Hayder Alqarawee is 25 years old and comes from Kerbalah in Iraq. He lectured in computer systems at Baghdad's technology university before coming to study Ielts and General English at The Northumbria School of English in Whitley Bay.

What made you choose to study at Northumbria?

It's close to Newcastle University, where I am going to study, and a friend recommended it to me.

Are you enjoying yourself?

Yes, I am. I am meeting a lot of people on the course, including lots of Spanish and German students which is fun. Sometimes we do trips like to Wembley for the final of the FA Cup. That was really enjoyable.

Why did you want to study in England?

English universities are very good. I went to many lectures at Newcastle and found them very useful. I thought the best way to learn the language was to come to the country and talk it. When you do it all the time you think in English too. This is the best and fastest way to learn - to come to people who talk it.

Has anything surprised you about the UK?

No. I watched lots of TV and there is lots there about English society and traditions.

What difference will improving your English make to your life?

I am going to Newcastle University to do an MSc in computer security and resilience, and I needed to improve my English a bit. Then I will look for a university job. I will be a specialist in developing anti virus technology for computer and TV systems.

If you are interested in reading about other students' experiences of studying English in the UK, please click here to visit the student profile pages on the English UK website.