Alumni： Lv Lan，graduated from the Huaqiao University, majoring in Economics and had been working in DELL (China) for seven years. In 2009, she quit from DELL and entered the International College of the Xiamen University. Now she is currently studying in the University of Southampton, MSc Education Practice and Innovation.

Q: You have worked in DELL for seven years, why do you choose to go to the University of Southampton to pursue the master degree?

Lv Lan: There are three main reasons. Firstly, I have done some work related to training in DELL. After changing different jobs, I am clearer about what I really want to do and what kind of job is  suitable for me. Due to the lack of professional knowledge and skills in this area thus I hope to continue education to improve myself. Secondly, as a mother who has a three-year-old kid, I understand the importance of education for the next generation so that I want to contribute to it for my kid. Thirdly, the University of Southampton, as one of the world's top 100 schools, the teachers and the teaching facilities are great and trustworthy. Southampton is the largest port city in the south of England and the climate is good which is quite similar with Xiamen. I think it should be easier for me to adapt to life there.

Q: What kind of help for you to study the foundation courses in the International College of the Xiamen?

Lv Lan: The year of studying in the International College is one of the years that I feel most happy about my study life. Teaching in English is helpful for me to adapt to teaching mode in the foreign university. I also want to stress that is several teachers are very responsible and experienced which helped us a lot. After going abroad, we still kept in touch with a few teachers who are  concerned about our life and study.

Q: What do you think about your education in the University of Southampton?

Lv Lan: Study in the foreign university is relatively intense. Fortunately, I have laid a strong foundation in the International College therefore basically I can understand what teachers taught.  Studying abroad requires students to search for information by yourself and  think independently.

Q: What are the benefits studying in the UK?

Lv Lan: Two aspects - In learning, you can contact with new ideas and teaching methods in the education area. Meanwhile, you enable to expand the professional knowledge scope and cultivate the ability of independent thinking and critical thinking. In Life, you can experience the exotic lifestyle and culture. Of course, you will be more aware of the importance of family.

Q: What is the planning for your future career, and what kind of jobs do you want?

Lv Lan: After graduation, I hope to have the opportunity to engage in education or enterprise training. In addition, based on my previous working experience, I will also consider the jobs related to the enterprise brand development and consulting. Although my major is education, but the essence of it is the way of teaching and learning and innovative thinking. I think, regardless of the job I take in the future, continuous learning and innovation are necessary. In today's lifelong learning society, these theories and methods are applicable everywhere.

Q: For those students who desire to study abroad, what suggestions do you have?

Lv Lan: You must carefully consider about everything including the choices of major and school. Studying aboard is not that easy as people think it is. Some students' oral English is getting worse and are unable to graduate in foreign language schools. Some of them have been used to the domestic nanny-style teaching methods and feel tough living abroad. If you have the opportunity to go abroad, you must cherish it and understand what you really want and what you should do.