[Student View] Cardiff University student wins regional Shine! Award 2010

Another two videos have been uploaded to our YouTube channel. This time we profile Mahfuzah Zainol, an occupational therapy student from Malaysia. Mahfuzah was the Wales regional winner of the Shine! Awards 2010.

Part 1 of the videos is titled 'Mahfuzah's story'. In it, Mahfuzah talks about her experiences as an international student in Cardiff.



In Part 2, 'Shine! awards 2010', Mahfuzah explains what winning an award means to her.



The Shine! awards are run by the British Council and celebrate the achievements of international students who are studying in the UK. International students from all walks of life and stages of education are invited to write a "letter home" explaining how they feel an education in the UK is preparing them for a brighter future.

12 regional finalists were selected from over 1300 students from 121 different countries. 24 year old Melissa Illboudo from Burkina Fasa won the title of International Student of the Year 2010 at a glitzy awards ceremony in London which all of the 12 finalists were invited to.

Last year's Wales regional finalist, Alex Leung, is also a student at Cardiff University and his story can be watched on our YouTube channel.

We encourage international students studying at Cardiff to enter the awards in 2011, it is a great way to reflect on your studies and if you are selected as a regional finalist there is a prize of £1000 up for grabs!

Our congratulations once again to Mahfuzah, what a talented bunch Cardiff University students are!

Enjoy the sunshine!

Beckie

[Info] Meet Cardiff University in GHANA & NIGERIA

If you are from Ghana and Nigeria and thinking about studying at Cardiff - here is your opportunity to have a chat with one of our representatives.

Rhian Curtis, Senior International Officer, will be visiting Ghana and Nigeria this month. Details below.

Stuart

Ghana

Date: Thursday 15th April: 11.00 - 18.00
Event: PFL Education Exhibition
Venue: The Golden Tulip Hotel, Kumasi

Date: Saturday 17th April: 11.00 - 18.00
Event: PFL Education Exhibition
Venue: La Palm beach hotel. Accra

Nigeria

Date: Monday 19th April - Tuesday 20th April: 11.00 - 18.00
Event: PFL Education Exhibition
Venue: The Lagoon Restaurant, Victoria Island, Lagos

Date: Thursday 22nd April - Friday 23rd April: 11.00 - 18.00
Event: PFL Education Exhibition
Venue: Congress Hall at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja

Date: Saturday 24th April: 11.00 - 18.00
Event: PFL Education Exhibition
Venue: The Banquet Hall, Sheraton Hotel and Towers, Ikeja

[Event] Malaysian Student Society celebrates this year’s Festival of Diversity in style. View photos from the evening...

Following the success of last year’s MSSCF’s Festival of Diversity; picking up ‘Best Cultural Event Award’ out of 130 societies at the University, this year’s event was eagerly awaited by our MSSCF members and guests.

The team hosted a spectacular evening of music, drama and entertainment, entitled ‘Heritage’; promoting Malaysia’s unique culture to friends and colleagues of the University and fellow Malaysians throughout the UK.

On Saturday 20th February, the Reardon Smith Theatre ~ National Museum of Wales was filled with over 300 guests, who were wooed with delicious Malaysian delicacies and entertained by the glittering cultural performances representing many states of Malaysia.

The society decided to centre this year’s Festival of Diversity around the asymmetrical dagger indigenous to Malaysia – the Keris; both a weapon and spiritual object, symbolising Malaysia’s cultural identity. Guests enjoyed traditional Malaysian music and mesmerising dance performances.

The evening was a great success, hosted by the President of the Malaysian Society, Bin Hao, who commented, “The practices, the ambala sessions and the post-practice 'lectures', shall always be the best memories kept close to our hearts. Together we made the night a true success.”

Photos from the evening can be viewed here:

Rhia

[Info] Cardiff University in Ontario (Canada) this May

If you live in Ontario, you might like to know that I will be visiting Toronto, Ottawa and Thunder Bay in the first week of May.

If you would like to meet up to discuss any aspect of admission to Cardiff University - get in touch. Email hillse3@cardiff.ac.uk or leave a comment below.

Stuart

[Student View] Chapters 7 & 8 of US Student's video diary

Two more chapters of Kristin's video diary for you. On our YouTube channel and embedded below.

If you're starting to think about what it will be like when you come to Cardiff - these will be really interesting to you.

As always - if you like the videos please comment on them and give them a rating. This helps other students find them when they're searching for information about Cardiff University and makes us feel happy!

Stuart

Chapter 7: Living in Cardiff


Chapter 8: First Few Days

[Student View] Chapters 5 & 6 of the US student's video diary - travelling around Europe

Two more chapters of Kristin's video diary have been added to our YouTube channel and embedded below.

In these chapters she talks about travelling to and from Cardiff, and using your time in Cardiff to visit mainland Europe.

If you like the videos please comment on them and give them a rating. This helps other students find them when they're searching for information about Cardiff University. We also love all of your feedback and comments.

Stuart

Chapter 5: Travelling to and from Cardiff.


Chapter 6: Travelling in Europe.

[News] Xin Nian Kuai Le! Celebrating the Year of the Tiger in Cardiff

Happy New Year! Xin Nian Kuai Le! 新年快樂! 新年快乐!

Above are some of the pictures from the 2010 Chinese New Year Gala held in the National Museum Wales next door to Cardiff University's campus. If you are unable to see the above, you can also watch a slideshow on our Youku channel: http://u.youku.com/cardiffio

Guests from the Welsh Assembly, British Council Wales, the Chinese Embassy and schools from across Cardiff joined the Lord Mayor and staff from Cardiff University's Confucius Institute for the 2010 Chinese New Year Gala.

The Gala took place in front of over 250 guests and was principally developed by the University’s Chinese Student and Scholars Association.

The guests were lucky enough to see a range of Chinese acts including dance, film, a traditional culture fashion show and drama.

年年有餘 nián nián yǒu yú!

Stuart

[Info] Cardiff University's international festival "Go Global"

As a prospective student I thought you would be interested in this annual event which highlights the range of cultures and backgrounds we have on campus.

Every year the student community at Cardiff University puts on a 10 day event called 'Go Global' with the aim of bringing together people from various backgrounds and cultural heritages.

The Students’ Union and the international student community host music from around the world, art workshops, a soccer tournament (last year won by Spain) and debates on international issues. Thousands of students from more than 20 different countries, and many more backgrounds, get involved.

Go Global culminates with Global Village. In addition to introducing visitors to food from more than 20 different countries, Global Village will also showcase some of the University’s diverse student performers, including Bollywood, Chinese dancing and singing, a masquerade, break dancing, an international fashion show, the Malaysian Festival of Diversity performance and many others.

You can see a video from 2009's Global Village below and find out more information on the Students' Union website:
http://www.cardiffstudents.com/activities/societies/events/go-global

Stuart

[Student View] Chapters 3 & 4 of US student's video diary

We've uploaded the next two chapters in Kristin's video diary to our YouTube channel (embedded below).

In chapter 3 she talks about her studies and the differences between the British and US system, while in chapter 4 she gives us a demonstration of how she gets to her lectures and features some Cardiff buildings on the way.

Chapter 3: Studying at Cardiff University


Chapter 4: Getting around Cardiff


You can see her other blogs on our Youtube channel with more to follow in the next few weeks.

Stuart

[Student View] Taking a part-time course at Cardiff

"...all I know, is that I know nothing."
                                             - Socrates

…that's what I learnt today. This was my first class of ‘Introducing Philosophy’, a 10 week course started by Cardiff University’s Centre of Lifelong Learning. And it was good to know I wasn't the only one who felt that way!

The Cardiff Centre of Lifelong Learning offers short-term courses open to anyone interested in the subjects offered on the course. They range from language and social sciences to business and computer sciences. And the best bit, the assignments are completely optional. You want to do them, do them and get the credits. You don't want to do them, just whistle your way through the classes.

They are all part-time and therefore I can do them around my main Masters programme. It gives me the option of learning something new alongside my main degree and contributes to my overall experience while I am living in the UK.

This year, they introduced a beginner's course in Philosophy. And I, eternally desperate to understand the overrated 'meaning of life', jumped and enrolled myself for it.

Our professor is a Greek with Socrates’ style of asking questions first, confusing us and then clarifying concepts. We spent the first hour trying to figure out the meaning of “Philosophy”. I have a feeling, that like my major Public Relations, I will spend the next ten weeks trying to dissect the precise meaning of this elusive term. After much debate and discussion, it was boiled down to a method or a way of thinking about things. It involves reasoning and trying to find the logic behind things by means of questioning and discussion.

Thoroughly confused by the end (that’s the idea, I was told), I left the class having made new friends, broadened my mind and looking forward to thinking about the universe in new ways.

Supriya is an international student from Delhi, India
She is studying MA International Public Relations

You can read her first blog post here.
And her second blog post here.

[News] Discover Libyan culture on the 18th February

Cardiff University has a rich tradition of welcoming students from Libya. Currently we have over 50 Libyan students studying with us.

Each year, the Libyan Society hosts an Open Day event where people from across the University can learn more about Libyan culture. The photos above were taken at last year's event.

This year's event is on Thursday 18th February from 12:30 onwards in the Great Hall, Students' Union. Everybody at the University is welcome to come along, try some traditional Libyan cuisine and gain further insight into a fascinating culture.

The Head of the Welsh Libyan Students' Union and current PhD student, Mostafa Abdoarrahem, is featured talking about his studies and his experiences at the University in this video.

Stuart

[Scholarship] Masters scholarship for students from Xiamen/Amoy, PR China

If you are from, or connected to Xiamen, Fujan Province, PR China, then you might be interested in this opportunity.

The city of Cardiff is twinned with the city of Xiamen and therefore Cardiff University is offering a £2000 scholarship to one postgraduate taught/masters' student from Xiamen.

More information is available on our website:
http://courses.cardiff.ac.uk/funding/P263.html

Contact us for more information and an application form: international@cardiff.ac.uk

Stuart

[Student View] Watch a US student's video diary about her experiences at Cardiff University

Below are the first two chapters from a video blog recorded by US student Kristin during her study abroad experiences at the University. She gives a great insight into what it is like to study here.

In the first chapter she talks about her studies and in the second chapter she shows us around her accommodation at University Hall.

More chapters to follow soon.

Enjoy!

Chapter 1: Introduction


Chapter 2: Accommodation

Stuart

[Info] Meet Cardiff University in India this February

If you are from India and interested in studying at Cardiff, we will be visiting several cities this February.

You will be able to get more information about Cardiff University, the courses we offer and advice about making an application.

All available events are below. Hope to see you there! 

If you however are unable to make any of the appointments you can contact us and join the community through Orkut: http://www.orkut.com/Main#Profile?uid=17979784092837957659

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Bangalore

Date: 7th February 2010 (11am - 6pm)
Event: Global Education Interact
Venue: The Chopras, 1108 B Wing, Mittal Towers, M.G. Road, Bangalore.

For further information please call: 080 40840000, email: banagalore@thechopras.com or visit www.thechopras.co.in

Date: 8th & 9th February 2010
Event: Education UK Expo
Venue: Taj Residency

Date: 10th February 2010 (10:30am - 5:30pm)
Event: World Education Fair
Venue: Taj Residency, 41/3, Mahatma Gandhi Road, Bhaskaran Rd, Jogupalya, Bangalore.

For further information please call 080 43503333 / 25590355 / 9663881003, email: bangalore@edwiseinternational.com or visit www.edwiseinternational.com

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Chennai

Date: 4th & 5th February 2010
Event: Education UK Expo
Venue: Taj Coromandel

Date: 6th February 2010 (10:30am - 5:30pm)
Event: World Education Fair
Venue: Taj Coromandel, 37, Mahatma Gandhi Road Nungambakkam, Chennai.

For further information please call: 044 42928200 / 42068985 / 9382860648, email: chennai@edwiseinternational.com or visit www.edwiseinternational.com

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Coimbatore

Date: 1st February 2010 (10am - 1pm)
Event: Interviews
Venue: Campus Abroad, CA G2, 1st Floor Damodar Centre, 1050 Avinashi Rd, Coimbatore.

For an appointment please call: 0422 2249200 or email: coimbatore@campus-abroad.com

Date: 1st February 2010 (2pm - 5pm)
Event: Interviews
Venue: Edwise International, 4th Floor, Ashirwad, D B Road, R S Puram, Coimbatore.

For an appointment please call: 0422 4500474/ 9600535757 or email: coimbatore@edwiseinternational.com

Date: 2nd February 2010 (2pm - 5pm)
Event: Interviews
Venue: The Chopras, 725D/I, 4th Floor, S.R. Complex, Avinashi Road, Coimbatore.

For an appointment please call: 0422 4504313/4/5 or email: coimbatore@thechopras.com

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Hyderabad

Date: 3rd February 2010 (11am - 6pm)
Event: Global Education Interact exhibition
Venue: The Chopras, 1-10-20/2 B, Pooja Edifice, 3rd Floor, Opp. Shopper’s Stop, Chikoti Gardens, Begumpet, Hyderabad.

For further information please call: 040 40361000, email: hyderabad@thechopras.com or visit: www.thechopras.co.in

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Mumbai

Date: 12th February 2010
Event: World Education Fair
Venue: J W Marriott, Juhu Tara Road, Mumbai

For further information please call 022 4081 3333 / 2200 3338, email: ho@edwiseinternational.com or visit www.edwiseinternational.com

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Pune

Date: 11th February 2010
Event: Education UK Expo
Venue: Le Meridien

Stuart

[Info] Meet Cardiff University in Nairobi, Kenya

If you are from Kenya and interested in studying at Cardiff; you can meet us this February in Nairobi.

You will be able to get more information about Cardiff University, the courses we offer and advice about making an application.

We hope to see you at one of the events below.

Date: Thursday 4th February (6pm - 9.30pm)
Event: Postgraduate Fair
Venue: PanAfric Hotel, Nairobi city centre, overlooking Kenyatta Avenue.

Date: Saturday 6th February (9:30am - 4pm)
Event: UK Universities' Education Fair
Venue: Oshwal Centre.

Cardiff University staff:

• Dr Ken Wann: Welsh School of Pharmacy, Graduate School of Biomedical and Life Sciences.
• Dr Kevin Stagg: Cardiff Business School.
• Dr Jeff Allen: Cardiff School of Biosciences and School of Medicine.
• Rhian Curtis: Senior International Officer.

Stuart

[Student View] A current international student blogs for us

If you're thinking about studying in the UK you're probably excited to know what it will be like when you arrive.

Therefore we thought you would find it interesting to hear an international student's story about studying at Cardiff University.

She introduces herself below. Expect more posts over the coming weeks.

Stuart

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Hi there,

I am Supriya, one of the students at Cardiff University. I am pursuing my Masters’ degree here in International Public Relations.

I come from Delhi, India – the land where both cows and cricket are worshipped equally. It is my first time ever in a UK University, and I am very glad I chose Cardiff! It’s not even been six months here, and this place already feels like home. The Welsh are truly friendly.

Living alone in a different country can be a difficult experience for some. But jitters aside, there is a lot to see and soak in. Cardiff is a pot-boiler of cultures.

I will blog down my experiences as a student of the University and as a new tenant of the city. Feel free to comment and talk about your experiences too!

Supriya

[Video] Get involved in student media at Cardiff University

If you are interested in getting some experience in media, journalism, writing, web, TV or radio while you're at University - student media is a great way of gaining some real-life exposure.

In this video Ayushman interviews current students about media at Cardiff - including our award-winning newspaper, magazine and radio station.

Ayushman Jamwal is a third year journalism student here at Cardiff University. He has made several videos that describe his experiences at Cardiff University.

If you want to see more videos from Ayushman, they are all available on our YouTube channel: http://www.youtube.com/cardiffinternational

You can also find out more information about student media on the Students' Union's website:
http://www.cardiffstudents.com/activities/media

Stuart

[Info] Cardiff Business School's Synergy magazine

If you are interested in a course at Cardiff Business School you will probably want to read the latest news in Synergy.

Synergy is CBS' regular magazine which highlights the world-leading work being undertaken by academic staff, and other activities in the School. It showcases the global reach of CBS with interviews from alumni and current students from all over the world.

For example: in the latest issue there is an interview with Nawaf Marafi, an MBA graduate who is Vice President, Oil and Gas, at the Kuwait Financial Centre (Markaz).

Back issues of Synergy, including the most recent issue 9, are available as .pdf on the Business School's website: http://www.cardiff.ac.uk/carbs/news_events/synergy.html

Stuart

[Info] University now back open

Just a quick note to let you know that Cardiff University is back open after the seasonal break.

We'll be working on the backlog of correspondence - so if you have contacted us over the holidays then we'll get to you as soon as we can.

If you have been storing up your questions you can drop us an e-mail: international@cardiff.ac.uk or contact us through various social network sites. Have a look at this post for links.

Stuart

[Info] University closure (23rd December - 4th January)

The University closes on the 23rd December (tomorrow) and re-opens on Monday 4th January for the annual seasonal vacation.

Every year, during this period, the staff at the University have some vacation time to spend with their families.

If you have a question, The International Office will be maintaining a light service through Facebook and Orkut. We will reply as soon as we can.

If you also want to get into the holiday spirit - it's not too late to send one of the University's seasonal e-cards.

Have a great break everybody and best wishes for 2010!

Stuart