Student Stories | What's it like to study at the OU?

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Bryan graduated with his OU degree aged 18 – now he’s in a successful career.

Audit professional Bryan Steinauer credits The Open University’s bachelor’s degree in Business – which he began at the age of 16 – with landing him where he is today. He’s working for one of the global ‘big four’ accountancies, where he’s on track to become a Swiss Certified Public Accountant (CPA).

“My Open University studies have been a gateway to the next steps in my career,” he said. “I was offered my current role after completing my degree, and I am now working towards becoming a Swiss CPA.” ...

For Colm, the flexibility of The Open University enabled him to continue his studies while travelling the world.

For Colm, who is originally from Ireland, the flexibility of The Open University means he can continue to travel whilst studying for his Bachelor's degree in Engineering.

"I wanted to study engineering. I didn’t want to stop working though, so I needed something that I could do in my spare time."

"The first two modules I did were in Dublin. I got the opportunity to move to Budapest in Hungary, and I’ve taken The Open University with me when I’ve been to France, to Germany, to Austria, and I’ve been able to get a nice balance of still going to college and then still getting to see the world."

Kevin shares how studying internationally is helping him pursue his dream of making a global impact.

Proud Open University student Kevin Odhiambo Onyango lives in Kenya and is studying for his MSc in Environmental Management – in preparation for setting up his own environmental consultancy firm.

“I am finding my experience of being an international OU student very exciting because I’m interacting with students from other parts of the world through the online tutorials. This has really shaped my thinking and helped me to become a global citizen.”...

Talia lifts the lid on why she chose The Open University and what it’s like to study via distance learning.

Talia is passionate about saving the oceans from pollution and The Open University is helping her to realise that dream without leaving her home in South Africa.

"I find it more independent. I don’t have to go to four lectures a day."

"There’s the Open University app. You can still access your module material. All you need is the internet. So really, OU anywhere, anytime.

Janina says she's now working smarter than ever thanks to the skills she gained during her MBA studies.

Nestlé Germany employee Janina Bethscheider knew The Open University was the only choice for her when it came to studying for her MBA. Not only did it offer a triple-accredited qualification, but it was also where her dad had achieved his own MBA when she was at high school.

“I was looking for a business school which met my criteria – full-time yet flexible distance learning, English-speaking, and with an international network. The OU met all of my requirements,” she said...

For Tillmann, studying while working provided a challenge, but one that was worthwhile.

For Tillmann, studying while working provided a challenge, but one that was worthwhile, as he’s now been able to change his career.

"The MBA has helped at working at Pfizer, a very diverse international organisation who appreciate the fact that you spent three years long distance-learning. The self-discipline, the stamina, the perseverance, it’s something they treasure, that you will actually balance the learning with your other elements of the life."

"Fitting my study around the job was a challenge but it was worthwhile because it develops you personally and it gave me the chance to make a career move, in fact, from working in sales to procurement."

For Ferny, being part of the OU's global community of learners has helped build her confidence

“It has been a lifelong dream to have a higher education degree,” says Ferny Suhandi, who is part-way through achieving her BSc (Hons) Social Psychology degree with The Open University.

After believing higher education would never be accessible, Ferny, who now lives and studies in Cambodia, is determined to show the world what she can achieve.

“Learning with the OU has given me more confidence in my knowledge and in my life,” she said. “It has been a life-changing experience. I feel lucky and proud to become a member of the OU community.”...

The convenience of studying with The Open University has helped Rain rediscover a love of psychology.

Rain has always loved psychology but didn’t realise she could study for a degree via distance learning until she found The Open University.

"I always had an interest in psychology ever since I was 13 years old. Universities in the Philippines didn't have the course that I wanted. That's what started our interest and curiosity about The Open University."

"Open University tutors, they’ve been very helpful and accommodating in making sure that I’m doing the right thing and that I should believe in myself more."

Kepa says he chose the OU because it’s such a good distance learning university for EU students.

Kepa Zugazaga Beaskoetxea is a 41-year-old Open University graduate from Spain who says he would choose the OU again in a heartbeat – and he plans to.

Having just graduated from his BSc (Hons) Open Degree, Kepa is now hoping to do an OU MA in Education to help him realise his new dream of becoming an OU tutor.

“I chose the OU for its flexibility, and for being a good university for EU students. It’s the biggest distance university in Europe with over 50 years of experience in distance learning, so it was the only choice for me,” he said....

Sridev explains how The Open University is making technology available to its students throughout the world.

Sridev lives with his family in India. Studying with The Open University gave him access to cutting-edge technology on the other side of the world.

"Two things that I really wanted from The Open University was a certain kind of quality education that’s something I could afford."

"I thought I would have to make a compromise on the practical aspect since it was distance learning, but I was really pleasantly surprised on how technology has evolved on one hand and how The Open University is making this technology available to its students."

Susanna shares how her tutor’s support made her stick with her Open Degree.

Susanna van Tonder enrolled with the OU to push herself personally and professionally, but, two years into her studies, she was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS).

Susanna, who lives in Luxembourg, said: “I am so happy I had a tutor at the OU who told me that I needn’t worry, and that he’d had many students with health problems who had accomplished their degrees. I am so thankful that I received so much understanding and encouragement. He made me see that things would be ok”...

Karolien found the flexibilities provided by the OU allowed her to combine work with study.

Karolien Verheyen, a teacher and musician from Belgium, was already educated to Master’s-degree level when she began studying with The Open University. After being diagnosed with sarcoidosis, a rare illness affecting her organs, Karolien wanted to learn more about the human body and its functions, initially just signing up for a module in Human Biology.

Since then, she’s achieved an OU BSc Open Degree with a science focus, an OU Master’s degree in Science, and has worked on a clinical research project at UZ Leuven in Belgium. Now she’s busy setting up a patient support group for others in her position and hopes to speak at the European Respiratory Society (ERS) International Congress 2022 about sarcoidosis...

I've been through a lot, and it took confidence to ring up the OU and ask about this course, but now I've finished this qualification, I'm wondering why I waited so long! I wanted to further my knowledge and understanding about Early Years education, aiming for a higher-level qualification as the outcome. Studying with the OU, I feel I'm a more knowledgeable practitioner overall and can't wait to continue my studies and develop further.

I'm so proud to finish with a distinction on my second module – I now know I'm capable of studying at university level. I've been able to take what I learnt straight back into my role as a Teaching Assistant, which has had a positive effect on the environment, the staff, the children and their families. Hopefully, my qualification will enable me to move forward in my career, moving up to a position with more responsibility.

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I can honestly say my experience with the Open University has totally changed my life. It's given me knowledge and insight into psychiatry and the motivation to progress in my career. People think if you're working full time you don't have time to study, but the OU provides a great way to achieve this – you just figure out for yourself how to fit it in.

So, what's next for me? I'm looking to get into psychology, potentially working with survivor groups within the voluntary sector. Now that I've started learning with the OU, I only want to learn more. It really has been a life-changing experience for me.

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I've always loved studying, but being the main carer for my father-in-law meant that going to a conventional university was out of the question. When I heard about the OU, I decided to find out more as the idea of distance learning appealed to me. I took a break from study after giving birth to my youngest child, and returned the year after as I wanted to complete what I'd started; the OU's support and positive attitude were additional motivators. My tutors throughout were helpful, supportive and encouraging.

Achieving my OU degree has had huge benefits. My knowledge has increased significantly and the whole process of studying has given me more motivation to research and explore other subjects. My personality has also changed; I'm now a more confident communicator and am not afraid to sit exams! I often recommend the OU to others. It's the best place to study, especially if you have other commitments. It's flexible and you can choose whatever suits you and your commitments.

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