Introduction: Wei Jie, studied at Peiyuan Middle School in Quanzhou; enrolled in foundation to master program in XMU International College in 2007 and majored in international trade and commerce; entered De Montfort University in England for his senior year as a business management undergraduate; has successfully applied for master’s courses of international trade and commerce in De Montfort University.

Q: Why did you choose the foundation to master program of XMU International College?

Wei: I didn’t do well at the Higher Education Entrance Exams, so I was thinking about going abroad. I wanted to go directly, but my parents worried that I wouldn’t get used to the life out there. They told me about XMU International College and hoped I can study for a period of time in China before going abroad so that I would be more mentally mature and more self-independent.

Q: How is your study at the college? Did you participate in any after-class activities?

Wei: I started working hard after I enter the college, but it didn’t last long and it’s hard for me to stick to it. Teachers in the college have put a lot of effort into developing students’ interest in learning English. They organized debates and vocabulary contests to stimulate our motivation to learn English. With their help, my English was improving. Teachers often provided oriented trainings based on the weak points of the whole class or an individual so that we could compensate our deficits.

Q: Why did you choose De Montfort University during application?

Wei: What students care the most when choosing a university is the ranking and the consumption level of the area.De Montfort University ranks high among the universities with whom the International College cooperated. The consumption level there was acceptable. These are the reasons.

Q: Can you tell us about your study at De Montfort University?

Wei: It can be said that the study there was quite easy. I had about 10-hour classes per week, so I had a lot of time for after-class activities. The curriculum schedule was flexible. You can delay or bring your classes forward in a week as long as the content is the same. Teachers at De Montfort are like your friends. When we analyze problems using theories, it feels like chatting with friends. We don’t feel much stress. A stress-free classroom relaxes you and makes you engagemore.

Q: Do you have any plans for getting a Master’s Degree?

Wei: Yes, I do. It will be a shame if I don’t continue. A year only in the UK is not enough for me. Courses of Master’s Degree are not the same with those of undergraduate. It will be more stressful.

Q: What have impressed you the most in one-year study in the UK?

Wei: It’s the weather and after-class activities. You all know that weather in the UK is very changeable and unpredictable like a child. The UK has a very popular sport: football. Fans are so crazy during competition seasons that you can hardly find a seat in the bar. Watching football in the UK is probably more attractive than watching a star’s concert.

Q: What gains have you got during studying abroad?

Wei: Apart from putting on some weight, more people said that I’m more like a gentleman and more social. I can cook better now and take care of myself. My English has certainly improved. My understanding on current affairs is deepened and my analytical ability and problem-solving ability have been strengthened. I’ve make a lot of international friends who are very nice. My social network has expanded.