as a student or and as individual."