Adreene Staines
MSc International Business, 2003
PhD Economics, 2006
Country of origin: Jamaica
Employer: University of Birmingham
I spent four years in the Department of Economics at Lancaster University – one year as a student in the MSc in International Business programme and three years completing my PhD in Economics. I chose Lancaster because the University was recognised internationally for its high quality teaching and research. Lancaster is also known to be very friendly to international students.
I enjoyed the challenge of the Economics programme, the international diversity of my classes and the knowledge and experience of my lecturers. The Department’s open door policy meant that someone was always available to have a quick chat and I never felt neglected. My PhD supervision was brilliant. Encouragement, guidance and support were always available for my entire three years. The interest of not only my immediate supervisors, but the entire Department, in my research, was very encouraging and a major motivation to complete my thesis. My decision to study at Lancaster provided the opportunity to understand current perspectives in my area of research and to share my research interests in the Department as well as at international conferences.
My thesis on 'The Growth of SMEs in Jamaica – Constraints and Obstacles to Firm and National Performance in Small Economies' was well placed in the Department of Economics which is known for its emphasis on international business and development economics. I chose this research area mainly because of my strong interest in understanding the dynamics of firm performance from the perspective of small developing economies which face several economic vulnerabilities.
Lancaster is a relatively small and quiet city that offers international students a warm and friendly environment in which to become acquainted with the British culture. Its close proximity to the Lake District, Blackpool and Manchester offers many opportunities for days out and sightseeing when the academic stress becomes unbearable.
I had a wonderful time studying and living in Lancaster and would encourage other students to visit this remarkable university and gain some memorable experiences.
