My study abroad experiences made me more open-minded
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About me
Originally from Cornwall, UK, I made the leap to study BSc Business Management (Study Abroad) at Lancaster back in 2020. After experiencing the first wave of COVID-19, I knew that I wanted to experience studying abroad. This led me to spend a year at Sunway University in Malaysia, one of Lancaster’s partner institutions, from August 2022 to August 2023. Additionally, I recently returned home from a two-week summer school in Chengdu, attending Southwestern University of Finance and Economics. During this trip, I was given the opportunity to expand my knowledge of Fintech and to explore the city.
Why I chose to study abroad
After spending two years experiencing university in the UK, I wanted to gain a broader understanding of management, and how it's taught in other areas around the world. As well as this I wanted the ability to immerse myself in a completely new culture, developing both my personal and academic growth.
How Lancaster University helped me find my study abroad opportunity
Prior to starting at Lancaster University, I opted into the study abroad variant of my course. At the start of my second year, the Management School contacted me and gave me a list of around twenty-five partners that I could apply to study at. From here I chose my top five and was allocated Sunway University in Malaysia, which was my top choice.
How my first day studying abroad felt
My first day was incredibly nerve-racking. I didn't know anybody taking my course or how to find my way around the campus. However, after finding my first class, my nerves settled, and I was able to start making friends and enjoying classes.
My favourite activities while studying abroad
Travelling around Malaysia and the surrounding countries. It provided a new experience where spontaneity was affordable and fitted easily alongside my studies.
Awkward moments
I think anywhere you go, you will encounter funny and awkward moments, but these experiences always added to our adventures, creating fond memories that I love looking back on.
My best memories
My best memories in Kuala Lumpur are all the fun trips we had taking the metro into the city centre and going to see the Petronas towers lit up at night from all the roof top bars. Aside from this one of my favourite experiences was travelling to Sumatra in Indonesia and camping out in the jungle overnight to go and see wild orangutans.
What I gained from studying abroad
Studying abroad has enhanced my life in numerous ways. Academically, it has provided me with a broader perspective on business management and exposed me to different thought processes and strategies from those taught at Lancaster. Personally, it has provided a far deeper appreciation for different cultures and given me the skill to balance both exploring and studying. Living so far from home and navigating life as a student and lone traveller in Southeast Asia has significantly boosted my communication skills and confidence. Overall, studying abroad has made me more open-minded and better prepared for future challenges.
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