{"id":9422,"date":"2025-12-22T09:36:19","date_gmt":"2025-12-22T09:36:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sites.manchester.ac.uk\/humanities-blog\/?p=9422"},"modified":"2025-12-22T09:36:48","modified_gmt":"2025-12-22T09:36:48","slug":"my-first-semester-studying-ma-international-education","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sites.manchester.ac.uk\/humanities-blog\/2025\/12\/22\/my-first-semester-studying-ma-international-education\/","title":{"rendered":"My First Semester Studying MA International Education"},"content":{"rendered":"

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The first semester is about to end and it is a perfect time to reflect on my personal journey of studying MA International Education at the University of Manchester. It was undoubtedly a fruitful three-month period. Having heated discussions about educational topics, experiencing the full support of the university\u2026 there were many moments when I was glad that I made the decision to study here.<\/p>\n

All the courses are well-structured and useful. We attend lectures in large halls where students study theories of learning and teaching, and also concepts and topics about international education. No matter the pathway (TESOL, Educational Leadership, etc.), students all have the same lectures. Lecturers introduce a wide range of fascinating topics about international education. We have discussed how to define international education, how cultures function in this process, the language policies and so on. Each week has one particular topic, and all the sections are deeply interrelated and well-organized. Also, the one particular mandatory course Engaging in Educational Research can greatly equip us with the knowledge to conduct research. I learned how to do the research better whether in a qualitative or quantitative way, which is crucial for future dissertation writing.<\/p>\n

There are also many optional courses for us to choose from. I personally enjoy English-related topics, so I chose Key Issues for English Language and Education, which covers main themes and topics in English education. The experience of learning different accents in the UK is nothing but wonderful. For most of the courses, the structure and learning process are similar. There are required readings and videos before each class, and also optional readings if students are particularly interested in the topic. I struggled quite a bit with this at first, as this is my first time starting my master\u2019s studies. Luckily, several very useful programmes, such as Academic Success Programme and Postgraduate Academic Enlightenment Programme, are available for me to receive academic support in terms of the literature reading and essay writing. I found myself later capable of finishing all the requirements before class, and developing better academic writing skills.<\/p>\n

Also, I was fascinated by how professional and patient all the teaching staff are. They always provide insightful and detailed feedback on my assignments, and they welcome further inquiries at any time. I can\u2019t remember how many times I have gone to the lecturers or seminar leaders after class for academic support and they always respond with thought-provoking answers.<\/p>\n

The university is also full of vibrant activities. No matter how niche your interest is, there is always one society or club that suits you. I have been to several activities and the Language Society is my favourite. They run language exchange activities for language learners to practice the target language. I really enjoy the time spent learning Japanese and English with other students. I went to activities run by the Film Society as well. Many classic and contemporary movies are screened for students to enjoy. It\u2019s never too difficult at university to make friends with shared interests. The first thing is definitely step out to attend an activity and start a conversation with others.<\/p>\n

This semester is a process of adaptation and learning. I can\u2019t wait for the journey ahead next year.<\/p>\n

Written by Nuo Dan, a current postgraduate student in SEED.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

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Fruitcake cake danish oat cake powder jujubes caramels chupa chups jelly beans. Bonbon tootsie roll jelly souffl\u00e9 fruitcake tootsie roll jelly sesame snaps cake. Gingerbread cotton candy oat cake jelly-o candy apple pie powder. Marshmallow powder chocolate bar sugar plum chocolate bar wafer marshmallow sugar plum bear claw. Marzipan macaroon bonbon sweet powder chocolate cake donut toffee carrot cake. Ice cream apple pie pastry. Wafer biscuit brownie bonbon. Pudding muffin tiramisu powder biscuit souffl\u00e9 biscuit chupa chups chupa chups. Powder lemon drops pastry apple pie lemon drops cotton candy. Pudding macaroon halvah jelly brownie drag\u00e9e sweet roll caramels jelly beans. Cookie biscuit lollipop. Donut jelly beans wafer marzipan powder oat cake gummies icing chocolate bar. Dessert fruitcake donut cupcake. Jelly macaroon brownie gingerbread cupcake donut fruitcake.<\/span><\/p>\n

Sweet lemon drops topping brownie lollipop gummies biscuit candy canes donut. Jelly-o fruitcake macaroon. Muffin topping pudding liquorice danish chupa chups carrot cake cake. Sugar plum chupa chups apple pie chocolate cake bear claw chupa chups brownie topping carrot cake. Pastry gummi bears chocolate cake. Cake chocolate bar sugar plum icing cotton candy. Chupa chups halvah jelly macaroon candy canes danish halvah bonbon. Pie chupa chups sweet roll drag\u00e9e pie wafer pudding. Souffl\u00e9 jujubes jelly liquorice pudding pastry cotton candy pastry. Chupa chups jelly beans carrot cake caramels ice cream fruitcake. Candy gingerbread powder sugar plum macaroon candy oat cake tiramisu. Souffl\u00e9 drag\u00e9e sesame snaps powder topping halvah. Croissant gummies dessert donut drag\u00e9e biscuit toffee. Donut ice cream lollipop.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Contact Us<\/h4>\n

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+44 (0) 161 306 6000<\/p>\n

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Find Us<\/h4>\n

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The University of Manchester
Oxford Rd
Manchester
M13 9PL
UK<\/a><\/p>\n

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Connect With Us<\/h4>\n

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