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The University's global successes featured at the launch of the Education is GREAT campaign, a government initiative celebrating the part that the UK is playing in providing educational products and services to Malaysia and ASEAN markets.
In today's world of globally connected business, the network, knowledge and experience students build up while studying abroad can give a competitive edge.
Heriot-Watt students who have all taken advantage of the University's international study programmes brought their stories to the launch in London, while the Malaysian launch will take place at our Malaysia Campus in February in the presence of Her Excellency Vicki Treadell CMG MVO, British High Commissioner to Malaysia.
The Heriot-Watt students spoke about their experiences of international study.
Shaun Purves, from Newtown St Boswells, a third year Business Management with Marketing student, said, “Completing a semester abroad in Malaysia was a great decision and was easily the best semester I have spent at university. The opportunity allowed us to get to know more people on the course and travel across Asia whilst still receiving the same high quality level of education.“
Third year Business Management student Abbie Murray, from Dollar, said, “I studied at the Malaysia Campus for a semester and it was one of the best decisions I have ever made. I got to learn about a whole new culture and the Malaysian students were very friendly and accommodating. Whilst in Malaysia we got to travel to countries including Thailand and Vietnam as well as exploring some of the wonderful islands Malaysia has to offer. Although it was difficult being on the other side of the world at times, this life changing experience is something I will never forget.”
Widened perspective, competitive edge
Ong Woei Yng (Florence), who started her studies at the Malaysia Campus, is studying the third year of her Chemical Engineering course at the Edinburgh Campus. “Having this once in a lifetime opportunity to study abroad has widened my perspective and prompted me to be independent in terms of living and studying. It opens more doors for my future career as I am given the opportunity to apply for a placement year here, not to forget the constant and helpful advice offered by the career services in Heriot-Watt.”
Adris Hanif, from Dundee, in his third year of MA (Hons) Business Management, said, “Studying in Malaysia has been a very fruitful experience. Being part of the inter-campus program has allowed me to be exposed to different cultures and people within and outwith the Malaysian campus. It has broadened my understanding of the world as well as experiencing different forms of learning from the Malaysian staff and students at the Malaysian campus.”
Heriot-Watt's Go Global student programme is the latest step in the University's international developments. Professor Gill Hogg, Deputy Principal (External Relations) at Heriot-Watt, said, “Studying abroad is a great opportunity to meet people, discover new interests and develop life skills. It can build confidence, develop adaptability and hone resourcefulness, which are all important personal attributes valued by employers.
“In today's world of globally connected business, the network, knowledge and experience students build up while studying abroad can give a competitive edge, as well as bringing a new perspective on life, aspirations and career options.”