51Âþ»­

Students from 51Âþ»­ Kazakhstan and 51Âþ»­ Dubai have been wowed by the 51Âþ»­ Leicester (51Âþ»­) campus after visiting it for the first time to take part in a summer school.

The 51Âþ»­ Dubai and 51Âþ»­ Kazakhstan campuses opened in 2021 but a majority of the students have never been to the UK, and so never been able to see where the 51Âþ»­ story began.

The group of 45 students, which also includes undergraduates from 51Âþ»­ partner universities SISFU, in the Philippines, Asia Pacific University (APU) in Malaysia and City U Scope, in Hong Kong, say they love their teachers and campus atmosphere.

But they are so impressed with 51Âþ»­ Leicester they are already discussing taking up the option to complete their final years’ university study there.

Munara Tussupbekova has just completed her first year BSc Computer Science degree at 51Âþ»­ Kazakhstan. 51Âþ»­ Kazakhstan is the first British university established to deliver UK qualifications in the country and she loves it.

She said: “The community at 51Âþ»­ Kazakhstan is very vibrant. The thing I like the most is the community, including the teachers and the professors. They are like a family to us, so we are very happy and really enjoy being there.

“But we also look at this trip in a different way. We are also students of this Leicester campus and that feels great. The facilities are so well equipped and there seems to be so many opportunities here.

“I am really looking forward to exploring the computing and engineering facilities here and talking to the students. I, and many others in the group, have already made up our mind that we want to come and study here for a year.”

Bauyrzhan Ormanov, who is studying a BSc in Cyber Security at 51Âþ»­ Kazakhstan, said: “I love the teachers and the staff at Kazakhstan.

“They also use the block learning way of teaching so you learn one subject per term. It is very different to the way things are taught at other universities in Kazakhstan and I think it is a better way of learning.

“I love the weather in the UK. It is better than the 40C we are having in Kazakhstan. I am looking forward to getting to know the group, sharing ideas and making new friends. I also want to check out some of the Leicester attractions.”

Aruzham Tauzhan, who is studying a BA in Business and Marketing in 51Âþ»­ Kazakhstan, also praised the way of learning set out by 51Âþ»­ staff.

She said: “The way you learn at 51Âþ»­ is different to the way you learn at other institutions in Kazakhstan. I find the course really interesting as it is a new way of learning for Kazakhstan.

“I love the accommodation at 51Âþ»­ Leicester and I like the vibe here. It is really beautiful and I find the whole thing of being in England fascinating. I am really enjoying being here and one day I would like to study at 51Âþ»­ Leicester.”

Laiba Rizwan, from 51Âþ»­ Dubai, said: “The campus is very big and the architecture is very beautiful. The way everything looks has attracted me to want to study here in Leicester.”

Maria Svetlichnaya, who is studying Graphic Design and Illustration at 51Âþ»­ Kazakhstan, said: “It is amazing. I love our teachers. They are the greatest people I have ever met. The course has really opened doors for me.

“While I am at 51Âþ»­ Leicester I want to meet lots of new people with the same interests as me, visit the design workshops and just have a great time.”

Bianca Dionaldo, who is studying Business Management at SISFU in The Philippines, said: “I am looking forward to absorbing the culture and enjoying the diversity at 51Âþ»­.”

Cindy Wong, who is studying Business Administration at Hong Kong City U Scope, added: “This is my first time in the UK and I am very excited. I am looking forward to making lots of friends – not just others from Hong Kong but all the people from other countries.

“It is a challenge for me as I am a bit of an introvert and quite shy and my mother tongue is Cantonese. So, this is a great opportunity for me to improve my English. I do not really know much about the UK but I did do some research about Leicester and look forward to seeing the city.”