Many things about Swansea University called out to Nawar Ismail from Malaysia. There was a wide range of programmes, well-equipped facilities, and a beautiful beachfront campus, to name a few. But the biggest thing that stood out to her was the ease of joining the university’s BSc Marketing programme.
“I was particularly impressed that I could enrol straight on to Year 2 of the BSc Marketing programme as I had already completed my diploma in Entrepreneurship Studies in Malaysia,” says Ismail.
Studying abroad can be a scary and difficult process, but Swansea University does its best to ease you into it. “The application was straightforward, and all my queries were answered quickly by staff, helping to calm my nerves before venturing to a new country to live and study,” says Ismail.
Situated in Wales – the sixth safest city in the UK, according to the Complete University Guide 2023 – and overlooking Swansea Bay, the university’s two campuses sit on each end of the waterfront. Escaping to the lush greenery surrounding Singleton Park Campus or strolling on the beach at Bay Campus is a student-favourite method of relaxing after classes. There’s always something to do too; the university has over 150 societies and 56 sports clubs available to find your community.
“Meeting new people is easy to do at Swansea as there are so many societies to join and events to attend,” says Ismail. “I’m part of the Islamic Society, and my accommodation is great at holding events, so there have been countless opportunities to make friends.”
From Malaysia to Swansea and the world
Swansea University is ranked #307 on the QS World University Rankings 2024. Students choose from over 200 undergraduate programmes, including Computer Science, Mechanical Engineering, Psychology, Law and Criminology, and Public Relations and Media. The Swansea University Medical School also offers Pathways to Medicine, allowing those who didn’t get into the Medicine programme to get their foot in the door. With the university’s faculty being engaging and great at bringing subjects to life, students get a clear vision of how to apply their studies in a real-world context.
Education here is affordable as well, ranking #9 on TotallyMoney’s 50 Most Affordable UK Places for Students in 2019. Various scholarships allow students to enjoy the full extent of quality education with no compromise. This helps provide students with a way to enjoy an immersive and fulfilling international experience without the constant worry of financial burden, an aspect the university takes pride in.
Malaysian graduate Dominica Khoo believes her Swansea University experience has positively impacted her life. “I wouldn’t have become who I am today without the guidance and support of my professors at Swansea, who were always very encouraging and supportive of my academic career,” she says. “They have inspired me so much, and I hope I have made them proud.”
As part of her Swansea degree, Khoo got to spend a semester in Texas. It was organised under the Go Global initiative, a study abroad and work placement opportunity readily available to interested students.
“My semester in Texas definitely made me more adaptable to ‘foreign’ environments,” says Khoo, who was one of the first participants in Swansea University’s reciprocal student exchange programme with Texas A&M University. Khoo travels often in her current role as a Senior Simulation Analyst, and she cites the study abroad experience as something that helped her quickly find her ground no matter where she ended up.
“It has developed my flexibility at work, my ability to reach a compromise, and sharpened my focus to help me succeed through challenging times,” says Khoo. “The experience allowed me to mature and develop social poise and to confront challenges outside my familiar support network and comfort zone.”
With great programmes, people and initiatives, it’s clear why 93% of Swansea’s students are employed, in further study or taking part in other activities 15 months after graduating.
Outside of campus, Swansea University is a charming city to explore. It’s as simple as hopping on the 24-hour Unibus to discover this vibrant, multicultural centre’s wonders. Between its metropolitan offerings and stunning natural landscapes, Swansea is a dreamy destination to realise your goal of studying abroad.
“I would recommend Swansea to anyone wanting a great education and an unforgettable student experience,” says Ismail.
To find out what else Malaysian students love about studying at Swansea University, explore the International Student Experience Podcast.
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