Sung Hoon Yoo - MA International Hospitality Management
I have been inspired by the University of Derby Buxton.
”Sung Hoon Yoo, MA International Hospitality Management
International student Sung Hoon Yoo is studying the MA international Hospitality Management at the University of Derby Buxton, having previously completed our Pre-sessional ESOL, FdA Hospitality Management, and BA (Hons) Hospitality Management courses.
Enjoying the course
Sung Hoon said, "I have enjoyed the practical side of the course, including developing my skills by working in the restaurant and kitchens.
In the first and second years of my BA I took part in placements at the local Thai restaurant in Buxton - Simply Thai. This was my first job and I found the work experience really useful. I developed my skills serving, and communicating with customers and other staff. As part of the course I have also worked in the Bistro and Fine Dining Restaurant at the campus, and this has been really helpful as the skills I have learnt apply to my course."
Support facilities on campus
When asked about the campus facilities, Sung Hoon said, "The lecturers are very helpful, they have really encouraged and supported me on my course. It has been very easy to contact my lecturers and arrange an appointment with them when I have needed one. My lecturers are very open minded and have been happy to talk about my assignments, and have helped me with the structures and layouts of coursework, which has been really useful.
The equipment we use is very high quality, and there is a nice restaurant and kitchens which we work in. The computer labs have all of the up to date technology, and it has been easy to access a computer and equipment when I've needed to."
Living in Buxton
Sung Hoon commented that he thinks "the nightlife in Buxton is good, there are lots of pubs and a few nightclubs. Quite often I go shopping in Manchester or Derby as it is easy to get to by bus or train. As part of the International Society we have also been for nights out in Derby. There is a small shopping centre, and lots of supermarkets and a local market.
I would definitely recommend that any first year students should stay in High Peak halls of residence, as they are tidy and clean with good facilities, and it is very easy to make friends.
The best part of being an international student at Buxton was being part of the International Society. We have many parties and trips out, and it has been a great way of meeting lots of other international students."
Would I recommend Buxton?
"I would strongly recommend studying in Buxton. I have made many multinational friends, the lecturers are good, and you get a good qualification, and work experience at the same time. The time I have spent as a student in Buxton has been very valuable."
What's next?
Sung Hoon told us, "I previously studied at my family's Incheon Technical College in South Korea. When I have graduated from my Masters course I will become a lecturer at the school. Currently it offers two year Higher Diplomas, I would like to also add four year BA university courses, and I plan to work with the University of Derby Buxton in the future to achieve this.
The college already offers hotel, beauty and spa courses, I have been inspired by the University or Derby Buxton, and would like to build a hotel and spa on the campus in South Korea for students to train in.
ITI was the first college in South Korea to have an actual campus which has had a lot of media attention. There are currently 300 students and 50 staff across two faculties: the Incheon Technical College (ITI) and the Incheon Vocational Training Institute (IVTI)."
