Maomao Wu

MSc Interactive Multimedia Systems

From Peoples Republic of China

The following is quoted from Hobsons in the British Council's Guide to UK Education (China Edition).

"I came to the UK to study because its universities have a very good reputation in China. When I came here I was thinking about my future. Britain is relatively advanced compared to China and I wanted to go to a place where I can learn my subject to an advanced level. I feel this is especially important for a technological subject like computing, where everything moves so fast.

I think that my lecturers are very kind and communicate with the students frequently, becoming good friends with them. They have given me a lot of help, both on study and on life in general. Being a student here is not just about academic work.

In the UK, I have learnt that the work has to be done by myself and not by the lecturer. In China, we listen to the tutors, take notes and then take an exam at the end of the year. Here you work with other students and construct your own learning. I have benefited a lot from this, because it makes the course very practical and relevant in the field of computer science. When I go back to China I think I will easily find a very good job because of this experience. But first I want to learn more so I am hoping to stay in the UK and take a PhD here in computing. I really like Liverpool but I think I will go to a different university - I'm the sort of person who loves to see new places!

As a city, Liverpool seems old and full of history but in other aspects, such as the university computing facilities and the library, it is very modern. I think it is a good combination of the past and of brand new facilities for students.

During my time in the UK, I have enjoyed travelling and seeing different places. At Christmas I went right down to the south coast of the country, to Newton Abbot near Torquay. Here I spent Christmas with an older couple I met through a host scheme for international students. They were very kind to me and I enjoyed a great deal the opportunity to celebrate Christmas which we don't do in China. I had a full Christmas meal with turkey and then Christmas pudding - which is nice but very sweet!

I don't know what I will do exactly after my PhD, although I know I want to work in computing. I have thought about teaching and research at a university but I will wait and see. Nothing is definite yet which I like - I believe my British education will get me a good job and there are lots of opportunities to choose from.

I have really enjoyed the whole experience of coming to Britain, becoming more independent and learning to do things for myself away from my parents. I have even learnt to cook for myself  - and also for my friends!"