An ACT learner who came to the UK following the outbreak of conflict in Ukraine has been accepted into Cardiff University.
Former ESOL learner, Veronika Makarkina, had achieved a number of qualifications in Ukraine, however these were not recognised by UK universities. Undeterred, Veronika undertook AON (Application of Number) and Communications Level 2 certification, while also preparing for her IELTS (International English Language Testing System) tests.
Despite her successes, the pathway there hasn’t been without its challenges.
“When we first arrived in the UK I was so afraid of speaking to people that I couldn’t even pronounce ‘thank you’ or ‘hello’ without feeling that I made a mistake.
“I boosted my confidence at ACT by talking to other students and tutors, making friends and building my relationship with the English language.
“Eventually, I had enough guidance from (tutors) Sera and Diana about applying to Uni. When I did, it said that I had to pass the Academic IELTS exam. I looked at samples with Sera and she joked that she and many other native speakers probably wouldn’t have passed it, so I felt a bit relieved that it’d be fine to try again.
“My English teacher Sara helped me a lot to boost my confidence. I actually managed to believe in myself and passed the test with an unbelievable score, especially when I read that many students take two or more years with tutoring, while I prepared for it only in six months by myself. I was in Germany when I got my results, I was too excited and anxious to check it myself, so I gave my phone to my friends first. They checked the results and screamed that I’d passed! It was a great feeling that I won’t forget anytime soon, I messaged uni and accepted my place.
“My ACT tutors were and are so proud of me, I felt really honoured to meet them because otherwise I would have stayed on the same stage and still wouldn’t be confident enough to say ‘thank you’ or ‘hello’.”
Veronika’s aim is to study languages at university, with the hopes of pursuing a career in international relations. She applied for three universities in total and was accepted at her first choice, Cardiff University, to study German and Japanese.
“I’m gonna study hard as I usually do,” she added. “In my third year I’m thinking of going to Germany to teach German students English and go to Japan to study as an exchange student for the rest of the international year.
“After completing my qualifications, I’d like to find a job in university to teach students languages and how to believe in themselves. I’d like to be that teacher who helps their students understand that they can do anything if they work hard and enjoy the process.
“I gained lots of insights from my tutors and want to mirror their kind of teaching.”
ACT assessor, Sera Loveluck‑Frank, said: “Veronika was an absolute pleasure to teach at all times. Her dedication to furthering her education and pursuing her goals was admirable, and she never let anything stand in her way of achieving them.
“I am absolutely thrilled that she has secured her place at Cardiff University, and I am confident that she will go on to achieve great things.
“I wish her all the best in her future endeavours and can’t wait to see the amazing things she accomplishes. Pob lwc gyda phopeth, Veronika!”
Gareth Downey, Senior Qualifications Manager at Qualifications Wales, added: “It’s so inspiring to hear the progress that Veronika has made since studying with ACT Training.
“Veronika’s journey is a powerful reminder of the doors that qualifications can open and the importance of Essential Skills Wales qualifications in supporting her to progress to university. I wish her all the best as she continues her education at Cardiff University. Pob lwc!”
