Setna
Gebreyohanes

Why NTU

What inspired you to study your subject?

"I originally considered a completely different career path before deciding to take this course. Unfortunately, a civil war had begun in my hometown when I was in my last year of high school. With the knowledge I would gain from this course, I hoped to be able to assist my people and other victims of injustice."

Why did you choose your course and NTU?

"The Health and Social Care program at NTU aligns perfectly with my career goals. I will be able to get a broader understanding of the problems that individuals face in society through the course, while also preparing for work-related situations through placement and work-like experiences.

It is well known that NTU prioritises preparing its students for the workforce. That was what drew me in the most overall. On top of that, NTU has a student satisfaction score of 81% in 2022, which is above average. Who wouldn't want to have a memorable university experience?!"

What’s your experience been like of your course so far?

"So far, I’ve been enjoying my course, expanding and building upon my existing knowledge. Working through practice scenarios in the Working with People module was undoubtedly a highlight of this year. The practice asks for three different roles: practitioner, service user and observer, and each person switches between the roles. It can be challenging but it is great experience if working with people directly is something you want to explore in your career."

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

"NTU has given me the opportunity to keep pursuing my interest in being active in my community through its extensive selection of activities. Here are a few projects/activities I have been involved in:

• Acted as a course representative for term two.
• Volunteered to become a facilitator for the Consent is Everything Workshops, which is a mandatory workshop around consent and sexual violence for first-year students.
• Attended social justice-related workshops, such as the modern slavery workshop and the Beekeeper of Aleppo play."

What does Social Sciences mean to you?

"Social sciences, in its simplest form, means making social justice the centrepiece of my efforts while gaining the knowledge necessary to change lives."

On Placement

Have you completed any work placements on your course?

"For my placement, I volunteered to deliver workshops on sexual consent and violence for first-year students here at NTU through a program called Consent is Everything. As a first-year student myself, I initially felt quite uneasy and inept. Later, I developed my public speaking skills to find the confidence in myself I needed. In total, I delivered over 10 workshops, to 266 students. I enjoyed delivering these workshops knowing that other students will benefit from it."

Do you have any memorable moments from your placement?

"I would say noticing how much my public speaking has improved since my first workshop. It has been a goal of mine to improve my public speaking skills, and I am certain this placement opportunity has helped me in that aim."

Support

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

"I can confidently say that NTU offers one of the strongest student support services, if not the best. Since my arrival, the constant support, from moving into accommodation to the last days of submissions, has amazed me."

Outside of the Lecture Theatre

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

"Making friends while settling into a new environment was challenging. However, I pushed myself to go to events. As everyone was on the same boat, trying to make friends, everyone was friendly which made it easier to make friends."

The Next Steps

What’s next for you after NTU?

"The next step for me will hopefully be studying for a Master’s degree. I am still not whether I want to stay in the UK or travel and experience a different part of the world."

How is NTU helping you to achieve your career goals?

"The biggest help would be the employability team. They go above and beyond to make sure they provide resources such as networking events, CV workshops, interview advice etc."

As an International Student

Why did you want to study in the UK?

"The educational system in my home country is not among the finest. The UK, however, is regarded as the highest standard for higher education worldwide."

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

"My main experience as an international student—and I believe I speak for the majority of them—is homesickness. But fortunately, anytime I felt homesick, it was as simple as making plans to meet up with friends or making a quick phone call home."

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

"My best advice is to not let being an international student overwhelm you and consume all your thoughts. Take advantage of all the resources available to you just like you belong there. Other than that, these are a few general tips that might help:

• Make friends with home and international students.
• Join a society of interest. This will help you make friends and find activities throughout the week.
• Figure out the public transport in your city.
• Travel and explore different cities."