Foreign students want to study in Swansea because of Premier League status
THE Swans' entry into football's top tier has seen overseas students clamouring for an education in the city.
There has been interest far and wide from youngsters wanting to study at Swansea University thanks to the team's success on the pitch.
But it has been from African countries in particular — especially Botswana and Nigeria.
Adithya Rangaswamy, 18, a law student from Botswana, said: "I knew about Swansea being in the Premier League and that was also a really big part of making my decision because I am a huge football fanatic. I saw them last season on TV pretty much every single game.
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"I haven't been to see a game yet but I plan on going in the next two weeks. It is perfect, everything that I wanted. I don't think I would have made the decision to come here if I had not planned on watching them."
And 30-year-old Benjamin Bell-Gam, from Nigeria, is studying a masters in international maritime law.
He said the club's position in the Premier League was a "huge factor" in him choosing Swansea University.
"I saw the play-off final at Wembley on TV, which was an opportunity to see 90 minutes of live action. Usually it was all about highlights," he added.
"I saw the Premier League matches last season. Their football was outstanding, especially how they handled big teams. That was really interesting.
"Going to the Liberty Stadium to see the Swans play Chelsea was really impressive. I really enjoyed it. The fans and the stadium were wonderful. I hope to go again. The Premier League is the biggest factor in coming here. I made the right decision."
And it has sparked interest from America too.
Taylor Anderson, 23, a long-time Chelsea fan from Michigan, studying for a War and Society masters degree, said: "We get pretty much every Premier League match on TV in the States. I followed Swansea a little bit before because Brendan Rodgers was the youth team manager and then reserve team manager at Chelsea. When I heard he got the job at a Championship side I followed them a little bit. I watched the play-offs. I liked the way they played.
"The atmosphere at the game I saw against Wigan was outstanding. The singing and chanting was much different from any sport back home. I liked football before, but I am definitely addicted now after going to the match.
"I love the way Swansea play. I like the idea of being close to top-flight football in one of the best leagues in the world."
Comments
by tannkerboy
Sunday, January 06 2013, 1:12AM
“welcom, But look after our own first , We have to help the young welsh get a head.”