Student Stories

Supportive Culture that Propelled my Learning Journey

Debbie Ann Loh is a Postgraduate student from Malaysia, studying towards her MSc in International Public Health at Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU).

Debbie Ann Loh
Studied in Liverpool John Moores University MSc International Public Health

Hello, my name is Debbie, and I am a postgraduate student from Malaysia, studying towards my MSc in International Public Health at LJMU. When deciding upon my chosen course of study, I was drawn to the LJMU Public Health Institute’s strong collaborative links, community-based research, and multi-disciplinary expertise particularly in population health, violence, and international public health. Reading the staff profiles and looking at their research and publications, as well as hearing from students’ experiences gave me the confidence to pursue a masters here at LJMU. And I am so glad that I did!

I am enjoying my chosen course and engaging in face-to-face discussions with my course-mates during lectures. We have about 12 countries represented, which adds such richness to our learning, lending fresh insights and perspectives as we consider the opportunities and challenges in health globally.

My time at LJMU has been great and I have been really touched by the care and support for international students. Right from the beginning, during the application stage, I received a phone call in my home country of Malaysia, from a member of the LJMU International Recruitment team. She patiently answered my questions and assured me that I could reach out to them for any assistance. That personal touch from a big university really moved me. I saw this continued approach during the pre-departure briefing for international students, bearing in mind, we were still in the thick of the Covid-19 pandemic at this time.

Now, six-months in, I can truly say that the supportive culture here at LJMU has propelled me in my learning journey. My lecturers are approachable, dedicated, and provide me with regular and helpful guidance, be it for studies or placements. The university community at large including the librarians, IT support, careers and student well-being teams have likewise been friendly and helpful in many ways. Everyone is treated with equal respect and is made to feel included here with the university celebrating our diversity. At LJMU, you feel this sense that everyone is rooting for you to succeed!

When I am not studying, I try to take the time out to explore the lovely city of Liverpool. I love how there is something for everyone here in Liverpool! It is such a vibrant and diverse city. Whether you love music, arts, sports, culture, architecture, nature, or international cuisines, you will be sure to find places to go and people to meet.

Food reminds me of home so my happy places are (i) the Asian supermarkets found in Liverpool, where I can get ingredients from Asia and re-create them in the kitchen, and (ii) the Asian restaurants around the city, dishing out authentic and comfort-for-the-soul options.

I would recommend any international student coming to Liverpool to visit the Albert Dock. It is a must-visit! You have to be there to take in the sights, sounds, the breeze, the sunset, and more. It is a lovely place to relax or catch up with friends, with such beautiful views.

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