Case Studies
Dan Zhang
I was a student on the University of Warwick Higher Education Foundation Programme at Stratford-upon-Avon College. Before the course I was very nervous but once the course started the tutors and my classmates were very friendly.
The one year course included a lot of coursework. I still cannot believe that I have finished over forty essays! Writing an essay is quite a difficult task for an international students. However, my English ability improved so much on the course thanks to the skills taught by my English tutors at the College.
I would like to thank Stratford-upon-Avon College. I am now closer to achieving my dream and will be starting my course at UCL soon.
ERIC CHIU
Higher Education Foundation Programme, Business Studies. In partnership with Warwick University.
Present Day: Working at Deloitte LLP as a Risk Consultant
The experience I had at Stratford-upon-Avon College on the HEFP programme (2003-04) was one of the best in my life. The carefully structured programme helped me build a strong foundation for the strict academic requirements of university studies. A year’s hard work, pressure and competition all turned-out to be well worth it. Many of the HEFP textbooks and lecture notes were still of great value during my university days and kept me inspired throughout the 3 years at University College London.
The best thing I took away from the course, however, was the ability to live and study independently for the first time in my life. These soft skills proved to be essential for an overseas student studying and working in the UK.
XIANG GAO - CHINA
A Levels and English as a Foreign Language
My name is Xiang Gao. I am 19 years old and from China. I have been studying at Stratford-upon-Avon College for six months.
Stratford itself is the most charming and gorgeous place. The college is excellent, it’s perfect due to the supporting facilities, advantageous environment and rich educational resources. The teachers are professional, experienced and patient.
When I first arrived, I was not in harmony. I was seriously unhappy. During which time, the college helped me a lot. The accommodation office arranged a wonderful host family for me to stay with, which made me feel better. They are a traditional, kind and welcoming British family.
The international office made arrangements for Academic English Language courses for me which was very helpful. The staff are always ready to help me with any problems. As for my A Level programme, it is quite hard but useful. My teachers spend time with every student. I like my class, my classmates are friendly, we joke at break time, but we listen carefully to our teacher and study hard during lessons.
I have gained valuable knowledge from these A Level classes. I am getting quite confident and will look forward to applying to university in the future.
Living in Stratford is fascinating, you won't get bored! Plenty to see and do: the Royal Shakespeare theatre, a cinema, numerous pubs and a gym. I have also enrolled on a part-time evening class where I study drawing and sketching.
Furthermore I work as a volunteer at a charity shop every weekend. All in all, I am really happy and enjoying my time at Stratford-upon-Avon College!
Wuji Wang - CHINA
Higher Education Foundation Programme, Business Studies. In partnership with Warwick University.
My name is Wuji Wang (my friends call me Vincent). I was a business student on Stratford-upon-Avon College's Higher Education Foundation Programme (HEFP) 2005-06. Although I was a top student in China, I still did not meet the British higher education criteria when I entered the College. However, following my one-year of intensive study at the College I gained five distinctions.
During my foundation year at the College, my academic ability improved significantly, especially my academic writing. As a science student from China I had no idea about how to write an essay before joining the programme. The courses were well designed and suited for me as an international student. The course really helped me to get prepared for British higher education within a relatively short period of time.
At the same time, the College took care of me in my daily life by providing me with appropriate help in various ways — a personal tutor system, English courses, visa extensions, police registration, UCAS application etc. The College staff were always ready to help. I lived in the previous College house in the centre of town. I thought we had the best rooms in my year, but when I returned to visit the College in 2007 I found the new on-campus College houses even better - well-furnished bedrooms, large common rooms, and well-equipped kitchens.
I am now at the University of Warwick, studying (strict) Economics. Because of my solid foundation, I feel I can manage my studies more readily. I am predicted to get a good mark at the end of my degree. I have joined several societies at Warwick and serve as the financial officer for the Chinese Students and Scholars Association (CSSA Warwick). Thanks to Stratford-upon-Avon College I am confident of my future career in economics.
Peiqi Gao - CHINA
Higher Education Foundation Programme, Business Studies. In partnership with Warwick University
From my experience, I strongly recommend the Higher Education Foundation Programme (HEFP) course at Warwick, which is run in conjunction with Stratford-upon-Avon College. Personally I think it is the top foundation course in the UK. The HEFP course at Warwick is orientated to students like me, who want to study in British Universities. Foundations play an important role in preparing students for university study, so choosing a good foundation course is crucial.
I studied HEFP in Business and gained abundant knowledge in the area. I benefited a lot from my personal tutor and teachers. At the same time, I got a great deal of support from the international office in my day-to-day life at Stratford-upon-Avon College. They were always ready to help me, at any time.
Warwick has close links with many top universities so you have the option to find a university most suited to your needs at the end of your foundation year.
Trust HEFP Warwick - it is really worthwhile to spend one year there. My experience will not fade with memory. Hopefully it will be a great treasure for you too.