It’s not everyday that we hear of students starting a course with us thirty years after first hearing of NEC. In this case, mature student Vivienne decided there was nothing holding her back and became an NEC student in order to pursue IGCSEs in French and Biology.

Thirty years ago the NEC looked quite different to say the least; online education and distance learning was a new concept and although the NEC had created a positive reputation in the educational community, it wasn’t until the year 2000 that we launched the online platform. 

“I was interested in learning with NEC long before online learning. It seemed to be well established and had good reviews. I liked the idea of taking my exams at an NEC exam centre because I may not be the only mature student doing so.”   

Vivienne has seen different views of the NEC and was happy to share her experience with us as she takes on distance learning for the first time.

What was your motivation for studying at this point in your life?

It’s clear that Vivienne’s passion for learning is one of the biggest reasons for studying and returning to education.

“My motivation for studying is really a combination of reasons. I am a mature student and I have lived abroad for years. I am enthusiastic about learning generally but wanted to improve my grades on subjects I took years ago and possibly use those exams for further study and work opportunities. I am also aware that as we age, learning and reading is beneficial exercise for the brain.”

How would you summarise your experience of education before enrolling with NEC?

“Most of my experience at school was positive but not all. I had a very unpleasant Maths teacher that openly showed preference to her top students and did not make learning pleasant.

After school, I thoroughly enjoyed studying music, art and languages at colleges in the various countries I lived in, although history of music in Greek was not the easiest to follow and I had to spend a lot of time looking at the paper dictionary to translate words at first. So, studying online in my mother tongue is wonderful.”

It’s great to hear that Vivienne has had a positive experience during her studies and when asked if she would do another NEC course, her answer came to no surprise.

“I would do another course after I complete the present ones because I enjoy learning and find many subjects of interest. I am now able to squeeze in some learning between work.”

To those who are just as inspired by Vivienne as the NEC team are, if you are considering taking on a course for yourself, Vivienne offers the following advice:

 “I would suggest they start by taking only one class at a time and follow it through by taking an exam. I find it best to put aside time each day/week and try and keep to a structure. That is what worked the best for me.”

If you have been inspired and would like to explore taking a course with NEC, take a look at our courses today.