We've recently had conversations with your International Community Engagement Lead regarding his experience as an international student and our upcoming International Festival, happening from the 18th-22nd March 2024. 

Wondering who is your Community Engagement Lead? 

 OduduAbasi Asuquo Umo-Odiong is the Community Engagement Lead for International Community for the academic year 2023/2024. 
 He is from Nigeria and came to the UK to study International Business Management (MSc) at Coventry University. 

Question:  From an international student perspective, why did you decide to come to the UK?
CEL Answer: I decided to come to the UK to study because of the strong reputation of the UK educational system and for the learning experience. Many UK universities provide world-class education hence people from different parts of the world come to the UK to study. Coming to the UK for me was an opportunity to get an excellent degree and network with people from other parts of the globe. I also admire UK’s cultural history and heritage so the country was my preferred location for further studies.  
Also, choosing Coventry University was a no-brainer for me. I knew I wanted to do a business course and I had lots of great reviews from Coventry University’s alumni community in Nigeria which includes my brother and several of my close friends. I did further research on the university and I was impressed with my findings because of its strong academic reputation in business courses. It also ranked tops on different ranking systems such as the Guardian University Guide, Times Higher Education Analysis of REF, to mention a few.  

Question: How was the adaptation process to a new country?
CEL Answer: Adapting to life in Coventry was an exciting experience for me although it also came with a few challenges. I was able to make a few friends who we shared experiences of exploring Coventry together in our first weeks in Coventry. I came to the UK in May 2023 so the weather was a bit friendly but it was still cold so I made sure I spent quality time in the sun anytime the sun was out because I was so used to the sun in Nigeria. Several other things needed getting used to in the UK including seeing bright skies just few hours before and after midnight.  
I did not face much challenges in the area of food because there are African shops in Coventry that provide ingredients for the local delicacies which I was accustomed to back home. I was also very open to trying new dishes. Also, it took me sometime to finally understand accents from different nationalities on campus.  

Question: How do you find the UK so far?
CEL Answer: The UK is a great place; the people are very friendly and are always ready to help if you have any concerns – as long as you ask. The things I love doing most in the UK is sightseeing, visiting friends, participating in activities hosted on campus, especially the quiz (Kahoot) events organized by the SU. The cold during winter is quite harsh but overall, I think the UK is a wonderful for studies, networking, and pursuing other self-development paths.  

Question: Why did you decide to apply to be the International Community Engagement Lead?
CEL Answer: I decided to become a Community Engagement Lead because I figured that it would be an opportunity for me to serve International Students in the International Students Community. My goal remains to facilitate engagements within the international community and organize events that would enhance the welfare of international students in Coventry University. The experience so far has been worthwhile and I look forward to organizing lots of events this semester including the International Festival – which is going to be a very special one.  

Question: How do you feel about the upcoming International Community Festival? 
CEL Answer: I am really excited and I genuinely look forward to the International Festival. Lots of planning is going into it and I believe that it will be a worthwhile experience and is going to be memorable because we will have students from different parts of the world sharing their cultural heritage in form of fashion, food, language, to mention a few.  
Coventry University is known for its diversity and the festival will give students an opportunity to celebrate this diversity. I look forward to learning about other students’ countries and cultures. I have several countries’ performances that I look forward to. These are places that I have always had interest in but I’m yet to visit. I am glad to be one of the organizers of the event and I will be sure to bring my A-game in the planning and execution of the festival/event.