International students
Experience a new educational environment and study with students from across the world.
- Develop an understanding of how evidence informs policy making.
- Have the opportunity, if you so choose to study abroad whilst gaining a degree from a British university.
- Receive tailored careers support through our dedicated careers service and Placements Officer to help you make the right decisions for you after you have graduated.
“As an international student one of the biggest challenges was to comply with an education system and environment that is entirely new and different from your previous experience, this can mean that communication and exchange of information between staff and students is an obstacle to overcome, however I found that the rules and procedures that are applied by university are quite flexible and this is very helpful, the staff have been really very helpful, open and supportive.”
Vepa's experience in the Department of Economics
Vepa Rasulow had already worked for several years at a middle-management level in international and humanitarian organisations such as the United Nations Population Fund office and the Red Crescent Society in Turkmenistan. His career ambition is to become a top-level professional and decision maker in a non-profit or non-governmental organisation (NGO).
However, he realised that he needed to gain a deeper academic knowledge of the socio-economic problems that face our society today, as well as the tools with which to tackle them. He chose to study MA Public Policy at the University of Reading, which helped him make great strides in his career.
“I think it was the right time and decision to take an academic year, particularly at the University of Reading. As a matter of fact, through the MA Public Policy I not only gained an insight into public policymaking but also learnt the tools such as research methods in social sciences which, I think, will be very helpful during my future work activities.”
What makes Reading such a great study destination?
It's no secret that British higher education holds a remarkable reputation for its high academic standards. Reading was appealing to Vepa as he could obtain a master's degree in just one year, and at one of the world's top 200 universities (QS World University Rankings 2018). Funding was also a key factor when deciding where to study. Vepa was fortunate enough to be selected for the UK government's Chevening scholarship.
Adapting to the British education system
Moving to another country to study may seem like a daunting experience, but at Reading we provide plenty of help and support before, during and after your time here.
“At the beginning it was a little bit challenging for me to adapt to the UK education system in terms of understanding what is exactly expected from you, for example, when you write your assignments. Thankfully, there was more than enough material and information on this in the University Library, on the University's website and in the student handbook. However, the support and guidance provided by our teachers and the Study Advice team deserve a special mention.”
What is Vepa doing now?
At the moment, Vepa is in the final stage of joining the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (Turkmenistan office) as a national programme officer.
Would he do it all over again?
“When I finished my master's degree I felt a little bit sad that it had finished. And now if I had a chance to study for a master's degree in the UK again, I would definitely do it.”