Student: Jocelyn Chan
Institution: Sheffield Hallam University
Course: BSc (Hons) International Tourism and Hospitality Business Management
Why did you choose your particular subject major?
After studying at college, I found that I had developed a big passion for tourism, and I wanted to learn more about this subject. The course helps me gain practical knowledge of the industry. I also learned that the ranking of tourism and hospitality at Sheffield Hallam was very good.
What support do you receive from your institution?
Studying at Sheffield Hallam University is a perfect choice as there is so much support from the university, even personal support. Within my course, all the tutors have given me lots of support, and they are very helpful. Each time I had a question about an assignment, they tried to help me as much as they could. My tutor gave me lots of advice about what I should do to find the right placement and job, and gave me information about how to write my CV.
In addition, I joined the mentor and mentee programme at Sheffield Hallam, and my mentor was a UK student who was studying in her final year. We met and talked about our family, lifestyle and cultural differences, and we attended a Chinese New Year event at Sheffield Hallam.
Sheffield Hallam also has so many societies to join. It really feels like an international campus, because there is a big variety of nationalities and people around the university, so you don’t need to worry about making friends here.
Besides studying, what other activities do you enjoy in your free time?
Sheffield has a really beautiful natural landscape and is close to the Peak District. These areas of natural beauty opened my eyes. I feel relaxed during my walks, and this lets me release the stress I experience from my assignments or coursework.
I sometimes go shopping to Meadowhall with my friends – it’s a huge shopping mall that has got everything in one place, which is so convenient.
Sheffield has also been is heaven for me food-wise, because there are so many different types of restaurants with cuisine from around the world, from local pubs and cafes to luxury restaurants.
How do you think studying in the UK will benefit you in the future?
I am so grateful that I got a chance to study in the UK, even though studying here is not easy sometimes! I have been studying here for 5 years now, and the thing I’ve improved the most is my English skills, and now I am much more confident in speaking the language.
What do you hope to do when you finish your current programme?
Once I finish university, I would like to go back to Hong Kong, and find jobs which are related to travel and tourism or hospitality.