International Students

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Yingjie Gao writes about life as a Chinese student

I am a student from China who joined the Publishing course at Edinburgh Napier University.

I clearly remember that the first day I came here as a new student, Professor Dame Joan Stringer, Principal and Vice Chancellor of the University, said “the intention of our university is to improve our students’ abilities and give them the confidence to face various challenges”. I know that, during my time here, I have benefited from this aim and from the support that I have been given from lecturers on the course.

The lectures here not only teach us about the theory, but also give us many chances to put our knowledge into practice. There are many workshops and masterclasses – last year, for instance, we attended QuarkXPress workshops using AppleMac computers. Quark is really popular software programme and is commonly used in the publishing industry. Due to the teacher’s clear instructions, I now feel confident about using this complex programme. There are also organized visits to publishing companies and printers, and Guest Speakers, all of which give us a real insight into the whole publishing process, both books and magazines.

In addition to the lectures, tutorials, workshops and visits, we also have regular meetings with our lecturers, to keep them informed about the development of our studies and get their help with any potential difficulties we might be having. Edinburgh Napier University staff are very friendly and supportive – even lecturers who are not directly relevant to our courses are happy to provide advice or support.

My time spent outside the University is also delightful. There are plenty of interesting activities organized throughout the academic year and I am a member of the Edinburgh Napier International Students Society. Although I came here from China alone, like millions of other international students far from their families, I do not actually feel lonely here at Edinburgh Napier University. I have made many friends and feel supported in my life and in my studies. Overall, I believe the experience of studying at this University is bringing me invaluable benefits.

– Yingjie Gao

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