Prospects Postgrad UK 2007/2008 - (Page 113) SPONSORED BY www.prospects.ac.uk/PostgradUK SOCIAL SCIENCES 113 SCHOOL OF SOCIAL SCIENCES HORIZONS some aspect of the planning, and the talks, displays, cultural and social events and the fashion show are not to be missed. I was immediately impressed by the discussion and question and analyse everything beautiful campus, which is continuously I was working as a commodity trader in the updated. The campus is apart from the city that is read and presented. United States when I decided to take up a of Coventry, which creates a close-knit But I now feel very confident in my Masters in the UK. I’d completed my first student community. degree at Iowa State University and had spent knowledge of international political economy and my ability to critically analyse and present EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES time studying in Mexico and Canada, where I realised the benefits of study outside of the US. related arguments. Additionally, the University While the campus is more rural than most, is actively involved in political and economic I wanted to study in the UK in order to the city of Birmingham is very close and the research, which has provided several unique broaden my horizons but also because it was beautiful town of Leamington Spa quickly opportunities for me to participate in research became my favourite place for dinners and possible to complete a Masters in one year, as applicable to the real world. opposed to two or three years in the US. nights on the town with friends. Additionally, I was especially excited to take part in the Coventry has a local airport with flights to SCHOLARSHIPS ON OFFER Warwick Commission and its ongoing study of many major European cities. I chose the University of Warwick because of international trade. The Commission will There are plenty of extra-curricular activities its fresh approach to academics, knowledgeable report its findings to the World Trade to get involved in. I joined the Latin American faculty, fantastic reputation and international Organisation in December 2007. I was able to society, which hosted a salsa night every two student body. Additionally, the University of assist the Commission in making information weeks. Nearly every student participates in at Warwick offers a variety of academic on world trade more accessible and interesting least one society, be it cultural, religious, scholarships, especially for international to the layperson. athletic, academic or charitably oriented. students. I was fortunate to receive two The Sports Centre too offers many facilities scholarships: the North American scholarship INTERNATIONAL FOCUS The University of Warwick has an international and an incredible variety of teams to join. from the International Office and a Anyone from beginners to all-star athletes are departmental scholarship from the Politics and focus, and its student body demonstrates that fact. Not only did I enjoy actively debating with encouraged to participate. I joined the women’s International Studies Department. students from Asia, Africa, Europe and Central rugby team and learned to play football with I was unable to visit the campus before I the women’s football team. I also enjoy playing and South America in my classes, but also started my studies and was quite nervous about dodge ball, netball and learning Brazilian became close friends with students from all it, but I attended the international student capoeoira. around the world. orientation, which became one of my favourite Looking back, my year at the University of It is not unusual to see friends from China, weeks on campus. I met many of my closest Warwick has been one of the busiest and most Greece, Japan, India, Mexico, Columbia, friends that week, travelled throughout the area challenging I have experienced. I consider it a Canada, the US, the UK, Brazil and other and celebrated every night in the student union. fantastic investment for my future and strongly countries crowded together around the same CHALLENGING WORK recommend the University of Warwick to dinner table. This creates an atmosphere of Because the programme lasted only one year, it both acceptance and cultural curiosity. A prospective social science students. I have was especially challenging. The professors thoroughly enjoyed my time at the University highlight at Warwick has been One World of Warwick. encourage students to participate in class Week. Every student can become involved in BROADENING Amanda Bahena-Arteaga came to the UK to complete a Masters in International Political Economy at the University of Warwick, a ‘fantastic investment for her future’, she says. http://www.prospects.ac.uk/PostgradUK
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