Ali Ramezani

I am very grateful to my ESOL tutors. They were so encouraging! They made it very clear from the beginning that it was fine to make mistakes, in fact, they said that you can’t learn without making mistakes, so I wasn’t worried about it anymore. They created a safe place for us all.

Could you tell us a bit about yourself, your background?
Before coming to the UK in 2020, I worked as a vehicle mechanic in Iran. When I moved here, I needed a bit of help with my English so I came to Newcastle College and enrolled on an ESOL course and now I’m doing my GCSE as well while I study my Access to HE in Engineering.

Why did you choose to study an adult course at Newcastle College?
I heard great things about the College from my local community, and the student services team was really helpful with translating my previous qualifications.

I know you completed your ESOL course here, what about your time completing that course made you want to progress to another adult course with us?
I’ve been studying here for four years so I know the students, the tutors and the campus and I feel safe and comfortable here. I really enjoyed my time completing my ESOL courses, so when I decided to progress, Newcastle College was my first choice.

What do you enjoy the most about studying here?
The courses are so well structured. You can come without any previous experience or knowledge, and you will learn so much. I feel a sense of accomplishment every day.

How would you describe the staff at Newcastle College?
The teachers are brilliant. They know how to keep us engaged, and to stop us from panicking when they’re introducing new concepts. I am very grateful to my ESOL tutors as well. They were so encouraging! They made it very clear from the beginning that it was fine to make mistakes, in fact, they said that you can’t learn without making mistakes, so I wasn’t worried about it anymore. They created a safe place for us all.