How is Brunel life?

These days, many Brazilian fellows were applying for the same program by which I came to the UK - Science Without Borders*. Many of them made me several questions about how is my student life at Brunel, so I've decided to write a little bit here for all people who are interested.

• Classes: Most of modules are split into two different classes. One is called Lecture, in which Professors introduce contents of the subjects. Compared to Brazil, we don't have as much content in the lectures, but many extra reading is expected of us to complete the topic. To complement the lecture, we also have a more practical class, which can be a lab or seminar. Labs (in my course) are used to practical activities, like using some computer software. Seminars, on the other hand, help us to think about a lecture topic and discuss it with other students. For example, I have lectures for Usability Engineering and we always discuss a specific problem in HCI in small groups and have to present our solution in the end of the class.
• Campus facilities: We have everything we need inside the campus. I almost don't have to go to city centre if I don't want. There is a gym, sports centre, a little market, vegetable market once a week, medical centre, pharmacy, restaurants, pub, disco and so on. The library is also very good (I've never searched for a book that a professor recommended which wasn't in the catalogue). Mainly core books are available in great quantity and there are also some dvds for location. We can renew or reserve items online. Library is open 24h almost every day. Computer are also available on library and  many other buildings. There is internet wifi in most (maybe all) buildings.
• English support: This is one of the most fantastic things that Brunel offers for students. We can join many English courses which cover academic skills, like Academic writing or Discussion skills. This courses are amazing and that's a pity that most international students don't attend this lessons. The academic writing I took was a course for life, not only English, but also how to write good essays and reports. I do miss Paul's lessons!

That's all for today. Maybe another day I can tell you about fun around Brunel!

See you!

* Science Without Borders is a program of Brazilian government which provides scholarship for undergraduate students to study for one year abroad.

Amazing English Lecture

I've just found the English course that I needed. The first Academic Discussion Skills class was brilliant. Friendly lecturer and good methods which make me leave my comfort zone and start to talk, and talk, and talk (my friends know how it is unlikely).
My classmates, Victoria (from Taiwan) and Leilei (from China), and me got plenty of tips about how to take part in an academic discussion, from verbal to body language.
How would be nice if more teacher were able to percept students feelings and give them what they need exactly like Professor Deborah did. I'm almost sure that my classmates would say "I totally agree with you, Renata" (using the expression like we've been taught in the lesson).
I'm already waiting for the next class!

In-sessional English @ Brunel

I've just returned from my first English class on Term 2 and decided to write about In-sessional English at Brunel while my clothes are at the laundry (this makes me write more objectively :). In-sessional courses run every term and are free of charge for all students whose first language isn't English.
I can't say about all of them, but those which I've attended are a mix of lecture and group discussions or activities. Classes are mostly very interactive and have a friendly environment. I've met very nice people through them!