Hoang Nguyet Minh Vu-Our Blogger from Vietnam!

Student GroupDu học Anh luôn là niềm mơ ước của tôi và bây giờ, khi tôi đã là một sinh viên của trường đại học Leicester, Anh Quốc, tôi cảm thấy rất hài lòng với sự lựa chọn của mình.

Đại học Leicester nằm trong top 17 trường đại học hàng đầu nước Anh. Khóa Dự bị Đại học của nhà trường cung cấp cho tôi những kiến thức nền tảng chắc chắn để tự tin bước vào đại học. Với dự định học ngành Tài chính- Ngân hàng, tôi chọn “ Kinh tế, Kinh doanh và Khoa học xã hội” cho năm học dự bị của mình. Đây thực sự là những nền tảng tôi cần. Tôi được học những kiến thức cơ bản về Kinh tế và Kinh doanh – những môn học hoàn toàn mới lạ với học sinh cấp 3 Việt Nam. Các bài giảng được thầy cô chọn lọc để chúng tôi có thể làm quen với hầu hết các kiến thức cơ bản của bộ môn Kinh tế, Kinh Doanh.  Ngoài ra, chúng tôi được tiếp xúc dần với cách giảng dạy trên trường Đại học. Chúng tôi được yêu cầu phát huy tối đa khả năng tự sắp xếp thời gian biểu, tự học dưới sự hướng dẫn tận tình của các thầy cô giáo. Chúng tôi có thể gửi email cho thầy cô về những thắc mắc hoặc tham gia những lớp học thêm miễn phí để củng cố thêm kiến thức của mình. Tôi có ấn tượng đặc biệt với cách học Tiếng Anh ở đây. Khác với chương trình Tiếng Anh được giảng dạy ở trường cấp 3 Việt Nam, chúng tôi không tập trung vào ngữ pháp mà chú trọng phát triển kỹ năng trình bày, thảo luận, nghiên cứu và đặc biệt là viết luận. Viết luận là kỹ năng đặc biệt quan trọng với bậc đại học và sau khi trải qua khóa học dự bị này, tôi cảm thấy tự tin hơn rất nhiều về khả năng viết luận của mình.

Ngoài chương trình giảng dạy phù hợp, đại học Leicester còn hấp dẫn tôi bởi cơ sở vật chất hiện đại và tiện nghi. Thư viện mới được xây dựng cung cấp hàng ngàn đầu sách, từ cơ bản tới chuyện sâu ở tất cả các bộ môn, cùng với các phòng dành riêng cho các buổi học nhóm, phòng học “yên tĩnh” (silent), thư viện thực sự là môi trường học tập lý tưởng. Mặt khác, khu trung tâm thể thao lại là nơi tuyệt vời để rèn luyện sức khỏe, tham gia những môn thể thao tôi yêu thích và kết bạn.

Thành phố Leicester cũng là một sự lựa chọn hợp lý cho sinh viên.  Khu trungHoang Nguyet Minh tâm mua sắm lớn cùng với khu chợ lớn nhất nhì miền Trung nước Anh là nơi mà bạn có thể tìm mọi thứ mình muốn từ đồ ăn Âu- Á, đồ gia dụng đến các mặt hàng quần áo. Mức chi phí sinh hoạt hợp lý, thấp hơn nhiều thành phố khác cũng là một điểm cộng cho Leicester. Từ đây đi tàu tới các thành phố lớn như London, Birmingham chỉ mất khoảng trên dưới 1 tiếng đồng hồ, rất thích hợp cho những kỳ nghỉ cuối tuần hoặc kỳ nghỉ lễ.

Nói về học sinh Việt Nam tại Leicester, hội học sinh Việt Nam tại đây đã được thành lập 2 năm trước với khoảng trên 40 thành viên. Đây là nơi học sinh Việt Nam nói riêng giúp đỡ nhau trong học tập, sinh hoạt, và đặc biệt cùng nhau tổ chức những buổi liên hoan, dã ngoại. Với riêng cá nhân tôi, tham gia vào một cộng đồng nhờ thế này là điều tuyệt vời khi sống và học tập xa Việt Nam.

Đại học Leicester, cùng  với bước đệm là năm Dự bị Đại học, thật sự là một lựa chọn hợp lý và tôi rất hài lòng với sự lựa chọn này.

You can also read Hoang Nguyet Minh’s article in English:

Studying in the UK has always been my dream. And now, as a student at the University of Leicester, I feel very satisfied with my choice.

The University of Leicester ranks in top 17 best universities in the UK. The Foundation course offered by The University of Leicester International Study Centre builds a firm base for me to step closer to the University. Having an intention of studying Banking and Finance in my undergraduate, I chose “Economics, Business and Social Sciences” for my Foundation year. I realise this is exactly what I need. I am taught basic Economics and Business, which are totally new to high school Vietnamese students. The lessons here are carefully selected by teachers, so that we can cover most essential Economics and Business concepts for further study. In addition, we are familiarised with teaching methods in University. We are required to make the best of our ability for self-study, under detailed instructions from our dedicated teachers. We are always welcome to send emails to our tutors for enquiries, or come to free “Problem Classes” for help with difficulties in learning. Studying English here, at the ISC, has made a good impression on me. Unlike the syllabus in Vietnam which often focuses on grammar, we here are taught presentation, discussion, research and especially writing essays skills. Essays are profoundly important for university study and I, after the Foundation course, feel much more confident in my writing skills.

Besides the well-designed curriculum, the University of Leicester attracts me for its convenient and modern facilities. The newly built library with thousands of books on a wide range of subjects, together with Group Study rooms and Silent Zones, is an ideal learning environment. On the other hand, the Sports Centre is a wonderful place for physical exercises, join favorite sports clubs and make friends.

Leicester city is also a wise choice for students. A busy shopping centre and the second biggest market place in the East Midlands offer a variety of goods from European and Asian foods to famous branded clothing. A reasonable living cost, averagely lower than that in many other cities, is an advantage of Leicester. Moreover, it only takes around 1 hour to travel by train from Leicester to other big cities like London or Birmingham, which is ideal for weekends or holidays.

As for Vietnamese students in Leicester, the Vietnamese community was formed 2 years ago with over 40 members. This is where Vietnamese students help each other with studying, living and especially, holding parties and picnics. To me, specifically, joining such a community is really fantastic when living far from my motherland.

The University of Leicester, together with the International Study Centre, is really a good choice and I am totally satisfied with my right selection.

Find out more about being a student at the University of Leicester ISC by visiting the website.

You can also like us on Facebook, or follow us on Twitter.

Join the International Buddy Network and we will match you with a Buddy!

A Buddy is an experienced, friendly University student who knows a lot about the University and Leicester City. Your buddy can help you:

  • Make friends
  • Settle into life in the UK
  • Learn about British culture
  • Learn about The University of Leicester and Leicester City
  • Practice your spoken English
  • Have fun!

Your International Buddy will contact you by email before you arrive so you can ask questions you have about your move.

After you arrive, you will meet your Buddy at a special welcome event and your Buddy will show you around the University and Leicester City. You will meet with your buddy every week to do fun things together. You will also have lots of chances to practice English with your Buddy!

If you want an International Buddy, you must apply online at www.le.ac.uk/buddy-network

London 2012 Olympics: New technology will be used to measure impact of extra traffic on pollution levels in the city

University of Leicester research announced as part of Universities Week campaign.

University of Leicester researchers are set to use new technology they have developed to monitor the impact of increased traffic on pollution levels in London during the Olympics.

The announcement has been made during the third annual Universities Week campaign –starting today (Monday April 30)- which aims to increase public awareness of the wide and varied role of the UK’s universities. This year’s campaign will look at the contribution that our universities make – and have always made – to the Olympic movement, the sports industry and society as whole.

The 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games are expected to draw 11m visitors from around the world to the UK’s capital for seven weeks, and 3m extra car journeys are anticipated on the busiest day.

The team of researchers will use their CityScan technology, which gathers scattered sunlight to scan whole cities and take readings of air quality, to investigate the impact of this extra traffic on pollution.

Rather than existing technology, which can only give an accurate reading for certain “hotspots,” CityScan can show the air quality over every point of the city – including individual roads, playgrounds and other buildings.

It will also reveal the days and times when pollution levels are at their highest.

Sensors will be set up on a 30-storey building in North Kensington and a 14-storey building in Chelsea, in the west of the city, as well as a third location which is yet be determined.

The sensors will give readings of nitrogen dioxide, which is produced from traffic emissions and can decrease lung function and increase the risk from respiratory illnesses, including bronchitis and asthma.

Team leader Dr Roland Leigh, of the university’s Earth Observation Science Group, said: “We will be able to map the pollution in 3D to show emissions of nitrogen dioxide and how far they spread.”

“Traditional sensors take in a single point measurement, giving a very accurate measurement that might be by a roadside.

“Between two or three CityScan instruments, we can map out a complete urban area and tell you where the nitrogen dioxide is in that space.”

“CityScan makes the link between emissions and poor air quality downwind, enabling better management of the respiratory health of sensitive individuals.”

“We want to make a practical difference, and contribute to systems which inform people when and where poor air-quality may occur.

The technology is already being tested in Leicester, and the scientists hope their findings will help councils all around the country improve environmental planning and traffic management issues.

Universities Week 2012 follows a successful campaign in 2011, which saw 110 universities and 52 renowned ambassadors take part in showcasing the work of the higher education sector.

This year the week looks to be an even bigger success with a series of high profile ambassadors including Seb Coe, John Inverdale and Dame Kelly Holmes helping to highlight how universities benefit everyone, whether or not they have been to university themselves. Hear what the ambassadors have to say at: youtube.com/universitiesweek2012

From University of Leicester Press Office.

To find out which science programmes are on offer at the University of Leicester ISC, or to find out more about studying at a top UK University in this momentous year in British sporting history, please visit the website.

Booker Prize-winning author Ben Okri appointed as Visiting Professor at University of Leicester

Acclaimed writer to deliver masterclasses to students in School of English.

The Booker prize-winning author Ben Okri has taken up the mantle of Visiting Professor for the University of Leicester’s School of English.

Mr Okri will stay in the post for two years, and during that time he will deliver master classes to BA and MA students.

He will also be involved with other School of English events, including the annual Literary Leicester Festival, which will be into its fifth year this coming November.

Vice-Chancellor Professor Sir Robert Burgess said: “I am delighted to welcome Ben Okri as a Visiting Professor to the University of Leicester.  It will be a real advantage to the School of English to have a highly acclaimed author working with our students and will enable them to access his work at first hand.

“I hope Ben enjoys his time working with our students as I know they will with him. They will have an opportunity to discuss his work, and that of other high quality writers.”

The Nigerian-born writer has published ten novels and numerous collections of short fiction, poetry and essays, including last year’s A Time for New Dreams, and a new collection of poetry for 2012, Wild.

He won the Booker Prize for Fiction, with his 1991 novel The Famished Road, and a 1987 Commonwealth Prize for Incidents at the Shrine, among many other awards and honours. He is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Literature, and was awarded an OBE in 2001 for his services to literature.

The University offered the Visiting Professorship to Mr Okri after he gave the inaugural Annual Creative Writing Lecture in the School of English last October to a very enthusiastic audience of students, staff and the Leicester public.

Dr Harry Whitehead, Lecturer in Creative Writing, said: “The School of English is delighted that Ben Okri has agreed to become Visiting Professor with us for the next two years. At the forefront of postcolonial writing, with extensive publications of fiction, poetry and essays, and an inspiring speaker, we are certain Mr Okri’s connection with our School will motivate students both on our creative writing courses and beyond.

“This is not only a wonderful moment for the School of English and the University of Leicester, but also for the city of Leicester more generally. To have such a leading figure in postcolonial literature linked to our multicultural city is a validation of the successes Leicester has achieved in integration and mutual tolerance.”

From University of Leicester Press Office.

University of Leicester works with employers to develop the maths graduates of tomorrow

University of Leicester is working with graduate recruiters targeting maths students to enhance the curriculum.

With the graduate market becoming increasingly competitive, the University of Leicester is seeking to engage employers at an early stage in student development, by giving recruiters the chance to shape their involvement and impact on the curriculum.

The Department of Mathematics is committed to producing students who immediately add value in the workplace. Our courses develop employability skills such as independent research, business awareness, IT, presentation and teamwork. Through our new Employer Led Forum, we are further developing our programme of employer engagement across all courses and years.

Opportunities for engagement will include presentations by employers, work shadowing, employer generated projects and work placements.

Professor Jeremy Levesley, Head of Department said:

“This is a fantastic opportunity to find out how work related learning is delivered through the curriculum and to influence how this develops in the future. This new programme of employer led activities will really give our students the extra dimension in the graduate market”

This initiative is one of a number of new employer led programmes taking place at the University of Leicester, and follows the recent announcement that the University has introduced a new Award for Industry Awareness through which students can receive specialised training from graduate recruiters at FTSE 100 company, NEXT. Students receive on the job training at NEXT headquarters in Enderby, Leicester, taking part in business case studies and mock interviews by internal graduate recruiters.

The University of Leicester Careers Service offers a wide range of engagement activities to enhance the employability skills and prospects of students. These include careers fairs, skills workshops, The Leicester Award and a diverse range of activities based within the academic Colleges.

From: University of Leicester Press Office

University of Leicester plans to recreate Leicester’s forgotten Grand Olympic Festival

Celebration on campus commemorates historic Victorian event

The University of Leicester is setting the stage for a celebration of the city’s ‘secret’ Olympic history.

In 1866, thirty years before the first modern Olympic Games in Greece, the city of Leicester hosted its own Grand Olympic Festival – on what is now the University of Leicester campus.

Now plans have been announced to commemorate this unique event with a recreation at the original location. Student athletes will compete in a number of old and modern sporting events – but without the assistance of modern inventions such as spiked running shoes and starting blocks.

The original Grand Olympic Festival was staged on 24 May 1866 in the grounds of the Leicestershire and Rutland Lunatic Asylum. After the First World War, the asylum buildings and grounds were donated to the city by local businessman Thomas Fielding Johnson for the establishment of a University College. That became the University of Leicester in 1957 and the former asylum building was named the Fielding Johnson Building.

Information about the Grand Olympic Festival of 1866 can be found in On the starting line – A history of athletics in Leicestershire by Jim Sharlott. The event was organised by the Leicester Athletic Society and consisted of 15 sporting events.

The Grand Olympic Festival of 2012 will take place on the University campus on 13 June because the exact anniversary falls in the middle of summer exams. Students are being invited to come forward and volunteer to compete in events such as the Hundred Yards Dash, Putting the Stone, the Two Mile Walking Race and Tossing the Cricket Ball.

Kerri Wheeler from the University’s Sports and Recreation service said: “Our Olympic Event this summer is a fantastic opportunity to showcase the University and its sporting heritage. We want as many students and staff from the University to get involved and celebrate Leicester’s Olympic History. The Grand Olympic Festival will be the main event from a week of fun activities, where people can play and try lots of different sports. We are hoping that scheduling this event after the exam period will give the hardworking students a fun and sociable event to look forward to. This event will also hopefully get everyone in Leicester even more excited about the Olympics 2012.”

The event will be open to public spectators and the University will particularly welcome anyone who attends in Victorian costume. Full details of timings will be announced nearer to the date.

The Olympic Games date back to Ancient Greece. They were revived in Athens in 1896, partly inspired by the Much Wenlock Olympic Society which has staged an event in that Shropshire village every year since 1850. Although the Much Wenlock games have become well-known, inspiring the name of one of the 2012 mascots, the Leicester games 16 years later have been almost completely forgotten.

For more about the Grand Olympic Festivals of 1866 and 2012, see www.le.ac.uk/1866festival

From University of Leicester Press Office

University of Leicester and Holland Alexander in Skills Training Boost

University of Leicester works with Holland Alexander to train the next generation of Event Management Professionals

With the graduate job market becoming increasingly competitive, the University of Leicester has launched a new initiative with Holland Alexander to enhance the employability skills of its students.

The Holland Alexander Event Management Challenge gives students invaluable events management and PR experience, and will help them to jump start their future careers.

Director of the Careers Service Bob Athwal said:

“We are delighted to be working closely with Holland Alexander on a number of exciting initiatives to enhance the employability of our students. This challenge represents a fantastic opportunity for students to gain real life experience from one of the region’s leading events management companies.”

Students were required to devise and submit an events proposal to a fictional client: the successful candidates won the opportunity to attend an intensive training day at the Holland Alexander Leicester studios and two candidates will win the chance for on-the-job experience at a future event.

Holland Alexander Director Louise Holland commented:

“We are delighted to be working in close partnership with the University of Leicester this year and giving participants a unique insight into what we expect from graduates entering our business whilst helping them to develop the employability tools to succeed after university.”

The initiative follows the recent announcement that the University has introduced a new Award for Industry Awareness through which students can receive specialised training from graduate recruiters at FTSE 100 company, NEXT. Students receive on the job training at NEXT headquarters in Enderby, Leicester, taking part in business case studies and mock interviews by internal graduate recruiters.

The University of Leicester Careers Service offers a wide range of engagement activities to enhance the employability skills and prospects of students. These include careers fairs, skills workshops, The Leicester Award and a diverse range of activities based within the academic Colleges.

Source: University of Leicester Press Office