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?
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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
 Why should you study your degree in the uk?
As another season and school term approaches, the excitement of welcoming student athletes to the new UDA Academy at the University of Gloucestershire heightens. This season we are pleased to welcome a squad of 18 from the USA, Canada and India to the UoG Academy. We are even more excited that our student athletes will have the chance to live on campus and experience what it's like to be a student in Gloucester and Cheltenham. In some of the country's most beautiful terrain, the new UoG Academy will kick off in September at the university's Oxstalls Campus.  UDA Executive Director, Brian Haley stated “we are delighted to expand our opportunities by partnering with the University of Gloucestershire for international student athletes seeking a world-class degree that fits their career goals as well as offering a professional football development program that will help them reach their optimal playing potential." Haley continued, “Our mission is to change lives through education, and we believe that the University of Gloucestershire's campus, world class academic programs, facilities and faculty will allow our student athletes to not only live our mission, but exceed their goals.” As the new term approaches, our goal remains the same - to help student athletes find a program in which they can study, live and thrive. For incoming recruit Roi Gill, from Ontario, Canada we believe we have done just that, "the ability to pursue both of my passions is what drew me to this program. I have been playing football for most of my life, and my dream is to play it professionally. This program will give me the opportunity to do that, while also studying computer science which is something I've known I wanted to learn for a few years" stated Gill.  In addition to playing football year round, our student athletes will gain the skills they need to be successful off the pitch. Mal Saville, Program Administrator and Quality Assurance Director for the UDA UoG programme reflects on the experience students can expect at the academy, "the University of Gloucestershire is an excellent university, combined with the football experience that is awaiting them, they can experience the best of both worlds. That is, achieving their full potential academically and on the football field they can be challenged to achieve their fullest potential, both are very exciting and rewarding." Thinking ahead to his time at UoG, Gill remarked, "from this program I'm hoping to get opportunities to showcase my skills in front of professional coaches. I want to improve my game and take it to the next level and try to accomplish my dream. I am also hoping for a great education for my computer science degree so if I am not successful in the football side I can pursue my other passion."  There is a lot to look forward to beginning this fall and welcoming a new set of parents and students to the UDA family is just one of them. "We are delighted to contribute to [the student athletes] gaining a very good degree for their future career, an excellent footballing experience and contributing to the person they hope to become," stated Saville. As we approach the start of a new term, we are looking forward to "welcoming individuals to the UDA family, alleviating them and their parents of any concerns, fears and anxieties they may have, turning them into a team and helping them achieve their full potential, both academically and on the football field," stated Saville.  Our student athletes are just as eager to start this term, "I am most excited to become a big part of the team and meet the players, coaches and supporting staff. I love playing football and I am looking forward to enjoying every minute of it with my new team. I am also really excited to have opportunities to play against academies and see what they train and play like," stated Gill. Amidst the busyness of a new term, our student support officer, Paul Nichols will be there for each student, equipped with the ability to help students get settled and prepare for a successful year both on and off the pitch. "We are excited to see our student athletes thrive at the new UDA UoG academy, "with an excellent education, an excellent football experience combining the ethos and values of UDA, students and their parents are in a win-win situation," Saville remarked. He continued, "I have been planning this over the past 18 months and to see the September start date close is very exciting. Recruitment of staff and planning training times is very exciting, if not a wee bit scary!” Interested in learning more?My name is Justin B. Karrenberg and I’ve been working with students through UDA for almost three years. My professional background is in secondary education, and I have worked with middle school, high school, and university students in various environments such as summer camps, after-school programs, professional organizations, and in school classrooms. After being introduced to UDA by one of its directors, Jeff Thompson, I was excited about the opportunity to continue to work with students who are interested in pursuing their educational journey overseas. Having traveled around the world and experiencing the value and growth that seeing new cultures brings, I thought it would be an amazing opportunity to provide insight and guidance to others who want to experience life overseas.
My motivation in working with students stems from the desire to empower students to chart their own paths forward. In the US, universities can seem out of reach for some students who do not have the resources to navigate the admissions process as well as the financial obligations. Compared to many US universities, studying at a UK institution entails a straightforward application as well as competitive tuition rates. Many students and parents are surprised at how accessible universities in the UK are for US students. And it’s true that traveling overseas and studying can be easier, and cheaper, than studying in the US.
My current role with UDA involves working with students to advise them on the educational opportunities that are available to them at a UK university. Once we discuss if the opportunity is right for a student, I then work with each individual to compile each component of the application for admissions. This can involve proofreading personal statements, helping reach out to gather letters of recommendation, as well as providing an insight into what financial resources and scholarships are available. Throughout this process, I try to set realistic expectations for students so that they understand how to transition into studying at a university in the UK. The educational setup in the UK is different from most universities in the US, but it provides a challenging and developmental experience for students. In addition to the admissions process, we help students by connecting them with international offices at their chosen university, who help provide information about student life, accommodations, and arrival information. By making myself a resource to students, I hope to provide the guidance and information that allows each individual to reach their goals in their education, their career, and in their personal lives. UDA helps students find the right university by getting to know our students and discussing their academic and career goals. Universities in the UK offer a wide array of degree options that suit a diverse community of students, and we work with students to make sure we find a university that fits their individual needs and goals. If you are interested in pursuing an arts degree in filmmaking or theatre, we know the university for you. If you want to expand your business acumen through real- world experiences, we know the university for you. Even for student-athletes, we work to match you with a university that will help you continue to study, train and play the sport you love. The diversity of universities in the UK also means students can choose to study and live in a growing urban area like Cardiff in Wales, or in a smaller cultural center such as Chester in England.  The MSc International Sport Management degree at Cardiff Met will enable you to develop the critical understanding, professional knowledge, skills and attitudes needed to take up a managerial position in the ever-expanding global sport and activity industry. This could be in leadership roles associated with researching the contemporary issues from across the globe, and challenges associated with the international business of modern sport; developing and delivering community sport and activity; developing and managing appropriate structures and environments for global elite sport and also the governance and administration of sport at a national and international level, in the modern, digital era. An essential component of being able to achieve this will be through gaining an understanding of how sport is run across the world, from a local to a global perspective, considering both the participant and fan experience. You will also be afforded the opportunity to explore a wide range of management areas associated with making sport happen. These include finance, human resources, operations, events, media, communications and marketing. We help you to understand and establish the guiding principles of what it means to be a manager in the global sport industry today. Concepts such as quality, strategy and policy will be explored alongside your own personal and professional development; this will be through an international sporting context but delivered in manner that will enable you to transfer your knowledge and skills into other sectors. The International Sport Management programme will provide you with well-defined building blocks, on which you can build your management career either in sport or wider disciplines, either in the UK or throughout the world. Excellent on-site facilities together with top class venues in Cardiff, and the surrounding region, capable of hosting national, international and mega events, This, combined with a network of supportive industry partners, helps us to provide you with a comprehensive work-related and work-based learning programme. This is designed to enable you to apply the knowledge gained from the Master’s degree curriculum in real-world settings and gain valuable experience to develop your career, in further study or future employment, in the global sport industry or other sectors. We are a recognised education partner with the Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity (CIMSPA) and our current students receive student membership of this industry professional lead body. Course ContentThe MSc International Sport Management degree at Cardiff Met offers you a module framework which provides the fundamental underpinning knowledge, skills and understanding to be able to work in a managerial role in the fast moving and exciting world of sport, together with the opportunity to channel your interests and aptitudes in subject areas that compliment the overall learning within the programme. The module content will allow you to reflect on the underlying business principles that help to sustain and develop the sport industry and there is a strong focus on entrepreneurship and strategic thinking which offers the potential for you to define and develop your own ideas for sport related products and services. These principles are underpinned by management theory and practice applied in a wide range of sport related settings. The course will cover the core topics of:
With opportunities to select one of the following:
All student will undertake a Final Project, which requires to undertake research in an area of their related to the International Sport Management curriculum. Final projects are major pieces of work that may be traditional research, enterprise, consultancy or community-based projects. Employability & CareersThe Cardiff Met EDGE supports you to thrive in the modern world. Throughout your degree you will experience a range of opportunities to develop your Ethical, Digital, Global and Entrepreneurial competencies through problem-based learning, real-world industry case studies, and opportunities for work-based learning placements. We will ensure that you get a range of opportunities to develop transferable skills such as communication, team work and leadership.
It is anticipated that students who graduate from the International Sport Management programme will go to work in careers both within and beyond the Sport Industry. The programme will allow students to access opportunities in professional and semi-professional sport, national agencies and governing bodies of sport, local authority and social enterprise-based organizations, community related organizations, as well as commercial sport and fitness both in the UK and around the world. Many students may also pursue their own opportunities and set up businesses based on ideas that they have generated during their studies. There is on-going enterprise support available from the Centre for Entrepreneurship designed to help provide the best chance to create a successful enterprise. This includes business mentoring, funding advice, free office space and networking opportunities. UDA is pleased to introduce Bijeta Lamichhane to the staff as a Journalism Intern. Bijeta will be in charge of creating UDA’s new Monthly Newsletter which provides students, families, and prospective students with insight into UDA. These newsletters are intended to provide the UDA community with highlights of our partner universities, our students, upcoming events, and more. We believe that sharing what makes UDA and our students unique will help grow a wider and stronger community while keeping our academies and universities connected across continents.
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 master’s and research degrees. while specializing in several fields including computer science, business and marketing, art and design, media, and photography. Falmouth also offers PhD and Masters in Philosophy programs for those interested in engaging in research.  In addition to providing exceptional educational opportunities, the university also gives students a platform to engage with each other as well as Cornwall. Both of the campuses, Penryn and Falmouth, are located within walking distance from each other, and the town offers a lot of ways that students can enjoy their time outside their classrooms by hiking, surfing, beaches, and exploring coastal paths. The university also provides guaranteed accommodation in its eight residential spaces for undergraduate students, and transportation is easily available between both campus locations.  UDA is excited to work with Falmouth University to facilitate the educational journey of students from across the globe, and we look forward to assisting our students to realize their dream through this wonderful opportunity.
Learn more about Falmouth University and our partnership. UDA is pleased to introduce Nadia Ibrahim-Taney as part of the Dream Maker Program for UDA students. Nadia studied a degree in the UK and has first-hand knowledge and expertise on how to effectively leverage a British degree in the U.S. job market in order to maximize the chances of landing interviews and negotiating higher salaries.  Nadia Ibrahim-Taney is the founder and principal career coach for Beyond Discovery Coaching. She is an experienced higher education administrator with a prestigious tenure of working with American students in the United States and the United Kingdom. Nadia founded Beyond Discovery Coaching as a way to combine her previous experience as a British university recruiter representing over 45 UK universities and her current role as a career coach at a U.S. university. As a career coach, Nadia helps students design happy and fulfilling (dream) careers and mentors students through the transition from university to the professional workplace. Students find her unique insights on resume writing, interview prep and LinkedIn optimization particularly helpful in their job search.  Students are welcome to contact Nadia directly via email in order to learn more about working with her: [email protected]
You can view Nadia’s work on Instagram at @beyonddiscoverycoaching to learn about her career coaching work with students seeking to maximize their career opportunities. UDA will be hosting a Dream Maker Webinar with Nadia on April 25th 6pm EST for students and their families to learn how Nadia can help with securing their dream career. UDA sat down to chat with University of Chester, Field Hockey player, Baylee Mueller. Below you can read through her experience at the university, some of her favorite experiences, and how UDA was able to help her achieve her goals. what has your college life been like, and how is it different from your life in the US?University in the UK is different from universities in the US in many ways. The biggest difference is how professors and the university view us. They see us as people who want to further their futures. The personal responsibility expected of us and freedom given to us has allowed us to mature and dig deeper into our studies, but also still gives us time to explore the UK and have a social life. Something different to the US is the amount of homework and class time. In my first year I had lectures three days a week, and this year I only had one lecture a day. There was also less homework or busywork—as I like to call it—compared to the US, which I think allowed me to focus on other things and dig deeper into topics that interest me. Another difference is that university in the UK is only three years as they expect you to know what you want to study right away. These three years are all about your major, unlike in the US where you have to take core classes that may have nothing to do with what you want to study.  What do you like the most about studying abroad? Study abroad has been the best decision I have ever made. It has allowed me to mature, continue to play field hockey, study something that truly interests me, and it has given me access to a part of the world that I never thought I would get to see. I have also met so many people not only from the UK but from all around the world which has allowed me to learn about other cultures instead of the bubble that is the US. It has given me a different perspective on the world. What do you not like about studying abroad?A major drawback to studying abroad is that my family and friends are not as accessible as they would be if I were in the US. I have always been independent so I would say it was not as difficult to be in a different country, but for others, it is something to definitely consider when choosing to study abroad. What are some experiences that have defined your college life? Some of the most memorable experiences for me while at the University of Chester have mainly involved playing field hockey for the Women’s first team. The first would have to be when I became 1st team captain for the women’s team in my second year and was re-elected my final year. During my second year, I captained the team to a league title for the first time in several years. I took great pride in being a part of a team that could achieve this. Another memory is when both the men's and women’s hockey clubs went on tour to Italy. We hopped on a tour bus early in the morning and drove from Chester all the way to Rimini, Italy. It was an amazing experience because it not only allowed me to see Europe as we drove through it, but also allowed me to be silly with my best friends and teammates. Varsity is also another memorable experience. It is a day where we traveled to our rival university, the University of Salford, and every sports team played each other and had a big party together at the end of the day.  What has your athletic experience at the University of Chester has been like? My time playing for the University of Chester field hockey team has not only allowed me to continue my love for the sport, but it has also given me some lifelong friends. Universities’ sports in the UK are as intense as you want to make it and compared to the US, they allow everyone no matter the skill level to participate. I made the 1st team my first year and captained the 1st team in my second and third year. Unlike the US, we play all year round which I love. We only train 3 days a week and game days for every sports team are on Wednesdays. Playing for the University of Chester has turned my teammates into a family.   UDA is pleased to announce the launch of our new website for prospective students and families who are considering partnering with UDA for their undergraduate and postgraduate degrees.
The new web design is intended to give a clear indication of the options and opportunities available for families and students. Specifically highlighting options for students who are interested in the opportunities and many advantages a UK degree can offer. Additionally, the site features a comprehensive and easy way to search for the right university fit across all our partner universities. While UDA uses a personal touch in its recruitment processes, that is just the beginning. Throughout their studies and towards graduation UDA works with students helping them transition into our unique Dream Maker Program™. Along with the specialized UDA soccer program at the University of Chester, UDA offers students the opportunity to play and study their favorite sports at one of our partner universities. As part of our services, UDA helps prospective students navigate the best sports experience that matches their best academic options. |
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