International student Andreea-Daniela Coroama standing in graduation clothes at her graduation ceremony in a sports stadium
International student Andreea-Daniela Coroama standing in graduation clothes at her graduation ceremony in a sports stadium

Former student transforms international support at UWL

Introduction

When she first came to the UK as an overseas student, Andreea-Daniela Coroama had no idea how much the University of West London (UWL) would transform her future.

Now a proud graduate she has secured a job with UWL – being taken on as the University’s first International Student Experience Coordinator and the friendly face at the heart of international activity on campus.

Andreea, who completed her degree in Business Studies and Marketing before securing a four-month internship at UWL, is now in the newly created role where she is focused on ensuring all students coming to the UK have the best experience from day one.

Through supporting inductions, engaging with students on campus, and even launching a dedicated international newsletter to offer guidance and tips, she is already making her mark.

As she makes sure everyone enjoys their time at UWL and can access help whenever they need it, Andreea said having direct experience of being a new student means she is ideally placed to offer her support. She said:

When I completed my internship I was offered a chance to stay on at UWL to support international students.

We focused on giving more support to international students in everything they needed from the moment they are accepted onto their course. I knew right away it was the ideal job as I had been through that same journey and understood the challenges myself.

While her role is always adapting, Andreea said she is so pleased to look back on how far she has come with UWL. She added:

I understand the challenges so many students face when they come to the UK. I moved from my home in Romania to Italy as a child and did not know a word of the language. Then I came to London and experienced the same situation.

I learnt that the best way of enjoying my time at university was to get involved and take every opportunity to be part of this incredible community. This is the message I share with students as I want them to love their time here as much as I did.

UWL has supported me throughout my journey, and I am so happy to be able to give that level of help back to others. This is what makes the university so special, and I am delighted to be a part of it and make a difference to our students.

More information

International students on Tower Bridge

International students

Find out more about our vibrant international student community and the support provided at UWL.

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