It’s a long time. I haven’t written at my blog. Maybe, I’m busy. Hic,

Today is three working days in my new company.

Time to change company maybe we have some problems.I changed 3 companies for 2 years and work in more working environment. So maybe, I have experience in this problem. Now I want to share it with you.

My problem calls ” Sock company’s culture”.

As the company I worked before , it calls ” family environment” every people are friendly and we live as family.We together take care all the work but didn’t concentrate on specialist sector.
For example although I worked as Marketing staff but when we had event . I worked as Event staff.Although Event is very fun and I learnt social skills, emergency solutions,… but didn’t time and skill to develop on Marketing as I want.
So I decide to transfer to Marketing company.
Hic, I call it” corporate environment”. I’m nervous on the first day. I saw people didn’t friendly I felt lonely and swum on Marketing knowledge oceans. Terrible.

But today it’s better.

I have some advises for newbie like me :

1, Never panic. Always smile ( just which my old boss advised me) – Absolutely correct.
2, Patience. Just give you time to join new environment.
3, Have a clear plan for training period.
4, Friendly with everybody.
5, Have some close friends who can spend many hours to hear your complaint, your feeling, your problem.
….
I have written it to advice you and me. Because it’s hard time to me too. So let’s try.

Hope to see more you sharing.

Thanks & Best Regards,
Van

English Version

See the world through my eyes
It changes shape and it changes size
It’s not quite the world you see.
If you could find a way
To look around inside my mind
Maybe you would understand me

(Chorus)
‘Coz I’m not blind, but I can’t always see

I’m not deaf, but things just sound strange to me
I’m not trapped but it’s hard to feel free
Imagine what it’s like to be me
Imagine what it’s like to be me

It’s hard for me to try
To think things through or talk like you
Everything can be a blur sometimes
But if you walk along beside me
Hold my hand and guide me
Together, any mountain we can climb

‘Coz I’m not blind, but I can’t always see

I’m not deaf, but things can sound strange to me
I’m not trapped but it’s hard to feel free
Imagine what it’s like to be me
Imagine what it’s like to be me

I’m dreaming of my future
And it’s brighter than you know
I’ll get there on a different road
When I am ready to go

I don’t need pitty
I don’t need tears
I just need someone to help me understand my fears
Show me you believe in me
Let me know that I’m ok
Help me feel safe in the world and I will find my way

‘Coz I’m not blind, but I can’t always see
I’m not deaf, but things just sound strange to me
I’m not trapped but it’s hard to feel free
Imagine what it’s like to be me
Imagine what it’s like…

Imagine seeing the world through my eyes.

Vietnamese Version

Nhìn thế giới qua đôi mắt của tôi
Hình dạng, kích thước đều thay đổi
Nó không giống thế giới mà bạn thấy
Nếu bạn có thể tìm được cách
Để thấy những gì trong tâm trí của tôi
Có thể bạn sẽ hiểu tôi

Tôi không mù nhưng không phải lúc nào tôi cũng có thể nhìn rõ mọi việc
Tôi không điếc, nhưng mọi thứ dường như mới lạ với tôi
Tôi không mắc kẹt nhưng thật khó để cảm thấy thoải mái
Hãy tưởng tượng đó là những cảm giác của tôi
Tưởng tượng đó là tôi

Thật khó cho tôi để cố gắng
Suy nghĩ và nói chuyện như bạn
Đôi lúc mọi thứ thật mơ hồ
Nhưng nếu bạn đi bên tôi
Nắm tay tôi và chỉ lối cho tôi
Cùng nhau, chúng ta có thể trèo lên bất cứ đỉnh núi nào

Tôi không mù nhưng không phải lúc nào tôi cũng có thể nhìn rõ mọi việc
Tôi không điếc, nhưng mọi thứ dường như mới lạ với tôi
Tôi không mắc kẹt nhưng thật khó để cảm thấy thoải mái
Hãy tưởng tượng đó là những cảm giác của tôi
Tưởng tượng đó là tôi

Tôi đang mơ về tương lai của mình
Và nó sẽ tươi sáng hơn những gì bạn biết
Tôi sẽ đến đó trên một con đường khác
Khi tôi đã sẵn sang

Tôi không cần sự thương hại
Tôi không cần những giọt nước mắt
Tôi chỉ cần ai đó giúp tôi hiểu được những nỗi sợ hãi của mình

Chỉ cho tôi thấy bạn tin ở tôi
Để tôi biết rằng mình vẫn ổn
Cho tôi cảm giác an toàn trên thế giới này và tôi sẽ tìm ra con đường của riêng mình.

Tôi không mù, nhưng không phải lúc nào tôi cũng nhìn thấy
Tôi không điếc, nhưng mọi thứ dường như mới lạ với tôi
Tôi không mắc kẹt nhưng thật khó để cảm thấy thoải mái
Hãy tưởng tượng đó là những cảm giác của tôi
Hãy tưởng tượng đó giống như

Tưởng tượng bạn nhìn thế giới qua đôi mắt của tôi

As you may know, I love animals especially dog and cat. I have a wonderful cat his name is Tieu Ho ( I introduced him before). And today I’m happy to show you my collect pets.
Let’s see and hope you can join it and share with us your lovely pets.
Click to view slideshow.

Thanks so much
Van

I have a lovely cat his name is Tieu Ho. I love him very much. He always sleep in my bed, hug my bear. When I came back from all day tired, he make me fun and happy. When I called him he always appears immaterially. When I was ill he sleep with me all day. I’m so sad when he lost. But have a lot of his picture now I want to share them with you. Hope you have a pet like him.Click to view slideshow.

Close contact between students and tutors is a particular strength of all UK courses. Institutions in the UK also provide excellent English language support for international students. Many offer English classes that focus on the language and study skills you will need to successfully complete your main course.

Postgraduate programmes in the UK

If you study as a UK postgraduate student, most of the work you do will be on your own initiative, which really develops your thinking and research skills. On taught courses, postgraduate tutors and lecturers provide the framework of the course, but you are encouraged to pursue your own interests. With postgraduate research programmes, the principal teaching method is original research, completed under academic supervision.

Many UK postgraduate research programmes offer introductory taught courses that provide training in research skills. This will help you prepare for the advanced research you’ll need to do.

MBA courses in the UK

Master of Business Administration (MBA) courses in the UK are a particularly intensive, challenging and rewarding form of taught postgraduate course. You’ll be expected to work through a large amount of material, complete projects and assignments and give regular presentations. Teaching methods characteristic of MBAs include case studies, simulations and business games.

UK undergraduate degree courses

UK degree programmes can be tailored to your interests. Although some core topics on your undergraduate degree will be compulsory, you can also choose from optional modules. This gives you the opportunity to specialise in key areas that could help you achieve your career goals.

Lectures are an important part of UK undergraduate courses, but you’ll spend most of your time in small tutorial and seminar groups. Together with your tutor and fellow students, you will discuss and analyse pre-prepared topics. Here you will find your ideas and opinions are very welcome.

If you choose a technical undergraduate degree subject in the UK, you are likely to spend a large portion of your time in supervised laboratory work. This is designed to help you develop necessary technical skills.

English language courses in the UK

The UK is the home of the English language and there is a long tradition of teaching English in the UK to speakers of other languages. Any school you choose will have experience of working with international students.

UK English language courses are available at all levels. They provide as much or as little support as you need. Class sizes are small too, so teaching staff can pay close attention to your learning needs.

You’ll be encouraged to communicate from the moment you enter the classroom. The wide range of creative teaching methods for English Language courses in the UK include:
games
role-playing exercises
problem-solving
group discussions.
You will also be able to use technology and language laboratories to study independently.

UK independent schools and colleges

Independent boarding schools in the UK are well-known for the quality of their teaching and excellent facilities. You can expect to be taught in a small group, where your teacher will give you all the individual attention you need. Independence, sociability and a love of learning are all gained from studying at UK independent schools.

UK career-based and pre-university courses

When you study a career-based course in the UK you are encouraged to take responsibility for your own studies. You might find yourself working on projects with other students, spending time in college libraries or being assessed through practical demonstrations. Your UK course will combine practical skills with a sound academic underpinning, all geared towards a particular career or job.

support for International in the UK

UK undergraduate and postgraduate degree courses
Many UK universities and colleges have specialist international advisers to support you throughout your UK education. They provide advice and information on almost anything; from accommodation through to extending your permission to stay in the UK.

You can also take part in an orientation or induction programme organised by your UK institution. These last from a couple of days to a week and usually include:
A tour of the campus
An overview of the facilities and how to use them
Explanations of the institution’s rules
Help with registering for your UK course
An outline of teaching methods
Discussion of important aspects of life in the UK
Social events where you can meet staff and other students.
English language courses in the UK

If you study a UK English language course, most schools offer a student welfare service to help you. You can get advice on accommodation, UK visas and legal requirements before you even reach the UK. On arrival, your school will also provide a meet-and-greet service and transportation.

Support continues throughout your UK course. In the unlikely event that you will need it, most schools have an emergency telephone number that you can ring 24 hours a day. English language schools also make sure that students under the age of 16 are closely supervised.

UK independent schools

When you study at a UK independent school you will be well looked after. Before you travel to the UK they will ensure you have a guardian here who is responsible for you.

Your care at a UK independent school is usually the joint responsibility of academic staff and qualified ‘house parents’. Most schools allocate pupils to individual mentors, who take a personal interest in your welfare. Many schools have a matron and provide access to a school doctor.

Career-based courses in the UK

Your career-based course is likely to be based at a UK college of further education. Most colleges make welfare arrangements and have dedicated international student advisers. Their job is to work with you to understand your needs and appreciate your different culture.

Many UK further education colleges will also offer an induction or welcome programme for you. These include trips and cultural events – and are a good way to get to know the local area and other students.

Student services departments and the students’ union are there to help, should any problems arise. You can also talk to your tutor; all students are assigned a personal tutor who will monitor your academic progress and help with any problems
(source: educationuk.org)

Jobs shop

Before taking on a job, you need to check whether are entitled to work and how many hours you can work each week. For more information, visit the UK Border Agency (UKBA) website.

Your UK place of study will have a careers service to help connect you to the world of work. They will provide a wide range of help and support, including:
Access to job adverts
Help with writing CVs and job applications
Tips on preparing for job interviews
Information about what it’s like to work in the UK.
They will also help you get first-hand experience of the workplace, consider career choices and make professional contacts. Many UK institutions also have partnerships with local employers who want students to work for them – so they understand that you’ll need flexibility to work around your studies.

National Insurance numbers for international students

If you want to work while you study in the UK you will need to apply for a National Insurance number. National Insurance is the UK’s social insurance programme that provides payment to people who are unemployed, incapacitated or retired. Your National Insurance number is your own personal account number that ensures your contributions are properly recorded.

To make an appointment for a National Insurance number interview while you’re in the UK, phone 0845 600 0643 between 8am and 6pm weekdays. If you are hard of hearing or have speech difficulties call 0845 600 0644.

At your interview you will need to provide proof of identity (passport, birth certificate or bank statement), your right to work in the UK (passport sticker or identity stamp) and details of your job offer. Your new employer can allow you to start work before your number is issued and should deduct contributions from your pay.

For further information on National Insurance numbers visit the Job Centre Plus website.

Recent changes to the UK student visa system: For adult students applying to study in the UK for over 6 months.

The UK Government has announced some changes to Tier 4 which come into effect on 3 March 2010. Most of these changes do not affect you if you make your Tier 4 immigration application in order to study a course at degree level or above, or a foundation degree. However, the changes do apply to you if you make a Tier 4 immigration application on or after 3 March in order to study a course which is below degree level and which is not a foundation degree course.

The changes do not apply to Child or Student Visitor Visas.

You can find further information at the UK Border Agency website.

The British Council will endeavour to provide support and advice for students at the earliest opportunity through our offices throughout the world
(source: educationuk.org)

International student of the year – Melissa Ilboudo

The British Council has named Melissa Ilboudo from Burkina Faso as its International Student of the Year. 24-year-old Melissa – who is studying International Development at the University of East Anglia – was one of 12 regional finalists selected out of 1,300 students from 121 different countries who entered this year’s
International Student Awards competition.

The International Student Awards 2010 is an exciting competition that celebrates the achievements of international students and their contributions to life in the UK. To enter, students from around the world were asked to write a letter home explaining how they were making the most of their time in the UK. The focus was on life outside their studies; volunteer work, projects within the local community or any personal development since arriving in the UK.

Melissa’s letter home describing her experiences of living and studying in the UK was judged to be the best and the most inspiring by a panel made up of representatives from the British Council, the National Union of Students, the UK Council for International Student Affairs, the Department for Business Innovation and Skills, and The Times Higher Education magazine.

Previous International Student Awards
The International Student Awards has produced many thousands of inspiring stories. Since the competition was first launched in 2002 more than 11,500 international students representing over 130 different nationalities have entered the competition and shared their experiences.

In 2009 there were 1497 entries from 118 different nationalities, representing 289 UK institutions. Although many of those entering where ‘typical’ student age; late teens or early twenties, there was a true mix of ages – the youngest entrant was 15 and the oldest was 58.

The largest number of entrants came from China, India, USA, Nigeria, Pakistan, and Bangladesh with Malaysia, Hong Kong and Germany not far behind. It’s a truly global list of international students with representatives from Burkina Faso, Suriname, Armenia and Macao.

Shine! 2009 winners

Since the 2009 Shine awards there has been a lot of interest in the 12 winning students. You can find out more at the following websites:
BBC China
The Times of India
Oxford University
Cardiff University’s Flickr
Protocolo Lifestyle and Foreign Affairs
Wales Online
Cannon Collins Trust
Adelanta.info
If you have any questions about the International Student Award 2010 please email the Shine team at shine@britishcouncil.org Shine team – shine@britishcouncil.org

If you want to listen her speech when she took this award you can see in http://www.educationuk.org/Article/International-student-awards?ArticleTagValue=0&ArticleTagValueParam1=&ArticleTagValueParam2=