Angola

My journey from Angola to the United Kingdom began with my father, who discovered the University of Salford while researching study opportunities. I am deeply grateful for his initiative and support. Without him, I might never have considered this possibility.

Moving to the UK was a major step for me, both personally and professionally. I already had qualifications and work experience from Angola, but I was unsure how a British university would recognise them. World Student Advisors helped me understand how my previous learning could support my application.

Timothy Hunt, Managing Director of World Student Advisors, guided me through the Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL) process and explained what I needed to do. Pedro Bezerra supported me throughout the journey. His understanding of the Angolan and British education systems, and his ability to explain things in Portuguese and English, made the process much easier to follow.

Studying at Salford gave me the chance to learn in a new environment, meet people from different backgrounds and develop my knowledge. Completing my MSc in Safety, Health and Environment was an important achievement and strengthened my confidence in my professional career.

What I particularly appreciated was that WSA’s support continued beyond my university offer. Tim visited me in Manchester, and Pedro came to Manchester for my graduation. Those personal gestures meant a great deal to me.

My experience also encouraged other Angolans to explore studying in the UK. When people asked how I had done it, I was pleased to put them in touch with Pedro. He showed them the same interest and patience that he had shown me.

My advice to other Angolan students is to research your options, ask questions and seek guidance. The process can feel confusing, but the right information and support can help you move forward. I completed this journey as the mother of a toddler. If I could do it, you can too. Keep going and believe in what you can achieve.

World Student Advisors helped me choose and enrol on a six-month English language course at New College Group’s Manchester campus. The whole experience was amazing. From the beginning, their service was friendly, personal and first class.

Pedro Bezerra, WSA’s Director for Angola, was a huge asset. He is British Angolan, completed both his undergraduate degree and Master’s in the UK, and speaks fluent English and Portuguese. Being able to discuss everything in Portuguese with someone who understood life and education in the UK made a real difference.

Pedro has known Tim Hunt, WSA’s Managing Director, for many years, and they worked together brilliantly to support me. WSA recommended NCG and handled my course application, while Eldah Therone, one of WSA’s British Council trained Student Counsellors, supported my visa preparation.

I also needed some Portuguese documents translated. WSA arranged this through a translation service in the UK and charged me exactly what they paid, with nothing added. To my surprise, there was no fee at all for WSA’s own services.

Tim even travelled to Manchester to meet me personally. I was impressed that the Managing Director would make that effort. He is a very pleasant, modest man who clearly cares about the people WSA supports.

What stood out was how much the whole team cared. I felt supported throughout, and I would happily recommend World Student Advisors to anyone considering studying abroad.

Dr António Gaspar CosmeAngola