Student Profiles
Abigail Cucolo, 22
Fort Stewart, GA, USA
Master of Arts (Costume)
I have always loved England, so I knew I wanted to attend a school in the UK. The courses at the Arts University College at Bournemouth offered the independence that allowed me to encompass my wide range of interests. It was also important to me that English was the native language and that there was a similarity in cultures, but my fondness for English history and literature was the deciding factor.
My transition went very smoothly. As America and England could be considered extended family, the change was not too drastic. When the course began, we had an introduction to the curriculum, procedures and protocols as well as a tour of the facilities.
The international office is always available to help with any issues foreign students may face, and student services can help with general queries. I have had brilliant help from the finance office in regards to my aid from overseas – they have been very patient and prompt.
The course has three phases, each 15 weeks long and focused on developing your practice, culminating in an exhibition of your final piece at the end.
The entire MA group meets once a week for research seminars or guest lectures, but each student’s work is independent with guidance by an assigned tutor. Though I enjoy the course it has definitely been different from my undergraduate studies in the US, where the focus is on a more structured, lecture-based learning environment. The independence the course offers is its greatest benefit, but also the most challenging aspect.
I would recommend the experience to anyone with the personal drive and motivation necessary to succeed. You need to be dedicated to your practice, time management skills and be highly self-motivated. However, make sure you don’t pass up the opportunities provided by living abroad. Make time for travel, enjoy the history and the people – experience the country and apply it to your work.
Aleksandra Leontyeva, 21
Moscow, Russia
FdA Digital Media Production
I decided to study in the UK, after I have realized that I’m totally obsessed with films. UK is great filmmaking industry, and like no other country has different specialized Universities and courses in this sphere. I tried to find some short filmmaking course to help me to understand if I am really interested in making films. I found Arts University College at Bournemouth which has wide range of short courses, including 2 months summer short course of filmmaking. The great benefit of this course was that at the end each student directed own short movie. It was great chance to try yourself. So I decided to apply to AUCB, and I was accepted. I applied to FdA Digital Media Production course, because in my opinion it gives you more freedom in creativity.
During the time when my documents have been processing, International Office supported me, with this a bit boring process. They helped me with it, gave all information about University, helped with transfer to the town and accommodation. People who are working there always opened for help.
I’m living in student house, with English students. It is giving me great opportunity to practise my English 24/7.It’s great cultural exchange also, which helps me to understand more English culture and style of life. My housemates are welcoming, friendly and really helpful. I also made some Russian-speaking friends, who help me not to feel homesick.
Bournemouth is really hospitable (especially for students) and pleasant town. It’s a lot of students here, so you wouldn’t find a problem to make friends. You will never be bored, because it has lots of amusements too.
So far this year I have reached the goals that I wanted, I picked up lots of skills and found new friends, which supported me. If I’ll have chance to change my decision I wouldn’t change anything. I’m absolutely happy that I’m studying here.
If you are ambitious, creative, easy-going person and if you know what you want to reach in your life, don’t miss your chance to get it!
Amenda Liu, 26
Taiwan
BA (Hons) Visual Communication
I decided to study at the Arts University College at Bournemouth as I felt that I would have the option of meeting lots of creative people there. I was proved to be right and I'm impressed by the way my tutors and also fellow students have always encouraged me to gain new opportunities and try different things. I love this relaxed, though competitive environment and the fact that everyone respects each other. The course also made it possible for me to learn more about myself.
My favorite place on campus is the library where you can find a great deal of related books, collections and different magazines. Staff is very helpful and friendly, and you can always ask for help. This combination, in my opinion, helps students to concentrate on their studies and research.
Another important aspect of what makes AUCB so special is its unique atmosphere. When studying hard, there's no need for living in a busy area, like London or other big cities. Here we have a great opportunity to develop our own ideas in a simple, quiet, fun and less tempered environment.
When I started here, I was quite surprised not to find an indoor pool nearby but pleased with the other facilities offered, although you sometimes might need to walk a bit Also shared facilities between AUCB and Bournemouth University are great. The facilities keep students from different Universities in contact and create even greater community feeling.
The Bournemouth area gives me time to relax and I enjoy going to Southbourne, where I spent the first week in the UK and it became one of my favourite places.
Studying in the UK as a foreign student involves another essential challenge - the English language. I still have difficulties with it, e.g. when chatting with native students and understanding their slang, and even solving problems or holding presentations can be quite difficult. Although everyone reacts patiently and politely in these situations, you still need to be quite brave to express your ideas and feelings!
I would recommend the Arts University College at Bournemouth to everyone who really intends to develop their own skills and ideas – however students must be prepared to undertake self directed learning as well.
Feini Dong, 21
Shanghai, China
BA (Hons) Film Production
I became aware of studying Film Production in England when I saw the Harry Potter films. I was impressed by the way it was designed. So I first attended the University at Brighton before transferring to the Arts University College at Bournemouth, which was highly recommended by my previous tutors.
I think that the AUCB tutors take so much care about us and are very professional. They are happy to pass their up to date knowledge onto us, as well as give us an insight of working in the industry. That is what makes me feel prepared for the challenges in my future business life. Their opinion and feedback keeps me thinking and often changes my point of view.
I have the feeling that I'm getting to know everything about production and how to get the best result out of a co-operation with my fellow students.
I really enjoy living in this peaceful and quiet environment where there are so many lovely places, like the Bournemouth Garden, its town centre and the surrounded area - and of course all the shopping facilities. As I grew up in the busy and loud City of Shanghai, I can enjoy all these Bournemouth amenities so much more. The local people are very polite and helpful to students from abroad, although I had difficulties involving in the community due to the Cultural shock. I wasn't able to understand the people clearly when I came to England, but I'm happy to say now that this is no problem for me anymore.
During my winter holidays I travelled around Europe for 20 days. I spent some time at Paris, Evian, Lyon, Munich, Berlin, Hamburg, Milan and had a stopover at Venice.
After my graduation this year I would love to work in England but that depends if I will be granted a 2 year -Working Visa. Otherwise, I am going to have plenty of time to look for a job in China during my long summer holidays.
Jisue Chio, 22
Korea
BA (Hons) Arts and Event Management
I left home at the age of 18 to do a 6-month language course at Kaplan language school in Westbourne. During that time I was looking for an Arts University and surprised that I could find one directly in Bournemouth.
I spend most of the time at the library mainly because it offers such a huge range of material providing information for my Arts and Event Management course.
British manners and lifestyle were a challenge; as well as the English Language. Some words, like "entrepreneur" even don't have an equivalent in Korean, meaning that some things don't exist in the culture I grew up in. I had to learn many new things, like how to discuss or critise other people in front of others.
I think that the AUCB staff is friendly, and especially the International Office supported me through a quite depressive phase while studying here. In my opinion it is also very beneficial that the campus is small as you can count on your tutor's help for academic and even private issues. The local area sometimes too quiet and relaxed but the University College offers a great chance for people interested in the Arts.
During the last 3 years I have been very happy to travel around Europe and went to several countries such as Scandinavia, Denmark and Germany. After graduating this year and working in London for a great company, I have the intention to move to France as I fell in love with its culture, the food and especially the people.
Nauman Abdul Hafeez, 22
Kuwait
BA (Hons) Graphic Design
I have decided to study abroad as there is only one specialized Arts and Design College in Kuwait. It is really expensive though and so I made the decision to move to the UK as its Arts History is one of the best worldwide.
The Graphic Design Course offered by the Arts University College at Bournemouth enjoys a good reputation and I was impressed on how AUCB and especially the course is focused on the Arts. As I had always attended English-speaking schools the language was never a problem.
The passion for graphic design has always been in my nature – it was passed onto me by my father, who is a Graphic Designer, too, and I have been inspired by his creations.
The AUCB course has offered me the chance to jump into a completely different level and to develop my own knowledge of graphics. I think more passionate you are about the things you do, the better progress you'll make. I would also compliment my tutors for the support and effort they put into every student on our course.
I really enjoy the "small community" feeling at AUCB and also the collaboration with Bournemouth University Students when using their facilities, such as sports centre or cafeteria or accessing the learning resources throughout the year. I do feel that there could be a wider range of food offered at AUCB canteen and not just the typical student meals.
My favourite places at the Arts University College are the Library and the Enterprise Pavilion – I love its design! And soon will be the point of inspiration for my Master of Arts in Graphic design.
Bournemouth is great and diverse I like this lovely area for its metropolitan atmosphere where the type of culture has made it easy to settle down and feel secure. Whilst living in Bournemouth I have been several times to London and visited Brownsea Island, Birmingham, and also spent some days in Amsterdam, where I visited the world's first Graphic Design Museum at Breda.
I didn't have difficulties with social integration when first coming here and I would advise everyone to live in the halls of residence as they're conveniently located on campus and provide one great experience: the neighbours! They have come from all over the world, have the same issues and problems that you have (so you can get advice and help) and that makes it easy to get to know everyone and make friends. In my case, I became real good friend with a student from Oman, and now we are sharing a flat together.
Studying overseas has made me more serious and responsible, mostly because of the experience of living away from my family, who used to do everything for you. To earn some money, I work as a part-time AUCB Student Ambassador and also make use of my biggest hobby: Photography.
I consider myself privileged to be part of the University College now that I am appointed as a Technician Demonstrator for BA (Hons) Graphic Design. Not only does it give me a better view on working in an academic institution, but also assists me to develop my skills further in to the world of Graphic Design.
Sara Henrich, 23
New Hope, PA, USA
BA (Hons) Modelmaking
I decided to study in Great Britain after finding out that a specialized Modelmaking course didn't exist in America. Some US courses are quite similar, but they are not as detailed and don't enjoy such a good reputation that the UK ones do.
Being immersed in the British culture and discovering the difference in behaviours is really interesting I think. That might be one of the reasons I prefer hanging out at friends' houses and spending time there instead of clubbing. I have to admit that I'm not such a big fan of Bournemouth, there could be more cafes but I love strolling along the lonely beach and I felt comfortable here right from the start. I like living here - although it was a difficult start. I'm in favour of the friendly environment which I first got a feeling for when visiting AUCB for the interview. That's actually something I would advise everyone to do before registering because you can ask other students from your country about their opinion and experiences. During these days I got a good overview about the information given and in the end, my expectations of the Arts University College were fully met.
I'm really excited about my Course because it always gives the motivation to go further, develop in other directions and get to know the technical skills of Modelmaking. It also taught me a better understanding of portfolios and helped me to be more confident, especially when I need to undertake presentations. I'm very lucky to have fantastic tutors: they give their best to stay around and support you even though it's really busy, and push to use the range of new equipment. In busy times though I would like to have at least one more tutor, because it is difficult for them to manage the amount of help required when everyone has a question.
Living on a budget wasn't a big issue as I had been studying Fine Arts in America before and therefore had experience in keeping an eye on your money. I originally wanted to look for a part-time job but soon gave up on this idea because the UK working regulations for American citizens were too confusing.
I'm confident on my future after Graduation and wouldn't mind working in Europe or somewhere else rather than America, although I still have to handle the cultural shock!
Shivaji Sen, 28
Mumbai, India
Master of Arts (Photography)
I had a keen interest in pursuing Portraiture and Fashion
photography. But both these genres in India came with their own
drawbacks. Even though Indian Art is very strong and influential at a global level, there seems to be this assumption that art from India should look a certain way or should always have cultural relevance whereas I was more influenced by western artists and art forms. As for fashion photography, I thought Europe is the hub of creativity and cutting-edge innovation.
I needed a global approach; a different socio-cultural perspective towards my work which would ultimately help me create my own identity and style.
The MA course at AUCB turned out to be the ideal choice because of the course structure and freedom to evolve your work in whatever way you want. You can start from one pathway and if your journey leads you to another, you can make a transition with full support; this choice and freedom to develop as a person and an artist was something which struck a chord. I really appreciate that all my tutors are helpful, open-minded and have an immense knowledge which they enjoy sharing. The department technicians are highly supportive and are always there to guide you. My tutors, Dave Hazel and Ronnie Inglis, have been a big influence on my work and have constantly encouraged me to push boundaries and challenge my own limits.
I grew up in a big city but love living in Bournemouth. It is blessed with a beautiful sandy beach and is just two hours away from London so it enjoys the best of both the worlds. I would advise every artist considering higher education in any Art related field to come to AUCB because it offers a very creative environment for artists to work in their own space and pace.
Yekaterina Nezhdanova, 24
Almaty City, Kazakhstan
BA (Hons) Architecture
I decided to study in the UK because the education system is built-on better here in my opinion. I'm originally from Russia and although I have lived in Bournemouth for 6 years now I still need to handle the cultural shock. I felt to be welcomed at AUCB straight away and integrating socially wasn't a big thing. I think that the support given from the staff is especially helpful for international students.
I'm pleased that our tutors always try to help us, although they can be too busy sometimes. But that's not really a problem as you also can e-mail them whenever a question comes up. The English language is still causes me problems in writing.
My Course at AUCB made me better organize my time as the course is quite intense and I was used to prepare everything in the last minute. The life here taught me to be more sociable and concentrated on current projects. I intend to study Architecture for 7 years in total and have started it this year, after attending one of the Short Courses. After graduation I would like to stay and work in the UK.
I have travelled quite a lot around England in the last years, mostly to Exeter, London and Southampton where I visit my friends. In my spare time I enjoy reading, especially literature or biographies, going for a walk, shopping and spending time with Selda, a fellow student from Turkey who I became really good friends with.
