International Students

Student profiles

Ivone

Student Profile

About me

Name: Ivone
Course: Agriculture, MPhil, PhD
PhD Title: Laboratory Animal Welfare Indicators
Study mode: Full time
Where I’m from: Colombia

Choosing Newcastle

"When I was looking for universities to study at in the United Kingdom, I was accepted in three (Glasgow, Edinburgh and Newcastle). I chose Newcastle because it is highly recognized in the field of animal behaviour and welfare. Although other universities had similar Masters’ courses, Newcastle offered it for different animals and specialisms within the department. Following my Master’s I found support within the department for my PhD here, which was key to continue my studies to PhD level."

Studying at Newcastle

"I have access to lab animal lab facilities, which is great, and I’m learning things that simply aren’t taught in South America. My Master’s helped me to organise my time in preparation for my PhD, and I’ve attended workshops about time management given by the Careers Service which have also helped me manage the workload.

"Studying at PhD level is totally different to my other studies. It’s my time, and my research, so I have to learn by myself. Thankfully my supervisor gives me orientation and help, but it is really all you at PhD level. You must be organised and really like what you’re doing. With my Master’s study I was the only international student on my course, so I received more help, but now I’m just like everybody else and we’re all treated the same.

"Studying at Newcastle University has been a very nice experience. The University really care about student’s wellbeing – particularly international students. In addition, the University has English support offering free academic English classes to new students.

Postgraduate Community

"The postgraduate students in my school (School of Agriculture, Food and Rural Development) are very close to each other. We share a big office in the building that gives us the opportunity to get to know each other and share our academic and social lives. We have Graduate Coffee Mornings where we get together once per month and discuss different topics related to postgraduate academic life. We also celebrate birthdays and have social activities every month. You don’t feel alone when doing a PhD at Newcastle University, you are part of a group working together and giving support to each other when you most need it.

"I was part of the International Society during my Master’s and we had the opportunity to travel to different places close to Newcastle, learn about the culture and become involved in extracurricular activities in the Students Union. I met some of my first friends in Newcastle in the International Society too!

"I have had the opportunity to attend two conferences, one national and one international, and when I have results I plan to present at a conference. We also have an annual postgraduate conference organised by the School, which all postgraduates can present at."

Funding my studies

"I found some information about funding on the University website before starting my PhD. I received a scholarship from my country to study my PhD (Colciencias). The scholarship covers my academic fees and my living expenses. However, I am part of a job scheme at Newcastle university call JobsOC where all students can have part-time jobs on the university campus, providing opportunities to get experience and earn extra money."

Career aspirations

"I will to go back to my country when I have finished my PhD. I am looking forward to teaching in my country, and sharing all the new knowledge that I have gained here at Newcastle University. I am planning to get a job as a lecturer in one of the Colombia universities related to animal welfare, and I would also like to work as an adviser for the government to help to create law to protect animals. I had the chance to take a two day workshop to be a demonstrator, and I’m about to start demonstrating. This is paid work which is also good for my bank balance! I also think that having a PhD from Newcastle will give me an edge in my home country when trying to get into academia."

Accommodation

"I am living in a flat close to the city centre (in Heaton) in private accommodation. I like to be involved in the local community so I am living with three flatmates from the UK which has given me the opportunity to learn more about the locals, and how people live here. The area I live in has lots of restaurants and lovely bars. I can cycle into University every day, and I have everything I need where I live.

"I found the house through a friend from the International Society and it was easy to organise with the landlord."

Living in Newcastle

"Newcastle is a vibrant student city. There is something always going on, from movies, museums, theatre, and gigs to academic conferences and concerts. Newcastle is small enough to make you feel at home, able to move from one place to another walking or cycling, but also big enough to have many different activities all year round. It is a very “green” city where you can find a lot of parks to walk around in your free time. The Quayside, which runs along the Tyne, offers many places where you can enjoy a delicious meal, or you can even get an afternoon tea within a 10 minute walk of campus.

"’ve really enjoyed the New Year Parade, Chinese New Year, the Late Shows (which are a free cultural event), and I enjoy going to the Tynemouth and Quayside Sunday Markets."

Remembering Newcastle

"I have really appreciated the wellbeing support I’ve been given at Newcastle; the support the University has given me has meant I’ve only needed to think about developing my career. It’s something I hadn’t realised would be so important until I started my postgraduate studies."