October 22, 2024, by brzha1

Broadening horizons with the Nottingham Advantage Award

By Hongwei Liang, MSc Data Science student

‘A Window on the World – An Intercultural Journey from the Local to the Global’ (Nottingham Advantage Award module) gives you the opportunity to assess and develop your cultural awareness and understanding of equality. Through this self-directed learning module, you are taught how to reflect upon culture within a local context that also aligns with global interests. 

Why I chose this module

I chose this module because I wanted to expand my horizons and challenge myself in new ways. As an international student, I am constantly exposed to different cultures, and this module provided a structured way to deepen my understanding.

Cultural exchange: Being in a multicultural environment, I wanted to deepen my understanding of global diversity

Exploring beyond data science: I enrolled in a cultural studies course to challenge myself and expand my perspectives beyond my technical background

What I learned

The module provided valuable lessons that extended beyond the classroom. It taught me to reflect on:

1. Cultural awareness: Reflecting on local and global cultural contexts.

2. Understanding local culture: Using Nottingham as a case study to see how local culture connects globally.

3. Equality issues: Gaining insight into equality issues in the UK and globally.

This module stands in stark contrast to my degree in data science, which emphasises technical skills and analytical thinking. Instead, this course focused on cultural awareness and understanding. For instance, we engaged in cultural exchange activities, such as debates on global issues and collaborative projects with students from different cultural backgrounds, which enriched my learning experience.

How it helped me as an international student

As an international student, this module helped me connect with my surroundings and provided practical tools for navigating cultural differences:

Cultural connection: Understanding the interplay between local and global cultures helped me feel more connected to Nottingham.

Practical skills: The module equipped me with practical skills such as observing and interpreting interactions within small cultural groups. This approach focuses on how members of these groups create and modify their culture through interactions, which has helped me engage more effectively and inclusively in diverse settings.

Enhancing my university experience: This module significantly enriched my university journey by complementing my technical studies and broadening my perspective. The course fostered a well-rounded worldview, improving my ability to work with peers from diverse backgrounds. The skills and insights gained are valuable for my future career, making me more adaptable and culturally aware.

Advice for other students

Choosing the right modules can be challenging, but my experience has taught me a few valuable lessons:

1. Follow your interests: Choose modules that excite you, whether they are related to your main field of study or entirely different.

2. Expand your knowledge: Opt for courses that will help you gain new skills and perspectives.

3. Career benefits: Modules like this can enhance your employability by developing critical soft skills.

Using the Nottingham Advantage Award

Completing the Nottingham Advantage Award (NAA) can significantly boost your employability. Here’s how you can leverage it:

1. Include the NAA in your CV: I’ve put it under “extracurricular activities.”

2. Showcase skills: Highlight the skills and experiences gained during the module in job applications and interviews.

3. STAR technique: Use the STAR technique (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to effectively demonstrate your achievements.

By reflecting on my choice of the Window on the World module and its impact, I hope to inspire other students to explore the diverse opportunities available at the University of Nottingham. Embrace the challenges and let curiosity guide your academic journey!

If you’d like to discover more about the Nottingham Advantage Award and the different modules on offer, take a look at our module catalogue to search and apply.

If you have any questions, get in touch with the Nottingham Advantage Award team and we’ll be happy to help!

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