A Student’s Perspective – What’s it like to learn in the epicentre of COVID-19?

NCUK Study Centre, Wuhan Britain-China School were just one of the many schools which had to face the news at the end of the Chinese New Year break that they would have to remain shut. Teachers and students had to stay at home to help limit the spread of the virus. As a result, the Study Centre has initiated a programme of online learning so the students can continue their studies. The same is happening across NCUK Study Centres impacted by the closures. Together, we are facing the challenges of facilitating the all-important engagement between teacher and student.

Zhang Tianchen and Zhang Xinwei, students from the school in Wuhan made a video to share their experience of living through the COVID-19 situation. Their story was shared on CGTN news channel and the video gives a real sense of how the outbreak has affected the vibrant city of Wuhan. The insights from the students’ perspective includes how it happened from the initial lockdown to how they have had to adapt their lives and study styles to get through each day. Their heartbreaking reactions to those that were not able to return to their families and the numbers of fatalities after the national holiday illustrate the stark reality of living in the city.

You can view the full video by clicking here, one of the students in the video spoke about his hope for the future,

I’m very confident in the Wuhan government and its people because they have performed their very best and demonstrated that they have what it takes to overcome the barriers…I’m optimistic about the future and firmly believe that there’s nothing to fear. The only thing we have to fear is fear itself.

NCUK are committed to supporting its students and partners in China and throughout the world during this uncertain time. Katy Christie, NCUK Regional Manager (China and Indonesia) and Harry Feng, NCUK Market Development Manager (China) have both commented on the situation,

It’s a demanding time for all the residents of Wuhan. We are particularly proud of all our students and especially Tianchen and Xinwei for sharing their thoughts and feelings throughout their video. It shows how resilient the people from Wuhan are and how positivity and confidence in the national response to the virus is invaluable at this time. In these unprecedented times, our students will grow stronger and we will proudly support them to take the experience with them into their future study and careers.

Katy Christie, NCUK Regional Manager (China and Indonesia

In response to the outbreak, NCUK staff in China are working remotely to ensure support is in place for students and Partners from China. Our main focus is to making sure that these students and partners are safe and readily prepared to return to their respective Study Centres once the situation becomes less serious. We have had great support from all our NCUK colleagues and Partners. I hope our stories reassure others, that might experience school closures to contain the spread, that NCUK will fund solutions to minimise the impact on all our students.

Harry Feng, NCUK Market Development Manager (China)

As many countries face the uncertainty of the virus and the impact it might have, NCUK have been working hard to minimize the impact on any students and to be there to support our Study Centres. If you have any questions are concerns, please email together@ncuk.ac.uk.

About NCUK

International Foundation Year (IFY)

NCUK offers international students the opportunity to find a pathway to university without the need for international high school qualifications such as A-Levels or IBDP. A qualification designed with our university partners to prepare students for first year entry to undergraduate degree courses. Studying in small classes with NCUK in-country before a degree will give students the confidence they need to get the highest possible outcome from their study abroad.

Quality is at the heart of everything that we do so our qualifications meet the highest academic standards set by our university partners. As well as academic knowledge, the NCUK International Foundation Year focuses on specialist English language, study and cultural skills that are an essential part of any degree course. This unique combination helps students get in to the University of their choice and get on with your future career.

We have over 60 Study Centres worldwide working with school and university partners to deliver in students’ home country. Click here to view the full list here.

International Year One (IYOne)

Advanced access to the second year of a university undergraduate degree. The International Year One is a credit-bearing qualification which enables students to study the first year of their UK Bachelor’s Degree locally at an approved NCUK Study Centre, with guaranteed access to the second year of their degree at an NCUK university.

Master’s Preparation (PMP)

Guaranteed progression to thousands of Masters Degrees at leading universities with our unique NCUK one-stop application service.

Provides the research skills and academic English language knowledge and ability you will need to succeed on a PG qualification. Ensures you not only get in but you’re ready to get on with your studies – some of our students say they were better prepared than UK students

If you would like more information about this article, please contact Katy Christie by emailing together@ncuk.ac.uk.