Noriko is a student at the University of Toyama, in Toyama Prefecture in Japan.  She is studying for an undergraduate degree in British and American literature and is in her 3rd year.  She has come to Britain for a year to improve her English and to study some academic modules in International Development.

"The course is very suitable for me because from Monday to Wednesday I can study general English which helps my conversation in daily life, and on Thursdays and Fridays I can study academic English.  In this class I can experience lectures like in universities.  This class is challenging for me, but I feel happy when I can discuss difficult topics. I am enjoying the conversations in class and have a chance to practice English skills with classmates and get to know foreign cultures. I really like the atmosphere here, the teachers, location and the friends I have made. I have made some very good friends and we all have the same goal – to master English, so this encourages me to work hard.also enjoy the social activities such as the trips, sport and coffee breaks.  Every weekend I am busy travelling somewhere."

Mayuko is a student at the University of Tsukuba, in Ibaraki Prefecture in Japan.  She is studying for an undergraduate degree in Comparative Culture and is in her 3rd year.  She has come to Britain for a year to improve her English and to study some academic modules in International relations.

She feels that the English course "is very nice and suitable for English learners, especially people who want to go to university abroad." She says that "Thanks to this course, I can not only improve my English, but also think about a lot of social problems through the class.  I think that we can also practise presenting and debating.  When I was in Japan, I hardly had opportunities to present anything.  So by studying here, I can improve presentation as well as English skills. This is very useful for the future and for my experience."  She believes that "the facilities here have helped me a lot.  We can borrow DVDs, books and can use the Independent Learning Centre freely."  She also "joined social activities many times and had a good time."

Haixu is from China and has been studying on the English and Academic Skills Course for 6 months.  He is here to improve his English  to do his masters course.  He hopes to do a Masters in Electrical Engineering here at the University of Birmingham.

"This course is indeed helpful. My English level has improved very much.  My English grammar and use is better, my academic writing has made remarkable progress, and my skills have improved significantly.  I enjoy the interesting classes. We have so many ways to practise English. For example in the Independent Learning Centre we can borrow English material and use computers.  After class, we can connect to the internet weblearn site to learn English.  Also we have the opportunity to practise speaking with other international students. Other enjoyable things are the day trips and travelling to interesting places.  They are a wonderful experience for me."

Fabian is from Austria and came to do the English for Academic Skills course straight from High School in Austria.  He is now studying an Undergraduate degree in European Politics, Society and Economics here at the University.

"This course served as an excellent preparation for university studies in the UK.  It focused on relevant topics and enhanced essay writing skills providing an insight into ideal structures of an essay.  It provided me with the necessary skills to tackle assignments on my degree course and improved my English skills in general.  I enjoyed the interactive classes and the friendly atmosphere of the course and interacting with students from different parts of the world."

Rumman is from Bangladesh. She has been in the UK for 4 months and plans to stay for 3 years while her husband is doing his PhD

"When I arrived in the UK I faced problems with the English people's accents.  Then I started the course.  Here the teachers are very, very friendly and close to the students. Although students are from different countries, they felt comfortable after just one or two classes."