Vashisht Bhatt, BA Business and Accounting with International Study
"I applied to study at Exeter because there was something about the University that gave a very welcoming feel. I also noticed Exeter's high rankings in terms of my subject and student satisfaction. What I really like here is the optimism and positive attitude. My lecturers and tutors have really encouraged me to participate more in class thereby letting me get more out of the lecture. Not only are the modules really interesting, the faculty are highly experienced, highly qualified, very intelligent people. What makes them even more brilliant is the fact that they're very down-to-earth and kind, alsways willing to help.
I've found everyone here very friendly and easy to talk to and when I arrived, the International Welcome Team helped me settle in and feel at home. They were there for me right from Heathrow until I started lectures. Exeter does have an international atmosphere around campus and I've got friends from different parts of the world; I've also got a lot of English friends who're always fun to hang out with! It's nice to know people from different places as it teaches one a lot about various countries, their cultures and traditions and what their societies are like. The University's 'International Society' provided a platform for international students to come under one roof and hang out; that's always fun.
There are students from all over the world here, lots of very friendly English students; all of this really does make the experience a lot more fun. I enjoy every single day at university, I'm only in my 2nd year and am already dreading graduation because I don't want to leave Exeter.
I was part of the International Welcome Team this year, probably one of the best experiences I've had! Welcoming students, making them feel comfortable and at home was something I really enjoyed. I mainly joined the team because I wanted to give back the University the support it had offered me when I first came here.
I am also a 'Buddy' to an international student, helping him improve his English and generally to be a friend, and make him feel at home and am actively involved with Community Action and take part in fundraisers.
WARNING: You are going to fall in love with the University, the people, the whole atmosphere as soon as you get here!"
Shraddha Borole, MSc Financial Analysis and Fund Management
I was doing a degree in Accounting and Finance at Mumbai University, India, but felt I needed to learn more about how financial markets operate. I was also keen to develop my analytical skills and acquire some first-hand financial experience, which is what brought me to Exeter to do a Masters.
The way the Financial Analysis and Fund Management programme is structured means you gain lots of practical experience and develop your own decision-making abilities. For example, in our financial modelling module, we have to build and manage a portfolio of investments. These experiences will certainly help with what I want to do in the future.
We also use 'The Bloomberg', a website which gives you access to financial information that's not publicly available. This means you can look at a company's data and profile, and really study them in depth.
In addition to my Masters, I'll get my Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) accreditation, which is a real bonus. This is a really hard qualification to get - the international pass rate is about 34 per cent - but I think the Business School prepares you very well for the exams. The lecturers give you all the support you need and it helps that the facilities here are so good. I think it's a real advantage to have the CFA qualification under your belt, as it shows you have a certain level of financial expertise.
When I finish I'd like to work in the UK for a couple of years and the School's Placement Officer can help with that too. They encourage you to attend seminars, help build your CV and are on hand to help with any aspect of the job application process.
But it's not all work. Exeter is a great place to be, with so much to see and do, I've made so many new friends. There are some great bars, restaurants and cafes to relax in alongside the river, and plenty of interesting places to visit. After all, it can't all be study, study, study.
Nithya Selvan, MSc Biotechnology and Enterprise
What were your motivations for choosing your postgraduate programme?
My motivation for this particular degree was born out of my passion for biotechnology combined with the desire to learn more about the commercialistation of research into useful innovations.
What do you enjoy about your area of study?
The fact that biotechnology has already had a great positive impact on our standard of living and has further potential to do so. Additionally, research in the area is interdisciplinary, cutting edge and exciting.
Why did you decide to study this programme at the University of Exeter?
Exeter's high rank in the league tables combined with the interesting research happening here were among the reasons I picked Exeter. The positive experience of meeting my programme coordinator and getting to know more about Exeter in general as well as the programme in particular, also encouraged me. Additionally, I was awarded a full fee scholarship by the University, which was definitely an incentive.
Would you recommend this postgraduate programme to someone considering studying at Exeter?
I certainly would. There is some exciting research happening here and it's an extremely supportive and open environment that facilitates learning. Programmes are taught by experts in their respective fields.
Do you think there are any factors which make the University of Exeter a unique place to study?
There are many reasons that make Exeter unique. not least, the location of the University, the beautiful campus, the proximity to beaches and the weather that's better than other parts of the UK. What's more, the University is very supportive towards international students and there are so many societies to get involved with.
What do you hope to do when you have finished your degree?
I hope to return to India and work with a pharmaceutical company for a couple of years before I do a PhD in the broad area of drug and vaccine development against pathogenic human diseases/
