Student testimonials

"The mixture of ages and cultures... provides a stimulating atmosphere"

"I was born in Lithuania and emigrated to Israel at the age of 12. Ten years ago I moved to England with my family and, although I am a fashion designer by trade, recently I have been combining family life and studying for a BA Honours degree at the Open University. I felt the MA in Jewish History and Culture would be the ideal vehicle to expand my knowledge of a subject I have always had an interest in and although the course is demanding I have found it very interesting... I am not the only mature student in the group and I feel that the mixture of ages and cultures represented among the students provides a stimulating atmosphere."

— Sima Beeri, (1999).

"My stay in Southampton was very pleasant, as well as enriching in regard with my studies. The courses I followed were indeed closely related to the topic of the final dissertation I have to hand in in France. I was interested in both the subjects of the lectures and the way they were given. Studying Jewish History, I must add that staying in Southampton was a chance for me, as the University of Southampton is probably one of the best in the UK for Jewish Studies, thanks to the Parkes Institute. All teachers were friendly and always receptive, even the ones who didn’t know me. The facilities were all very helpful, especially the libraries. As a Jewish History student, I obviously went most often at the Parkes library, but I also appreciated the Avenue library.

As my stay here wasn’t only made of studying, I also enjoyed the nights of Southampton. As the courses did, the Students’ Union also has made my stay here really enjoyable with all the activities they offer. Life in Southampton is nice when you are a student, as you can find almost all you can expect – on the campus or in the city: cinemas, night clubs, shops, etc… I really spent a good time here in Southampton, even if I must say that six months – the length of the Socrates students’ stay – is a too short stay, both for studies and for leisure.

In the main, I enjoyed very much this stay, I found an excellent background for working, I have had a lot of fun, and – I think that – I improved my English, which is at least as crucial as the rest. A last point seems to me as an asset for Southampton, which is its proximity to London, as I have had to go there to lead some of my researches."

— Benjamin Becache, (2005)
Socrates Exhange Student - from the Sorbonne, Paris.

For further information on the programmes on offer at the Parkes Institute, please select the appropriate link in the left-hand menu.