October 29th, 2024 english

The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is a globally recognised assessment of English proficiency, covering listening, reading, writing, and speaking. DCU IELTS supports professional development, migration, and educational opportunities, helping individuals advance their careers or explore new paths in English-speaking environments.  

One of these ambitious individuals is Svitlana, or “Lana” for short. A 28 year old Ukrainian professional who has made Ireland her home for the past two and a half years. Lana’s journey is one of determination and academic growth. Recognising the need to improve her English in order to enrol for higher education, she sought the best resource to help achieve this goal. Today, Lana has excelled in her IELTS exam and is pursuing her master’s degree at DCU Business School.

From the beginning, Lana was determined to gain admission to Dublin City University (DCU). “I say to myself, I cannot compete without Irish education,” she reflects.

Lana reached out to the DCU registry to understand what she needs to achieve for enrol as a master student at DCU and as an international student. To her surprise, she found a welcoming community eager to assist. “Irish people will try, even if they cannot help you, they will try to find someone who can,” she notes, emphasising the warmth she encountered. “I love DCU,” she says, highlighting the supportive environment that played a significant role in her choice.

To qualify for entry, Lana needed to complete the IELTS exam, a requirement that assesses her reading, listening, writing, and speaking skills in one sitting. To prepare, she enrolled in the three-week course at DCU International Academy. Starting at a B2 English level, she found the journey both challenging and rewarding.

Lana speaks highly of her teacher, Alan, who utilised practical examples to help students grasp complex concepts. With over 20 years of experience preparing for their IELTS exam, she highlights the ‘personal factor’ he brought to the learning experience.

“The academic guidance, for me, it was amazing” and now – I’m already a student of DCU for a month and a half.”

For anyone considering a similar path, Lana offers a piece of advice: “Lose your shame.” She believes embracing vulnerability and seeking help is essential in the learning process. The supportive atmosphere at DCU, combined with academic guidance, has made her transition to student life a positive experience.

Now, as she embarks on her academic journey at DCU Business School, Lana reflects on how important the IELTS exam is for her progression. “You need to know how to explain and describe, for example, technical graphs – you need to read very serious articles.”

She also noted the sense of stability in Ireland. “The first time in my life when I don’t have any thoughts of moving somewhere else. Maybe not for a while. Maybe for 1, 2 or 5 years more. But I’m happy here.”

We extend our sincere thanks to Svitlana for sharing her experience with us. We wish her all the best in her masters programme at DCU Business School.

DCU International Academy (DCUIA) provides comprehensive IELTS preparation courses, expert guidance, and official resources. The DCUIA IELTS test centre, located on the Glasnevin campus, offers easy access and flexible scheduling options.

Visit our website to learn more about how to register of DCU IELTS: https://english.dcu.ie/courses/ielts/

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