I have chosen what I would like to study at University, my hesitation is where to study based on the standard of the course in what equipment they provide for students and the right student life for me. I would enjoy studying an undergraduate degree in photography with the duration of three to four years depending on whether or not I study a foundation diploma. The reason I may have to study a foundation degree is because I haven't gained a photographic qualification. I never had the opportunity to study photography at GCSE therefore I may have to apply for a foundation photography course to cover the basics. However due to my chosen specialism in year two involving photography with magazine I think it is a great opportunity to gain as much knowledge and understanding to build a diverse portfolio showcasing my photographic ability.
BA (Hons) Photography at the University of Brighton
Many universities who interview students hoping to progress on to an undergraduate course within Art and Design concentrate on the interviewee's portfolio. Some universities accept students upon their portfolio instead of notifying their academic achievements. Therefore the most important piece of evidence is maintaining a portfolio which showcases a range of my diverse skills. In order for me to apply for the course I need to have achieved at least one Distinction and two Merits which equal to about 280 points on the UCAS point scoreboard. However individual offers upon entry may vary. The university of Brighton is highly recognised for Art and Design which means it is a very competitive University to get into.
The Photography course encourages the development of innovative practices in the fields of art and commerce. I will enjoy an experimental, creative and critical environment in which to practice and think about photography, whilst acknowledging photography’s multiplicity and the diverse spaces that the medium now occupies in contemporary culture. I will also be encouraged to reflect on my own position within contemporary photographic practice and debates, supporting my professional development as a practitioner who can formulate new visual languages that effectively represent the world today.
Throughout the course, a series of practice-based projects are supported by lectures, seminars and tutorials, engaging with photography in its widest contexts. A series of technical workshops include demonstrations in camera use, lighting, black and white and colour printing, and, of course, digital processes to develop practical skills. Professional practice sessions include talks and seminars given by guest speakers who are practising photographers, writers or other professionals concerned with commissioning, publishing or exhibiting photography.
Photography at the University of Brighton enjoys a significant national and international reputation. This stimulating environment enables graduates to develop careers in photography and related industries including freelance photographic practice, curating, education, exhibiting, publishing, picture research, and editing. In recent years, graduates have won many prestigious photographic awards. These include first and second place in the Guardian Student Media Awards, two Jerwood Photography Awards, two winners and a runner up of the Independent Photographers Terry O'Neill Awards, a NESTA Innovation Award and Student of the Year by the Association of Photographers.
BA (Hons) Photography at UCA Farnham
Photography at UCA Farnham has a distinguished history and offers me the opportunity to study photographic practice, theory and history in the broadest possible context. They have a strong teaching team of professional photographers and artists and I will graduate with a high level of professional and practical knowledge, as well as an understanding of photographic culture and history.
This course focuses on contemporary photographic art practice. Studying photography within a fine art context preparing me for all types of future employment within the field of photography, both art-based and commercial practice. The four year course includes a preparatory year (year 0) which enables you to gain and develop a range of skills in moving/still image and audio production and editing. The initial year also offers supports seminars, tutorials, specialist technical workshops and group critiques to help you to adapt to the student centred learning of degree level study. Once I have successfully completed this preparatory year, I will progress directly, without further interview or application onto the BA (Hons) Photography courses at UCA Farnham. I also have the option of progressing onto other courses in media and communications.
This course will enable to encounter many career opportunities working within this line of work ranging from editorial photography, fashion photography, fine art photography, documentary, advertising, editing and curatorial posts, Gallery/project management, writing, teaching and technical support. I also have the option to go on to further research and postgraduate study.
At a time when the creative industries are growing at twice the rate of the UK economy, the influence of art, design and media in our lives has never been so defined. The staff who I will taught by at Farnham are practitioners in their field with these fantastic links to the creative industries. These links enable the university to keep all their course up to date and prepare students for the world of proffesional practise and work. Using the support that the university gives I am able to have the opportunity to undertake live projects, work placements and access to visiting lecturers.
UCA provides a Careers Service of innovative services to support their students in planning for their career effectively and realising their full potential includng workshops and presentations on personal branding and effective job search, further study opportunites and setting up a business. Having one to one confidential guidance appointment service at each UCA campus. Providing dedicated careers library at each UCA learning centre. Giving up to date careers information, graduate vacancies, work placements, residencies, competitions and events via our careers website.
UCA have links with The Association of Photographers, a national body which works to give student members a head start as a future professional photographer. Amongst many successes from the course, Marius Hansen's national billboard campaign for the soft drink Oasis could be seen on posters around the United Kingdom. Helen Maynard, who graduated in 2005 had a solo exhibition at the European Parliament in Brussels in June 2006. Another 2005 graduate Natasha Caruana exhibited had a solo exhibition at The Office gallery in Los Angeles in July 2006. Graduate Graham Hathway had work showing in 24 Photgraphy and has had work published in Flux magazine. Graduate David Weightman established a schools' exhibition project 2005 including the work of 2005 graduate Laura May. Graduate Shane Degan, had an image selected for the Schweppes Photographic Portrait Award at the National Portrait Gallery, just 54 photographs were selected from 8,000 entries. Graduate Jan von Holleben had solo exhibitions of his photography in Paris and New York, he also won gold in the Lead Academy Photography awards. Jan won gold in the Best Lifestyle Photography 2005 section - Lead Academy in Germany
Wednesday, 22 September 2010
Initial Research into my chosen UniversitiesThe University of Brighton, University of Creative Arts in Farnham and Anglia Ruskin University in Cambrid
I would very much like to study photography as a degree at university and my first choice is The University of Brighton for the simple reason that I love Brighton and would very much enjoy being part of student life. I have conducted further research into the University Of Brighton to find out more about student accommodation on campus, whether the social scene of student life offers societies, clubs, and local music for me to engage with, How past and present students rated the course and whether or not the University is well equipped and can introduce me to contacts within the industry helping me find work once I have graduated. All these questions are very important to ask others who are and have been in my position. The more research I conduct the more I can find out about whether or not University is the right choice for me.
The next open day Brighton University offers is Saturday 9th October, this is a great opportunity for me to go and look around the campus and university to help me decide whether it is the right choice for me. I will have the chance to meet others who are already studying the degree who I can talk to about how they are finding student life. I also have the opportunity to meet others who are considering Brighton University as well.I think it is very important for me to feel settled once I leave home to help me progress well on my course and feel comfortable to meet new people. Brighton University ensures that all their students have access to well-priced, good quality accommodation, either in halls, university-managed housing or in the private sector. Brighton offers over 2,000 places for all first year undergraduate students in halls situated in Brighton, Eastbourne and Hastings however due to demand the university is unable to guarantee a place.
Undergraduate students studying photography are located on The Grand Parade campus. They stay in the Phoenix Brewery during first year and then move into private accommodation. The Phoenix Brewery is less than one mile from the seafront, the pubs, clubs, restaurants and bars are withing walking distance, some flats contain rooms with en suite and all kitchens are shared with communal areas. For students to wash their clothes, there is a communal laundrette on campus, ample storage for bicycles and a bus stop for other university sites which is five minutes away. Grand Parade campus is situated in central Brighton allowing students access to pubs, bars, restaurants, clubs, shopping and the seafront. The city centre is convenient for the Grand Parade campus with the Falmer campus just 5 miles away which is accessible easily by bus. Falmer Campus is one of the main study sites housing two halls of residents.
The Phoenix Brewery contains 298 rooms of which up to 8 students can share a room and all halls are catered. The bedrooms are en suite and have internet access. The length of tendency is 39 weeks and in 2009 the annual fee cost £4,149.14 equaling £106 per week.Undergraduate students living in halls of residence are mixed with males and females and depending on the cost of the accommodation, students are either catered for or they cater for themselves. Many students prefer to live in rented accommodation because it allows them to have their independence, they are able to choose their preferred location, the type of accommodation either a flat or a house and they can choose who to share it with. Brighton & Hove City Council and Hastings Council run landlord accreditation schemes to promote good standards of rented accommodation, but these arrangements can only be made after the first year. Other students who are already living in Sussex and are local to the area they may prefer to save the cost of living and live at home. Around one quarter of students who are studying their first degree do. They are still able to join in all campus activities and will have plenty of chances to socialise and make new friends.
I will be applying to the University of Brighton to study a full time first degree. Per year I will be paying approximately £3,290 in tuition fees and the duration of my course can last up to five years therefore I will need to consider my finances carefully without graduating with an excessive debt. I will incur additional costs on my course relating to field trips, uniform and the materials I need.
As I will be a full-time undergraduate studying in the UK I can take out a low-interest loan to meet all or some of the cost of my tuition fees whilst I am studying. I must apply to the Student Loans Company for the loan before I start my course and my fees will be paid directly to the university. I will pay the loan back once I have completed my studies and I am earning more than the income threshold which is currently £15,000 a year. The interest rate on payments is low and linked to inflation. This means that the amount I repay will be broadly the same, in real terms, as the amount I borrowed. Repayments, based on what I earn rather than what I owe will be made through the tax system. Any debt not repaid after 25 years will be written off. The maximum student loan for maintenance available to me is £4,950.
Around two thirds of all new full-time students are expected to qualify for a full or partial grant worth up to £2,906 in each of their course which is based on family income and doesn't have to be repaid. I am also eligible for targeted grants and allowances however it may not apply to me. Depending on my personal and family circumstances the government can grant the Adult Dependants' Grant, the Childcare Grant and the Parents' Learning Allowance. My eligibility will be assessed by my local authority when I apply for student funding.It is important to study at a university that offers the right course for you however the university must be equipped with high standard instruments which will help me achieve to the best of my potential. The University of Brighton offers a wide range of industry standard equipment for Art and design based subjects. I was interested to find out more about what equipment they offer for photography student so I emailed Sam at the School of Arts and Media but I am yet to receive a reply. However I will be visiting Brighton in October which will allow me the chance to discover my potential working environment. The more and more I research into Universities the more and more determined I feel to eventually get there. I would really enjoy being a student and living in Brighton.
Another University which is at the top of my list is the University of Creative Arts which is based in Surrey. I would be looking to study a full time first degree in Photography. I have chosen UCA as another choice because again the University is well equipped. The difference between UCA and Brighton is that UCA is a specialist institution giving students the opportunity to be completely immersed in their chosen subject area. They have been providing specialist art and design education through their founding colleges for almost 150 years. Their aim is to build prestigious history, developing courses and nurturing graduates to shape the next 150 years. Whereas the University of Brighton covers a huge range of subjects which creates a different approach.Due to the course I wish to study I would be situated in Farnham. Farnham has a strong artistic heritage and the town has a number of galleries and arts centres offering a wide range of artistic entertainment. There is a good range of shops with lots of intresting boutiques, an independent department store and all the high street favourites. There are a lot of restaurants and the student Union provides nightclub entertainment.
There are two halls of residence on campus at Farnham the Student Village and Main Hall. Most of the rooms are single with shared facilities but there are a small number of twin rooms in the Main Hall and a very limited number of en-suite rooms in the Student Village (these are normally allocated to students with a specific medical need for their own bathroom). The majority of our accommodation is mixed gender. The halls are all self-catering and each bedroom has a wash-hand basin, a bed, wardrobe, desk and chair. An ironing board, vacuum cleaner, broom, dustpan and brush, mop and bucket are provided in each accommodation unit. Wireless internet access is available through an external company called Keycom. I will be required to sign a contract with the service provider if I choose to use this service. The charge for the service ranges from £15 to £18 per month. The contract is directly with Keycom and not with the University.
Farnham offer a huge range of facilities to students who study photography the equipment includes, Photographic studios, Digital Photography studio, Digital printing studios, TV journalism room with live news feed, TV studio with viewing gallery, Radio suites, Black & white photography dark rooms and Colour photography dark rooms.
As an undergraduate student, I will have to pay for two things: tuition fees for my course and living costs, such as rent, food, books, transport and entertainment. But I am eligible to receive financial help from the government in the form of loans and grants. As an undergraduate student I can expect to pay up to £3,290 per year. The same priciples apply to any University regarding tutition fees and living costs. The average cost per week for me living in Farnham should equal to £179 covering accommodation, toiletries, laundry, phone, materials, stationary and photocopying, transport and travel, food, sports and societies, and socialising and entertainment.
Studying a degree and living as a student in Farnham will lead a different lifestyle compared to living as a student in Brighton. Farnham is a charming and lively centre surrounded by beautiful countryside and is close to Guildford and London however the lifestyle is less vibrant than living near the coast and in a city. I will attend the open day in October to find out more and see if I can see myself settling in well. I am tongue tied between the two universities because Brighton offers the student lifestyle however Farnham offers a better course.
The next open day Brighton University offers is Saturday 9th October, this is a great opportunity for me to go and look around the campus and university to help me decide whether it is the right choice for me. I will have the chance to meet others who are already studying the degree who I can talk to about how they are finding student life. I also have the opportunity to meet others who are considering Brighton University as well.I think it is very important for me to feel settled once I leave home to help me progress well on my course and feel comfortable to meet new people. Brighton University ensures that all their students have access to well-priced, good quality accommodation, either in halls, university-managed housing or in the private sector. Brighton offers over 2,000 places for all first year undergraduate students in halls situated in Brighton, Eastbourne and Hastings however due to demand the university is unable to guarantee a place.
Undergraduate students studying photography are located on The Grand Parade campus. They stay in the Phoenix Brewery during first year and then move into private accommodation. The Phoenix Brewery is less than one mile from the seafront, the pubs, clubs, restaurants and bars are withing walking distance, some flats contain rooms with en suite and all kitchens are shared with communal areas. For students to wash their clothes, there is a communal laundrette on campus, ample storage for bicycles and a bus stop for other university sites which is five minutes away. Grand Parade campus is situated in central Brighton allowing students access to pubs, bars, restaurants, clubs, shopping and the seafront. The city centre is convenient for the Grand Parade campus with the Falmer campus just 5 miles away which is accessible easily by bus. Falmer Campus is one of the main study sites housing two halls of residents.
The Phoenix Brewery contains 298 rooms of which up to 8 students can share a room and all halls are catered. The bedrooms are en suite and have internet access. The length of tendency is 39 weeks and in 2009 the annual fee cost £4,149.14 equaling £106 per week.Undergraduate students living in halls of residence are mixed with males and females and depending on the cost of the accommodation, students are either catered for or they cater for themselves. Many students prefer to live in rented accommodation because it allows them to have their independence, they are able to choose their preferred location, the type of accommodation either a flat or a house and they can choose who to share it with. Brighton & Hove City Council and Hastings Council run landlord accreditation schemes to promote good standards of rented accommodation, but these arrangements can only be made after the first year. Other students who are already living in Sussex and are local to the area they may prefer to save the cost of living and live at home. Around one quarter of students who are studying their first degree do. They are still able to join in all campus activities and will have plenty of chances to socialise and make new friends.
I will be applying to the University of Brighton to study a full time first degree. Per year I will be paying approximately £3,290 in tuition fees and the duration of my course can last up to five years therefore I will need to consider my finances carefully without graduating with an excessive debt. I will incur additional costs on my course relating to field trips, uniform and the materials I need.
As I will be a full-time undergraduate studying in the UK I can take out a low-interest loan to meet all or some of the cost of my tuition fees whilst I am studying. I must apply to the Student Loans Company for the loan before I start my course and my fees will be paid directly to the university. I will pay the loan back once I have completed my studies and I am earning more than the income threshold which is currently £15,000 a year. The interest rate on payments is low and linked to inflation. This means that the amount I repay will be broadly the same, in real terms, as the amount I borrowed. Repayments, based on what I earn rather than what I owe will be made through the tax system. Any debt not repaid after 25 years will be written off. The maximum student loan for maintenance available to me is £4,950.
Around two thirds of all new full-time students are expected to qualify for a full or partial grant worth up to £2,906 in each of their course which is based on family income and doesn't have to be repaid. I am also eligible for targeted grants and allowances however it may not apply to me. Depending on my personal and family circumstances the government can grant the Adult Dependants' Grant, the Childcare Grant and the Parents' Learning Allowance. My eligibility will be assessed by my local authority when I apply for student funding.It is important to study at a university that offers the right course for you however the university must be equipped with high standard instruments which will help me achieve to the best of my potential. The University of Brighton offers a wide range of industry standard equipment for Art and design based subjects. I was interested to find out more about what equipment they offer for photography student so I emailed Sam at the School of Arts and Media but I am yet to receive a reply. However I will be visiting Brighton in October which will allow me the chance to discover my potential working environment. The more and more I research into Universities the more and more determined I feel to eventually get there. I would really enjoy being a student and living in Brighton.
Another University which is at the top of my list is the University of Creative Arts which is based in Surrey. I would be looking to study a full time first degree in Photography. I have chosen UCA as another choice because again the University is well equipped. The difference between UCA and Brighton is that UCA is a specialist institution giving students the opportunity to be completely immersed in their chosen subject area. They have been providing specialist art and design education through their founding colleges for almost 150 years. Their aim is to build prestigious history, developing courses and nurturing graduates to shape the next 150 years. Whereas the University of Brighton covers a huge range of subjects which creates a different approach.Due to the course I wish to study I would be situated in Farnham. Farnham has a strong artistic heritage and the town has a number of galleries and arts centres offering a wide range of artistic entertainment. There is a good range of shops with lots of intresting boutiques, an independent department store and all the high street favourites. There are a lot of restaurants and the student Union provides nightclub entertainment.
There are two halls of residence on campus at Farnham the Student Village and Main Hall. Most of the rooms are single with shared facilities but there are a small number of twin rooms in the Main Hall and a very limited number of en-suite rooms in the Student Village (these are normally allocated to students with a specific medical need for their own bathroom). The majority of our accommodation is mixed gender. The halls are all self-catering and each bedroom has a wash-hand basin, a bed, wardrobe, desk and chair. An ironing board, vacuum cleaner, broom, dustpan and brush, mop and bucket are provided in each accommodation unit. Wireless internet access is available through an external company called Keycom. I will be required to sign a contract with the service provider if I choose to use this service. The charge for the service ranges from £15 to £18 per month. The contract is directly with Keycom and not with the University.
Farnham offer a huge range of facilities to students who study photography the equipment includes, Photographic studios, Digital Photography studio, Digital printing studios, TV journalism room with live news feed, TV studio with viewing gallery, Radio suites, Black & white photography dark rooms and Colour photography dark rooms.
As an undergraduate student, I will have to pay for two things: tuition fees for my course and living costs, such as rent, food, books, transport and entertainment. But I am eligible to receive financial help from the government in the form of loans and grants. As an undergraduate student I can expect to pay up to £3,290 per year. The same priciples apply to any University regarding tutition fees and living costs. The average cost per week for me living in Farnham should equal to £179 covering accommodation, toiletries, laundry, phone, materials, stationary and photocopying, transport and travel, food, sports and societies, and socialising and entertainment.
Studying a degree and living as a student in Farnham will lead a different lifestyle compared to living as a student in Brighton. Farnham is a charming and lively centre surrounded by beautiful countryside and is close to Guildford and London however the lifestyle is less vibrant than living near the coast and in a city. I will attend the open day in October to find out more and see if I can see myself settling in well. I am tongue tied between the two universities because Brighton offers the student lifestyle however Farnham offers a better course.
The Stamford Test
I completed the Stamford Test quickly without hesitation because I feel I know what I enjoy which helps to determine the career path I choose. Over the summer I have put a lot more thought in to what I would like to achieve in my future and how I will progress to get there. I have always thought about going to University however I have never been keen on studying but I think that comes down to what I enjoy, achieve well in and having determination.
The results of the test guided me to subject areas such as, Arts and Crafts where I am interested in studying photography as a degree or photojournalism. I am keen to study this subject because it allows me to be creative and I find I achieve a better outcome from expressing myself creatively rather than under performing through academic studies. Also I have a great enthusiasm to travel and see the world, I would like to gain as much about life whilst I am young and whilst I have my freedom to discover what is out there. It allows me to build my own opinions on the different cultures of life and the way the world works. I will meet new and interesting people along the way and gain contacts which will secure me with a good network of people who can help me in the industry. Therefore studying photojournalism will give me the opportunity to experience what am most interested in.
Another subject area which was determined from my results was Media/Radio/TV and Film. This category covers a huge range of subjects which I am less enthusiastic about. I am basing my opinion on the units which I carried out in the first year. I didn't really enjoy radio and although I listen to radio everyday and I am aware that it plays such a huge role in everyday life I didn't enjoy how the lessons were structured and I didn't feel happy with the overall results. Therefore I wouldn't like to study any further into this subject, however at the beginning of the first year I had been curious about the role of a director within film and I also really enjoyed scriptwriting.
Even though I have never studied Psychology, that line of work is common within the family. I would have liked to thought more into that line of work a little earlier but it's a different career path and I prefer to concentrate on what I enjoy at the moment.I have thought more into advertising and marketing recently and it'd definitely something I would enjoy. Looking at advertising on UCAS shows a huge range of specific subject areas such as Advertising design, advertising psychology, advertising photography, advertising illustration and much more. I am interested in creative advertising and advertising and brand communication.
The results of the test guided me to subject areas such as, Arts and Crafts where I am interested in studying photography as a degree or photojournalism. I am keen to study this subject because it allows me to be creative and I find I achieve a better outcome from expressing myself creatively rather than under performing through academic studies. Also I have a great enthusiasm to travel and see the world, I would like to gain as much about life whilst I am young and whilst I have my freedom to discover what is out there. It allows me to build my own opinions on the different cultures of life and the way the world works. I will meet new and interesting people along the way and gain contacts which will secure me with a good network of people who can help me in the industry. Therefore studying photojournalism will give me the opportunity to experience what am most interested in.
Another subject area which was determined from my results was Media/Radio/TV and Film. This category covers a huge range of subjects which I am less enthusiastic about. I am basing my opinion on the units which I carried out in the first year. I didn't really enjoy radio and although I listen to radio everyday and I am aware that it plays such a huge role in everyday life I didn't enjoy how the lessons were structured and I didn't feel happy with the overall results. Therefore I wouldn't like to study any further into this subject, however at the beginning of the first year I had been curious about the role of a director within film and I also really enjoyed scriptwriting.
Even though I have never studied Psychology, that line of work is common within the family. I would have liked to thought more into that line of work a little earlier but it's a different career path and I prefer to concentrate on what I enjoy at the moment.I have thought more into advertising and marketing recently and it'd definitely something I would enjoy. Looking at advertising on UCAS shows a huge range of specific subject areas such as Advertising design, advertising psychology, advertising photography, advertising illustration and much more. I am interested in creative advertising and advertising and brand communication.
Gap year and work experience
My Gap Year
I have wanted to travel ever since I was a little girl, I first flew when I was about two years of age and I have never had a problem with flying neither traveling across water or traveling under ground. I've always been amazed by transport and I think being able to travel through the sky about 3000ft high is fascinating. I'm lucky to have contacts around the world who can always support me if I ever visit their country. These contacts have been built over the years through myself and my parents. I have spent most of my summer abroad, visiting people, taking photographs and generally discovering new cultures.
My father moved away a few years ago and he is now working in Azerbaijan teaching English as a foreign language at Baku Oxford School. I have been to visit him within the last year and I was kindly offered a job. The job involves teaching English language to primary students aged between eight and nine years. Accredited by both The Ministry of Education of Azerbaijan Republic and Cambridge International Examinations (CIE) the school offers their students high quality education.
Not only will I have the responsibility of teaching younger students, I have also been asked to help provide a photography dark room for the students to use. Many more students are being influenced by art and design and teachers are trying to encourage them to express themselves through this visual art. An important part of my duty as a teacher will be to organise extra curricular activities which will take place after the school day finishes. I am very much looking forward to this opportunity and I am ever so grateful that I have been kindly offered the job. It will help me gain life experience and build my own views upon the world.
Another wonderful opportunity which I have been given is to publish my photographs in the local Baku magazine. Baku is the capital city of Azerbaijan and to their disadvantage the country struggles with tourism because it is undiscovered by so many people however it isn't a bad issue that the country isn't heaving with tourist because it will become spoilt but I for one never knew anything about the country and the city until I visited and discovered more about it for myself. Throughout my discoveries I have taken photographs and gained more understanding about the lifestyle and the different cultures portrayed within the country, it allows me to write about my experiences which will help me along the way if I apply to university.
I will be contracted to this job for a school year starting from early September and finished mid June. The school days begin at 8am and finishes between 3pm and 4pm. Sometime students are encouraged to further their study by attending school during the weekend. In order for me to be able to live and work in Baku, I will need to have a working visa which will be taken care by the school costing around $1500. The local currency is Manat which is roughly equal to 1 dollar. However, the staff are paid in dollars. I will be earning an hourly rate of around $17 which is equivalent to approximately ￡11 in GBP. I will need medical and health insurance which are already taken care of and I have somewhere to live.
I have wanted to travel ever since I was a little girl, I first flew when I was about two years of age and I have never had a problem with flying neither traveling across water or traveling under ground. I've always been amazed by transport and I think being able to travel through the sky about 3000ft high is fascinating. I'm lucky to have contacts around the world who can always support me if I ever visit their country. These contacts have been built over the years through myself and my parents. I have spent most of my summer abroad, visiting people, taking photographs and generally discovering new cultures.
My father moved away a few years ago and he is now working in Azerbaijan teaching English as a foreign language at Baku Oxford School. I have been to visit him within the last year and I was kindly offered a job. The job involves teaching English language to primary students aged between eight and nine years. Accredited by both The Ministry of Education of Azerbaijan Republic and Cambridge International Examinations (CIE) the school offers their students high quality education.
Not only will I have the responsibility of teaching younger students, I have also been asked to help provide a photography dark room for the students to use. Many more students are being influenced by art and design and teachers are trying to encourage them to express themselves through this visual art. An important part of my duty as a teacher will be to organise extra curricular activities which will take place after the school day finishes. I am very much looking forward to this opportunity and I am ever so grateful that I have been kindly offered the job. It will help me gain life experience and build my own views upon the world.
Another wonderful opportunity which I have been given is to publish my photographs in the local Baku magazine. Baku is the capital city of Azerbaijan and to their disadvantage the country struggles with tourism because it is undiscovered by so many people however it isn't a bad issue that the country isn't heaving with tourist because it will become spoilt but I for one never knew anything about the country and the city until I visited and discovered more about it for myself. Throughout my discoveries I have taken photographs and gained more understanding about the lifestyle and the different cultures portrayed within the country, it allows me to write about my experiences which will help me along the way if I apply to university.
I will be contracted to this job for a school year starting from early September and finished mid June. The school days begin at 8am and finishes between 3pm and 4pm. Sometime students are encouraged to further their study by attending school during the weekend. In order for me to be able to live and work in Baku, I will need to have a working visa which will be taken care by the school costing around $1500. The local currency is Manat which is roughly equal to 1 dollar. However, the staff are paid in dollars. I will be earning an hourly rate of around $17 which is equivalent to approximately ￡11 in GBP. I will need medical and health insurance which are already taken care of and I have somewhere to live.
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