Moving to a new country to study can present many challenges, as Azadeh Babali discovered when she came to WMG from Iran. But as she explains, her strong will to achieve success plus the support she received enabled her to attain far more than she ever expected.

Azadeh arrived at Warwick in September 2007, having been awarded the British Chevening Scholarship to study in the UK. She chose WMG’s one-year MSc in Engineering Business Management: a course that is closely related to her experience and interests.

“After qualifying with a BSc in Industrial Engineering in Tehran, I gained a wide range of working experience across a number of areas - from accounting, modeling & management of business processes to the design of Management Information Systems,” she said. “I could see that the WMG programme would take all of this to another level. It was also a chance to study with one of the best manufacturing groups in Europe.”

But it wasn’t all plain sailing, as Azadeh described: “The early months of my stay in UK were difficult for me. A new country, new academic system, new language, new environment, intense study, being apart from family and friends – they all made me wonder how much effort I should put in to be able to get through the course.”

Azadeh turned to her supervisor, Mairi Macintyre, for help. “She was lovely and gave me fantastic support. With her guidance, motivation and belief, I realised that I could do it. When I began the course, I was never less than motivated and determined to do my best. Mairi and the other staff at WMG reawakened that determination to pass the course with the best possible results.”

Azadeh’s parents also travelled to the UK seperately to spend a month with her during the year. “My parents visit really helped to freshen me up too,” she said. “They filled me with energy and did a lot to give me back my confidence.”

Adapting to a different kind of academic system to the one she was used to seems to have been Azadeh’s biggest challenge. She agreed: “Yes, it did take a little time to adjust, but I learned many lessons and once I was used to it, I found the new system to be far more effective. Once again, WMG’s staff gave me all the support I needed to make the transition.”

Azadeh mentioned earlier that she came to WMG determined to pass the course with the best possible results. That commitment came to fruition when she completed her MSc with not only a distinction, but the departmental prize too. “To be honest, I never anticipated that I would be able to achieve that level,” she added. “It was hard work  - that goes without saying. I was stretched every day, but that’s what makes the WMG programme so outstanding.” 

Away from the rigours of academic life, Azadeh found Warwick’s campus environment an enjoyable place to spend her time. “Warwick is fabulous! Although some of my friends chose to be in a big city, I much preferred Warwick’s green, peaceful and relaxing campus. It’s the perfect place to concentrate on your studies – and if you want a lively day or night out, there are big cities close by.”