What brought you to Durham?
I studied English and Arabic in my undergraduate studies. I pursued an MA in Intercultural Communication and Education at Durham University to complement my original career aspirations as a language teacher. During my language-focused BA, I recognized the vital role of intercultural understanding in language learning and teaching, especially in an increasingly globalized world. This realization prompted me to broaden my expertise beyond education alone. This program seamlessly aligns with my career goals and personal development, allowing me to thrive in an internationalized environment.
Durham University’s unique college system also significantly influenced my decision. The prospect of being part of a collegiate environment that encourages interaction with peers from diverse academic and cultural backgrounds greatly appealed to me. This approach contrasts with being confined to the cohort of my study programme, offering more extensive opportunities for cross-cultural engagement and enriching my overall educational experience.
What did you enjoy most about the course?
I truly enjoyed the interdisciplinary and down-to-earth nature of the course. It guided students to explore educational issues from various perspectives and combine different disciplines including sociology, psychology and cultural studies into the course. In addition, the course focused on educational topics closely related to my everyday experiences, so I never felt detached from the real-world relevance of the academic content and I always felt excited to read the course materials. This course cultivated my “sociological imagination,” helping me to perceive societal issues from a broader perspective and critically analyse the intricate interplay between individual lives and the broader cultural context – in a word, it is a very eye-opening and mind-blowing experience!
What was your favourite subject to study?
My favourite subject is Critical Perspectives in Education. It addresses important educational issues in today’s society and encourages reflective thinking on these issues by applying theoretical frameworks, making it engaging and thought-provoking.
How has this course helped your career prospects?
This course ignited my interest in sociological studies and inspired me to further my studies in this field. It also equipped me with a robust theoretical and methodological foundation necessary for a PhD in sociology and helped me get into Cambridge University!
What advice would you give to a prospective student thinking about doing this course.
If you’ve never studied education before, don’t worry! The course is suitable for students with or without educational backgrounds, and the staff are also very friendly and supportive. If you are passionate about educational issues and cross-cultural interactions, then this course is for you! You will find it very intellectually stimulating.
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