Meet the international student making the most of her time in the UK
By: Communications
Huizhi Yang is an international student from China, studying her undergraduate degree in Business Finance and Management at the University of East Anglia (UEA).
Originally from a small city in Northern China, Huizhi has settled into UK life and is taking advantage of everything that British culture has to offer.
Huizhi is part of Universities UK International’s #WeAreInternational: Transforming Lives campaign, dedicated to highlighting the contributions international students are making to the UK and their communities during their studies here.
“The friendliness of the British people eased my nerves”
Although moving to the UK to study was daunting at first, Huizhi soon felt at ease thanks to the friendliness of British people and the opportunity to make friends with other international students experiencing similar changes.
She said: “We’re all different, but we’re learning together in harmony.
“I love the beautiful architecture. Literature. Music and film. This valuable experience has enriched my knowledge. And will be a big asset in my life.”
Huizhi has big ambitions for using what she’s learnt during her studies to make a difference, uniting her knowledge of finance with her passion for conservation: “My goal is to combine the financial knowledge I've learned at university with environmental protection – to work in animal conservation or protect endangered species with an organisation like the WWF.”
Prof Steven McGuire, Pro-Vice-Chancellor International at UEA, said: “It’s great to hear that Huizhi has settled in so well to Norwich and enjoyed her time with us. Her story highlights the importance of making new connections and embracing new experiences, and we wish her every success for the rest of her degree and with her future goals.
“Our international students offer considerable positive impacts to the region, and the work we do across UEA to help them settle in and succeed during their time here is crucial. Their contributions, both culturally and economically, are invaluable.”
As well as making a big difference in their local communities and beyond, international students bring a £41 billion annual contribution to the UK, meaning on average, each of the 650 parliamentary constituencies in the UK is £58 million better off – equivalent to approximately £560 per citizen. In the East of England region alone, international students contribute £2.30bn to the regional economy.
Jamie Arrowsmith, Director of UUKi said: “It’s never felt more important to acknowledge the important contributions that international students make to their university and local communities, and to the UK more broadly. It’s not just about the economic side of it – international students give back through cultural exchange, volunteering, and so much more. We’re proud to be sharing their stories through the latest phase of the #WeAreInternational campaign.”
Study Business Finance and Management at UEA