Student views
We have a good number of Sri Lankan students, joining our International Community every year. Read what some of our former Sri Lankan students have to say about Worcester.
Chathura Pinnawala
Journalism BA (Hons)
While many students from my home country (Sri Lanka) look for London or a major city, I was convinced that for my career path I needed recognition. I needed opportunities which would make me stand out from the rest. I wanted to stay away from the familiarity of studying in London as a Sri Lankan community already exists there so I came to Worcester and I am enjoying a traditional English life.
It has been amazing so far being an international student at the University of Worcester. All my fellow colleagues and tutors have made this a home away from home and I have been in the mix of things all the time with the help of everyone.
I really enjoy my course it is very practical. The modules are well organised and we often have guest lecturers, some have been very famous people in the industry, and it is all down to the hard work of my lecturers. The support I have got from the university has been unbelievable; I have been exposed to an enormous amount of career opportunities like my work placement at the local BBC radio station ‘BBC Hereford and Worcester’, this has been the highlight of my career so far.
I have also taken great use of the amazing facilities on offer which have helped me with my studies. I use the Apple MAC labs and the new media booth at the Peirson Study and Guidance Centre which is a big boost for me to be able to record at my own convenience. The Hive Library has also helped me tremendously with my studies.
I became a student ambassador just three months into my university life and it has helped a lot financially so that I can take unpaid career work to help me for the future.
The University of Worcester is a rising university where you get endless opportunities. You will get recognition and lecturers will know you more as a person which will at the end help you immensely. You wouldn’t just be a number, you would be a person. The city is very bright and quiet in its own way which helps to create an ideal learning environment.
I feel a sense of pride in my decision to come here and because of the help the university has given me I feel ready and confident to start my career in journalism.
Chathura has recently won an Award for Outstanding Achievement
Nilanga Abeysinghe from Sri Lanka
Applied Psychology MSc
The University of Worcester has a very friendly and homely feeling with most people knowing each other and with lots of opportunities to meet other students who are from a wide age range and from many countries.
My course was well organised with ample support from staff whenever needed. It not only taught subject matter, but also provided grounding for advancing as professionals in the field.
I like the climate and the friendly local community of Worcester. The mild weather in Worcester compared to the extremes that may be experienced in other parts of the country certainly made life much comfortable. Then the view of Malvern-hills is always a delightful sight.
Adding to this, the friendly and welcoming nature of the people in Worcester is surely a bliss to any international student arriving here.
I came to Worcester with the impression that British people are not very friendly... well, this was so wrong about Worcester.
When I leave Worcester I will surely miss the calm, friendly, and clean environment here... it was a blissful experience all throughout the year. But hopefully there will be much to experience and enjoy in a peaceful Sri Lanka.
Hemaka Ariyaratne from Sri Lanka
Sports Coaching Science BSc (Hons)
I came to Worcester not knowing about British people, I thought that they are not much more friendly. Surely I have to change my impression. Now I actually know they are friendly.
The University of Worcester gives me a home feeling. I was able to meet other students from various countries. Although we are from various countries we all live together very happily.
This is a great university for sports and sportsmen. You can do any sport according to your wish.
Angela Wasudewa, Sri Lanka
Education (BA) Hons, Top-up degree
When I arrived in Worcester I was taken aback by its picturesque beauty. The University of Worcester stands out from other universities in its location, size, dedicated staff and friendly atmosphere. This helped enormously to settle down in my student life.
Studying Education Studies in University of Worcester, allowed me to shape my awareness of the teaching-learning process as it covered a variety of modules such as Special Education Needs, Disaffection and Schooling and Relationships in Education. Apart from the theoretical knowledge, the module ‘Work Experience’ enhanced my practical knowledge and experience in practice. I was given the opportunity to volunteer in a primary school at Worcester and this placement provided me with the opportunity to observe and learn different teaching methods and techniques used.
I enjoyed the opportunity to get involved with a range of activities in the school and this allowed me to be exposed to its total culture. Moreover, this work placement offered me a platform for the job opportunity as a teacher assistant in the UK.
Although, my previous learning environment was different to this academic culture, the enabling environment at Worcester made me feel that learning should always be an enjoyable experience.