Tag: International

How I developed my critical thinking skills

By Jing Zhao, MSc Human Resource Management with CIPD Pathway

As a postgraduate student from China, one of the biggest challenges I faced beginning my studies in the UK was learning the critical thinking methods adopted by UK universities. I found that I struggled with my understanding of critical thinking, literature reviews, and researching. I believe that a majority of students from non-native English-speaking countries may face the same, as it’s not really something that I had experienced in my undergraduate studies in my home country. When I began my Master’s I was keen to develop these skills, especially as critical thinking is crucial to achieving outstanding performance in postgraduate modules. Fortunately, after a semester of intensive courses and extensive exercises at the Management School and the University, I have explored some approaches to facilitate the development of critical thinking. If you’re in the same position, here’s what has helped me!

Tip 1: Make the most of the available resources

There are plenty of learning resources at the University of Sheffield which can help you. The 301 Study Skills Centre, which I learnt about when participating in the orientation programmes, offers a wide range of lectures and workshops such as maths and statistics, academic skills and study skills. I signed up for lots of sessions – Essay Structure and Planning, Developing an Academic Argument, Planning and Developing Presentations, Critical Thinking and Writing, etc. I have benefited greatly from these courses at the beginning of my academic studies. If you need further help, they also provide one-to-one tutorials. The ELTC (English Language Teaching Centre) also provides English Language Support sessions for Master’s students, which are extremely helpful both for English skills and academic performance. ELTC also provides some really helpful online seminars covering various topics on academic and language skills development.

Tip 2: Join a study group

Making new friends at university is really important – it’ll not only improve your social life, but also your way of working! Exchanging ideas in class or during group work means that you’ll be communicating with a group of students with diverse study skills, and you can learn research techniques, analytical thinking, statistical skills and leadership skills. These not only benefit preparations for exams and coursework, but also help you to develop reflexive thinking. And more importantly, you can always have fun together in exploring and discovering the beauty and charm of the city and the campus!

Tip 3: develop a personalised way of critical thinking

A Chinese proverb states ‘there are a thousand Hamlets in a thousand people’s eyes’. The implication here is that you should comprehend and develop your own approach of forming critical thinking. If you’ve tried the above tips and are still finding it difficult, why not also search for some essays or blogs about critical thinking in your native language, which provide you more accessible introductions or clearer overviews of the topic. With researches and practices, you will soon identify the way that best suits your learning method.

Moving to a new country – what I did and what you can do better!

By Nia Starr,  MSc International Management and Marketing

Last September I packed up my bags, said goodbye to my family and friends, and made a move across the pond (from America to England). I’ve never really been a homebody and had lived abroad before, so I wasn’t particularly afraid to be starting a new life in a new country. I was quite excited actually, for the new classes I would take, the new adventures I would have, and the new friends I would make. In my head, I thought I would arrive to a house full of people and instantly make connections with my housemates that would jump-start my adventurous journey in Sheffield. Life throws you curve-balls sometimes, and that was not the case.

As it turns out, my first week was spent solo, as only one of my housemates had moved in and school did not start for another few weeks. I spent most of that time aimlessly wandering around the Sheffield, getting to know the city and buying things for my new room. After about a week and a half, I signed up for a few Give-It-A-Go activities. This was really the turning point of my time here. I signed up for a Zumba class, which ultimately got cancelled, but while I was waiting for the class to start, I made a friend. She was also waiting for the class, and she wound up becoming one of my closest friends here.

Tip 1: Delve right in! Because I waited nearly two weeks to start getting active and involved, I missed out on the opportunity to have made more friends. Friends who would have made shopping for new room decorating things, that much more fun and who would have been great to explore a new city with.

Not long after school started, that friend that I mentioned earlier convinced me to try out for the university futsal team (indoor soccer). I had played soccer for a large part of my life, but had never played indoor soccer before. I was really reluctant but agreed to try out with her. We both made the team. Joining the futsal team has really been one of the most enjoyable experiences that I have had since moving here. It is something I look forward to every week, not only because I love the sport, but also because I was able to forge great friendships with my teammates. Joining the team also allowed me to travel and see different parts of England that I might otherwise never would have ventured to.

Tip 2: Try something new! Don’t be afraid to join a new club because you are afraid you will fail. The sooner you do it, the sooner you will find out if you enjoy the activity or if you don’t. This is also a great way to gain a new hobby that could be instrumental in making your life the best it can be here.

My first semester here, I had so much excess time on my hands! With that time, I really didn’t do anything productive or anything that would greatly enhance my life. Second semester, I started applying myself a lot more. I got a job, an internship, and applied for a company based project. I applied for these things and managed to successfully attain a position for all of them, which gave me more confidence to apply for other things that I wanted.

Tip 3: Don’t waste your time here! Take advantage of all the excess time and fill it. Join a gym (which I didn’t do until the end of the first semester, and regretted it), go out with friends, and apply for those things that will enhance your future. If I had applied myself and been more productive during first semester, there is definitely a guarantee that I could be further along in every aspect of my life here in Sheffield, right now. Opportunity awaits, don’t let it pass you by!

5 things you shouldn’t worry about when coming to study at the University of Sheffield

roxana-rojas-picBy Roxana Rojas Linares, MSc Entrepreneurship and Management

So maybe you are planning to get a postgraduate degree at the University of Sheffield but are concerned about a few things like language, making friends and getting used to a whole new environment. And you are right; studying abroad is challenging but is also a highly rewarding experience that will change your life.

Here is a list of my top 5 things you shouldn’t be worried about.

1. Language

If English is not your first language you may feel concerned about not being able to communicate or about not understanding your lectures. You may picture yourself in a room full of English speaking people with you staring from the corner. Well, you shouldn’t. Each year more than 5,000 students from all over the world join the University of Sheffield and it is a fact that you’ll share lectures with many of them. So first thing, you are not alone! Secondly, the University gives you the opportunity to improve your English skills through workshops and lessons especially designed for international students. They can even help you to check your written assignments. Language will not be a problem.

2. Making friends

First days at school can be scary. Now imagine it in a foreign country! Will you make any friends? The answer is, definitely. Apart from meeting people from your classes, the University makes a big effort to program plenty of activities to break the ice, from sports to entertainment and culture. Also, there are dozens of students’ societies for you to join. Share your passion for music, art, dancing, books… you name it. And there’s more, Sheffield has been named the friendliest city in the UK so be prepared, chances are you won’t even have time for yourself!

3. Food

my-life-in-sheffield-6It’s true. After a while you will miss some of your hometown’s flavours. However, Sheffield has excellent restaurants from all over the world. Greek, Asian, Turkish and Italian to name a few. On the other hand, the University Shop at the Students Union and other specialized supermarkets sell international groceries. Test your cooking talents and make yourself and your friends a traditional dinner from your country.

4. Finding a place to live

Finding a place to live in an unknown city can be intimidating. Is this area safe? Will I like it? Sheffield is a beautiful city with plenty of living options for students. Any area near the University is safe, affordable and near supermarkets, coffee shops and restaurants. If you don’t like taking risks, go for the University accommodation, located in the best areas of town and at a walking distance from the University facilities.

5. Safety

If you come from a big city, you will find Sheffield charming and friendly. If you come from a small city you will find it exciting and entertaining. In any case, crime rates in Sheffield are low and the city is known for being one of the safest places in the UK. However, it is always advisable to take basic safety measures like avoiding walking alone at night or in dark places. The University makes sure you have access to safety information and runs special transportation for women at night.

I hope that helps you feel more comfortable in your decision to study at the University of Sheffield and to understand what Sheffield has to offer!