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Age: 20

Degree Course:
MSc Architectural Engineering

Defining traits:

Good grades maintained during degree course

First experience of study abroad

Has achieved good IELTS score overall, but missed the grade on writing by .5

Is outgoing and very enthusiastic about his studies.

Hobbies:
Jerry enjoys taking photographs, hanging out with friends, cooking food with friends, and he spends a lot of this time playing computer games online.

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Jerry is from China and it is his first time doing a study abroad programme. He wants to have a good level of English to open up his future job prospects. Jerry is outgoing and enjoys meeting new people. Although nervous about his English language capabilities, he is looking forward to making new 'foreign' friends during his time in university in UK / Ireland.

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To work for a large international architectural company in the future, possibly in the UK.
To improve his English language skills and level so he is comfortable and confident in communicating in English.
To achieve a high grade in his MSc course.

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Is concerned about his ability to write academic essays.

Get's frustrated when he cannot clearly explain himself or participate in a conversation when speaking English.

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Like to establish learning needs and goals to focus on in the course.

Enjoys group activities.

Requires a lot of support, guidance and feedback from the teacher.

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Blog Post - Jerry's Experience on the pre-sessional programme

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Blog Post - Jerry's Experience on the pre-sessional programme

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Xinlong (Jerry) is a MSc Architectural Engineering: Environmental Design student at the University of Bath.

Jerry has kindly taken some time out of his busy schedule to talk to us today about his experience on the English pre-sessional course which was combined with his degree offer, and gives some advice about academic skills and culture.

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So first question Jerry, why did you apply for the University of Bath?

I applied for Bath because this university has a very good reputation in the architect industry in the UK and the courses in the degree are very well organised - covered most of my interests. Plus, Bath is a very delicate town.

How did the pre-sessional English course help you?

Firstly, as this is my first time to study abroad, the pre-sessional course helped me start to talk to people in English, which made my following study much easier. Secondly, the writing part of the course was extremely helpful. I learned how to structure an academic essay in English properly. Thirdly, I met many friends who were going to take the same degree course as me in the course. Overall, the pre-sessional course was a very good start point of my study in the UK.

Were you surprised by the differences between the academic culture in your country and in the country where you studied?

Yes, the academic atmosphere in the UK is more active than in my country.

What differences did you not expect?

The relation between tutors and students is more like friends.

Do you think it's a good idea for students applying to an English language university to do an academic course/pre-sessional course to help them prepare?

Yes I think it's a very good idea to do a pre-sessional course before the degree course for students who plan to study in English for the first time, even if your English level has reached the requirements, because this can help you to get familiar with the academic style beforehand.

Do you have any advice for students who are thinking about taking an academic preparation course?

It's a good idea to make clear what you need to improve in particular. This could make the course more effective. Also, try to engage in the course as much as possible, the more uncomfortable you feel during the pre-sessional course, the more comfortable you will feel during your degree course.

Are you happy with your experience on the course?

Overall I am very satisfied with my experience during the pre-sessional course. I feel very lucky to have met all the people in the course.

Thank you Jerry, and we wish you the best with your studies in the future.

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So first question Jerry, why did you apply for the University of Bath? I applied for Bath because this university has a very good reputation in the architect industry in the UK and the courses in the degree are very well organised - covered most of my interests.