Name: Richard Zuberecz

From: Timisoara, Romania

Highschool: “William Shakespeare” Theoretical Highschool

Course: Travel and Tourism

“It was my first time coming to the UK and I was stressed out that I might have forgotten something essential or that I was unprepared or would not manage to go through with this experience. Of course, I was wrong. Leaving for university is hard, but it’s a great opportunity to test yourself and to further your aspirations. It’s an opportunity to grow. Moving to a new environment is not easy, especially when it’s some thousand miles away from home. Partnerships for Change made a huge difference in helping me, not only to apply for university and make the process of applying for finance easy, but also help me with accommodation. I can’t imagine the millions of issues that would have arisen from not having someone trustworthy on the other side of the world to make sure you have a roof over your head. The University of Bedfordshire itself provides a good study environment as its main campus in Luton provides 24/7 access in its Learning Resource Centre. Students are able to visit the library and use the IT resources at absolutely any time as long as they’re not reserved. It’s study heaven for any all-nighters-inclined students! My biggest impression came from the cultural shock. There are students from all over the world gathered here. I have never encountered such cultural diversity in my life and I could describe as really helpful. In this world of continuous development where globalisation is a key motor and considering my course focused on tourism, I am happy to experience diversity so early on which might prove to be beneficial to my future career.”