Denise van der Merwe, one of our online students, is currently studying the master’s in law conversion course. We spoke to Denise about her position as one of our Global Student Representatives, how she manages the role alongside her studies and her hopes for the future.
Written by Grant Longstaff. Published 21 February 2025.
I’m originally from South Africa and currently working in Kazakhstan as a teacher. I’ve hopped around, teaching in multiple countries and decided on a career change into law.
It's easy to feel alone while studying online. I believe it's important to know there is someone who can relay any concerns and issues on behalf of those students who study online, to help ensure they feel less isolated. As a Global Student Representative, I can help with that.
I’m meeting many new people and can learn from their experiences. These shared experiences also allow me to be one of the agents who can facilitate positive change. I’ve been able to stay on top of the role and associated responsibilities alongside my studies with some time management and scheduling tactics.
Finding the online international students has been interesting. I have coordinated with various representatives and emailed various people who are responsible for, and in contact with, the online international students. I have also started posting on the Teams group for international students in case any of them have started using it.
There’s quite a list of people who’ve supported me. It would be unfair to only mention one since various departments and lecturers have been fantastic in helping. Once I reached out with my questions, they did their best to help or send me to the proper departments.
I find it important for students outside the UK to have a voice to communicate their concerns, since I'm also an online international student. Knowing someone is there to help or listen can be very motivating at times. One of my favourite aspects of studying with the University has been meeting fellow students through online competitions and building the most unexpected friendships because of it.
It would also be great to meet some of the online international students from other departments if they had some time to spare. As Global Representative for online international students, I don't want any department to feel less represented or sidelined.
After my course I want to continue to grow as a person and in my career, whilst I learn new and interesting skills along the way. Life is an adventure and I hope to make the most of it.
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