 Moving to a new location to complete university can be exciting, but also intimidating. Even seeing your child explore a different part of the world or country is something to look forward to, but it’s impossible not to worry about them or your family far from home. If you are in the process of sending your child off to study abroad in the UK, are a few states away, or are even a student living abroad or away from home, we have compiled some resources for you. Traveling to a new location is stressful for everybody, which is why as part of the UDA family, we make sure our students receive assistance while settling into a new place. From helping with travel arrangements, banking, to setting up phone plans, we make sure your studies go as smoothly as possible. We’re here to support you! Learn about our staff and how we assist our students. When you’re away from home it can be hard to know how to stay connected with family and friends. HERE'S SOME OF OUR BEST ADVICE:DECIDE ON A TIMEOnce your schedules are stable, decide on a time that works for everybody to communicate. Decide on your method of communication — is it best to video chat, or call? KEEP ONE ANOTHER IN THE LOOPShare pictures and videos of your lives. Whether you’re a parent at home or a student at university, your family members want to know what you’re up to. These could be photos of your latest grocery store run, or your favorite hike — either way, they want to see it! WHEN LIFE IS BUSY, LET YOUR FAMILY KNOWIt’s no surprise that this could happen at any moment. If you’re too busy to stick to your schedule of calling or video chatting, try and send each other a quick text — it goes a long way! KEEP YOURSELF BUSYStudents: Studying at university is a great opportunity to explore a new location while learning, so make the most of it! Go explore a new park or grab dinner at that place you’ve always wanted to try. If you’re looking for things to do in Chester, here’s a guide for your weekend. In addition, if you’re interested in making the most of Las Cruces, check out these activities and if you're at UoG, here's some things to do near by. Parents: This may be one of the few times you get to experience life without an extra person at home. Take this time to pursue things you have wanted to try, even if it is just resting! If you have any questions about the application process, travel plans, or life at your university, please contact us.
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They coped better with me leaving because they were more prepared; I was the second one to leave home, so they knew what to expect then. My sister had left for the U.S. a year ago, which was difficult for the entire family but especially our mom. One time, she cried when we bought some avocados and my sister — who loves avocados — wasn’t there to enjoy it with us. She was more composed when I left, but she once mentioned that she intentionally keeps herself busy to cope with our absence. Although my parents both admit that they miss us often, they have accepted that we will not be around all the time. How do you keep in touch, and how often?We keep in touch through video calls and texts mainly via Messenger. The frequency of our calls depends on how busy everyone is, but I text them at least once every two days to let them know I’m doing okay, which they appreciate. I also let them know if I’m busy or traveling so that they don’t have to worry about my lack of communication. We usually call once or twice a week now, but we used to talk more often when I first left home. TIP: I recommend keeping in touch with your family at least a few times a week, just to let them know you're thinking about them. It doesn't have to be anything major, it could just be a weather update, or what you're working on in a certain course. Do your parents worry about you? What do you do to ease their concerns?They don’t worry about me as much as they used to anymore, because they now understand that I will be fine on my own. However, my mom still gets concerned if I don’t reply to her messages or don’t respond as often, so I make sure that I talk to them and tell them about my life as much as I can. A lot of my friends are also international students and I have witnessed varied levels of concerns from parents. TIP: The best thing for us as students to do would be to understand our guardians, communicate with them, and keep them updated on our lives to let them know how we are doing. My parents also tell me that keeping busy has helped them not worry so much about us. My mom recently joined a university to get her Master’s degree, and she often tells me that this has been the perfect time for her to pursue education. TIP: We have a family group chat where we keep everybody updated on what is happening here as well as back home, so I think the best way to ease concerns for everyone is to keep in touch with family and keep yourself occupied. How often do you go home?I try to go home once every year, but that wasn’t possible due to the pandemic. I’m fortunate because the longest I have not been home is a year and a half, but I know that some of my international friends have not been home for much longer. How did you deal with being away from home?It was difficult at first — I missed the comfort of home, my family, the food...everything. Being in a new environment was not easy, especially since I could not fly back home for months. But I started making friends here and kept myself busy. I started working so I was alright after a couple of months. I still miss home and my family, but I also appreciate my life here. TIP: Find something to keep yourself busy — Whether that’s a new hobby or a campus club, having something to do can be the best way to combat homesickness or when missing a loved one. Traveling to a new location is stressful for everybody, which is why as part of the UDA family, we make sure our students receive assistance while settling into a new place. From helping with travel arrangements, banking, to setting up phone plans, we help make sure your studies go as smoothly as possible. Learn about our staff and how we assist our students here.
Interested in studying in the UK? Learn more about the resources and requirements for international students at the university of your interest: University of Chester University of Gloucestershire Cardiff Metropolitan University Falmouth University Leeds Beckett University University of Portsmouth Interested in joining our academy stateside? Check out our program at New Mexico State University. Want to learn more about our soccer academies? We’ve got you covered. Explore UDA Soccer at UoC, UDA Football at UoG, and our stateside academy at NMSU. If you have any questions about the application process, travel plans, or life at your university, please contact us. Studying in the UK means not only getting a great educational experience, it also means you get to experience some of the great historic sites and unique cultures of the world. The ease in which you can travel throughout the island makes it a no-brainer to hop on a train and experience the different dialects, communities, traditions, and ancient sites. Whether you want to head to the countryside for lush greenery, rows of hedges, and dark night skies in places like Cornwall, or if you want to see cultural urban centers with their striking architecture, warm pubs, diverse communities in places like Cardiff, Manchester, or London, the UK is ready to offer you the international experience of a lifetime. So over the weekend, or during your Christmas break, don’t forget to join your friends and hop on the train to see all that England & Wales has to offer. To help you plan your next trip, we’ve highlighted some of the best places to visit while you’re in the UK. Explore the island city of Portsmouth The city of Portsmouth is the UK’s only island-city and is just an hour train ride south of London. The are offers a perfect mix of modern urban living with historic roots that make the city a perfect place to experience great restaurants and shopping, while learning about it’s deep ties to naval history. In addition to its rich naval history, it boasts two cathedrals, twelve museums, and three entertainment venues that regularly hosts music and comedy shows. It’s 4 miles of seafront and pebble beaches, paired with its stretches of nature trails means that outdoor enthusiasts have a place to bask in the sun while staying cool in the ocean breeze. Disappear into the countryside of Cornwall Tired of the busy city life? Want to dip your toes into the cool ocean water under towering seaside clifftops? Then be sure to make the trip to the Cornish coast! It’s not uncommon for people to fall in love with the charm that towns throughout Cornwall have to offer. Placed in the southwest corner of England, the country of Cornwall is full of impressive ruins, stretches of coastline, and communities of artists. For an extra intimate setting, be sure to stop by for a Theatre Under the Stars at the Minack Theatre, the open-air theatre carved into the seaside cliffs. Or visit Falmouth to walk its cobblestone streets or its nature hikes throughout the area. Experience the city life of London London is not just the capital of England, many people consider the capital of Europe. It is a true multicultural epicenter that brings together people from all over the world. During your visit you’ll get to see sites such as Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, The Tower of London, all while riding on a quintessential red double-decker bus. Hop on the tube to journey trough the bustling city that hosts niche neighborhoods with distinct feels that remind you of it’s historic roots. The nightlife here will not disappoint either and will keep you entertained throughout your visit. Feel free to start up a chat with the people around you, as the city has a reputation for being friendly and welcoming. See a rugby match in Cardiff London is not the only place to get your fix of urban city life. While it’s population is not as big as London, the urban area’s 500,000 residents means you get the perfect mix of cultural diversity with an intimate feel. Even with all of the urban life Cardiff has to offer, it is also known for its extensive parks and other green spaces. Also, be sure to get your tickets to see a rugby match at Principality Stadium, home to the Welsh national rugby team and located just blocks away from St. Mary Street where the city offers a great night-life scene with chic clubs, bars, and amazing restaurants. On St. Mary Street, you can enjoy a pint while looking down the road toward historic Cardiff Castle.
With all there is to see in the UK, you shouldn’t limit yourself to just a few towns and cities, but the above places are enough to give you the experience of a lifetime. Whether you want to take your time explore the greenery and nature of the countryside, or whether you want to see the sites in the bustling streets of London, all of your desired experiences at your doorstep. So, hop on a train, pack your bags for the weekend, and get lost in the UK! Welcome to a new academic year! We are thrilled to be welcoming so many students from around the world to the UDA family. We are excited to see what our students will accomplish this term and we can't wait to share those successes with you! As students begin to delve into the semester, they might need some advice along the way. Our support staff on both sides of the pond are here to answer all questions from how to set up a phone plan to the best ways to balance academic and social life. "[We] work directly with students to learn and understand their individual needs. "We view students as people who are working to achieve their goals, and we are here to help them in doing so. The personal approach we take helps us get to know each student so that we can best provide them resources and guidance in studying and living in the UK," stated Justin Karrenberg, Head of Student Recruitment and Advising.  As our second and third year students are beginning to consider where their degree can take them, that's where we come in! Our Dream Maker Program allows second and third year students to connect with companies that match their skills and aspirations in order to aid them in discovering their passions. Our Dream Maker Program allows second and third year students to develop a professional portfolio that showcases their academic interests, passions, and skills. We then share this portfolio with companies that match the student's skills and aspirations in order to aid them in discovering a future career. We want to ensure that our graduating students discover a field they are interested in that then leads to a purposeful life.  While talk of next career steps can be daunting, our partner career coach, Nadia Ibrahim-Taney of Beyond Discovery Coaching makes navigating and leveraging a university degree manageable. Nadia has first-hand personal knowledge and expertise of how to navigate a British degree in the US job market and is here to help our UDA students thrive. Before the new academic year gets into full swing, We'd also like to welcome our student-athletes who have returned to their on-campus abodes or those who are just joining a UDA program and are beginning their studies and training at New Mexico State University, the University of Chester and the University of Gloucestershire. get to know some of our players!As our Academy students are settling in, we wanted to take the opportunity to get to know some of players on a more personal level!
Do you have any hobbies? Playing video games, working out, and listening to music. Favorite pro team/player? My favorite player is Ronaldo. Dream job? Being able to be a pro-soccer player, or traveling and getting to study and/or help those in other cultures. Favorite place you've ever visited? My favorite place I’ve visited was Las Vegas, Nevada. Lots of attractions! If you could event a holiday, what would you pick? I would invent a traditions holiday where you celebrate and get to show off your culture and traditions.
Do you have any hobbies? I love to walk in the forest and enjoy the outdoors. Favorite pro team/player? My favorite team is FC Bayern Munich Favorite place you've ever visited? My favorite place I've visited was Stuttgart, Germany Dream Job? My dream job is to work for Audi. If you could event a holiday, what would you pick? National bacon day!
Do you have any hobbies? I love to cook when I can as well as find and try all sorts of restaurants and cuisines. Favorite pro team/player? Professional team has to be Manchester United and Wayne Rooney. Favorite place you've ever visited? Favorite place I've ever visited would be the Seychelles. Dream Job? Dream Job would either be a lead project manager in any of the top software companies in Europe or back in the US. If you could event a holiday, what would you pick? A mini holiday in the winter to go out and celebrate with friends and family after Christmas and before New Years. Want to learn more?university of chesterImmerse yourself in the history and the culture of the City of Chester during your time at the University! There are a lot of sights to see and do for everyone — whether you enjoy typical city life or want to immerse yourself in nature. Check out this guide for a wide range of activities in the Chester area! university of gloucestershireIf you enjoy concerts, literature, or hikes, Gloucestershire has plenty of activities and events throughout the year worth checking out! Find activities you’d enjoy around your university here, and some free events you can attend when you’re on a budget.
Cardiff metropolitan universityThe City of Cardiff in Wales hosts some beautiful architecture, a vibrant city and many naturally beautiful places to visit. Check out this local guide’s recommendations to experience the city in all its glory! falmouth universityCornwall offers many water activities for students to take part in during their time at Falmouth University, but it doesn’t stop there. You can also attend the famous Boardmaster festival, visit a castle, enjoy night life, and more! Check out all that Falmouth has to offer or talk to a student if you’d like to learn more.
university of portsmouthPortsmouth offers a wide variety of activities for students and visitors to take part in, including eateries, beaches, music festivals and more. Find out what you can do to enjoy and recharge by the sea! leeds beckett universityLeeds offers an abundance of historic houses, museums, and arcades to explore. Whether you like walks in the park or would rather take a tour by the bus — or a kayak — Leeds has something to offer! Take a look at this list to find activities that suit your interest.
want to learn more?On April 25th, UDA held a webinar with Career Coach and founder of Beyond Discovery Coaching, Nadia Ibrahim-Taney. Nadia will be working in part with UDA's Dream Maker Program focused on helping students find and fulfill a productive career. The webinar was aimed at helping students learn how Nadia can be of service aiding students as they navigate their professional career landscape. With experience in higher education and working with American students in the United States and the United Kingdom for over fifteen years, Nadia is equipped to help UDA students. "Having worked with students for most of my career, having been a student myself for most of my career and doing my second master's abroad int he UK, all gave me the skills, empathy, and life experience to best help UDA students." Through every aspect of career building, Nadia is there to help students. "From building brand presence on LinkIn, networking and having a strong resume, there are a lot of simple, yet highly effective manageable action steps you can start taking as early as your first year of study" she stated.  Nadia helps students design happy and fulfilling dream careers and mentors students through the transition university to the professional workplace. Students find her unique insights on resume writing, interview prep and LinkedIn optimization particularly helpful in their job search. As a university student, Nadia emphasizes that considering your next career moves are key. "It;s never too early to start designing and building a happy and fulfilling career that makes you want to get out of bed every single day." When searching for a career coach, Nadia recommends "Use your networks and if you can get a personal recommendation for a coach or an endorsement from a trusted compant such as UDA, then that is gold!" Students are welcome to contact Nadia directly via her email in order to learn more about working with her: nadia@beyonddiscoverycoaching.com Want to learn more about our dream maker program?Cardiff Metropolitan university
university of gloucestershire
University of portsmouth
University of chester
Falmouth university
Leeds Beckett University
In line with our mission to provide international students with an opportunity to affordably pursue degrees that aim to prepare students for a successful and productive career, UDA is pleased to announce our partnership with Falmouth University in Cornwall, England.  The university offers undergraduate as well as postgraduate mater's and research degrees, specializing in several fields including computer science, business, marketing, art, design, media, and photography. Falmouth also offers Ph.D. and master's in Philosophy programs for those interested in engaging in research.  Want to learn more?Introducing Julian Alexander '17Master's of fine arts, leeds beckett universityI attended Leeds Beckett University underneath the UDA program and studied filmmaking. I went to the school because it was very competitive and it was just really nice to be in a place that wasn't New Mexico, where I used to live. Being in the UK gave me a chance to get an understanding of different cultures. My program allowed me to explore my own kind of creative journey, which made me grow so much stronger as a person. I've developed so many skills and met people from all around the world as a result of being [at Leeds Beckett]. I got the chance to go everywhere due to the films that I created in the program. Some of my most successful works, mainly a film named Leo, are the reasons why I am in the position that I am now — that is, being a university professor, which I got hired to teach the same year I graduated. And I've been teaching across different schools since, first at New Mexico State University and also at El Paso Community College. I currently teach at the University of East London as a lecturer, where I'm also completing my PhD.  At Leeds Beckett, I wrote a film about a French man smuggling people from France to England. I'm from the borderlands, so topics like that were something that was very familiar to me, and when I came over here to Europe, this idea of borders had multiplied. The film, Leo, ended up being one of my most successful projects to this day. The movie went to a lot of places — the highlight is probably the fact that we were flown to a festival in Egypt by the film festival. We were nominated for a postgraduate student award at the BFI London Film Festival for the film as well. These are opportunities I never even knew existed for me. Those moments and those things were a direct result of the opportunities that UDA provided.  The brilliant thing about this program is that I wouldn't have been the same if I was somewhere else who knows, that could have been a different trajectory — but I had so much success in my graduate program. It was the best decision I could have made. In the long run, I would like to be making films full-time, but this is such a great intermediary situation I'm in. I get a paycheck for teaching about film and I'm developing my skills at the same time, and as a result that gives me all the time in the world to actually develop other projects." Want to learn more?For the first time since the establishment of UDA, we are proud to announce that some of our undergraduate students will graduate from the University of Chester this year while several of our students have completed their postgraduate studies as well. To celebrate this milestone, we hear from two of our postgraduate students regarding their experiences with UDA and their programs. Hearing from the class of 2021: Nate ShipleyMsc, strength and conditioning, leeds beckett university
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