The journey of studying overseas has been truly transformative!
Students come from across the world to study at AECC University College. We recently caught up with Danny Nguyen, one of our final year chiropractic students who studies the Master of Chiropractic MChiro course, to hear more from him and how he became interested in this course and why he enjoys studying in Bournemouth.
What drew you to study this subject?
"My initial interest started with physiotherapy, as I was and still am a fitness enthusiast. I wanted to combine my knowledge and passion with providing something of myself to society. My best friend’s dad is a chiropractor, who has been helping people improve their health and quality of life, which I thought sounded interesting”.
Why did you choose AECC University College?
"As there are not any chiropractic courses in Norway, every keen student has to travel abroad. One of the conditions to work back in Norway is for the university to provide an accredited course accepted by the Norwegian Chiropractic Association, which AECC University College offers. In addition, the UK is not too far away from Norway, and I knew the language would not be a problem for me versus other European countries."
How did you find moving from Norway to the UK to study?
"At first it seemed challenging, moving completely alone to a different country. During the first journey I was fortunate to have my family with me, which certainly made the move feel less overwhelming and smoother. I was also excited, as I would be in a completely different and new environment, where people from all over the world could meet. I was determined, I do not regret a single thing about the decision to study overseas."
Are you involved in any student societies, or do you compete in any of the AECC UC Sports clubs for example?
"Yes I am a member of the social societies including the Asian Pacific Society, Asian-Afro Caribbean Society, and the FICS Club, as well as sports clubs like the Movement Club and our university Volleyball team. Myself with two other year four students are the current leaders of the Movement Club. In addition to my competing in the BUCS league for volleyball."
What do you like to do outside of your studies?
"I like social activities with my friendship groups. We often have dinners, game nights and movie nights together. Our household functions as a hub for most social activities. Similarly, I have a passion for fitness with interests in calisthenics and volleyball. Outside of my studies I like to improve my learning at various levels, such as additional seminars for adjustment practice, functional rehabilitation, personal reading of similar contents or self-development books. Lastly, but most importantly, spending time with my girlfriend is what brings me the greatest joy outside of my studies."
What do you love most about living in Bournemouth / UK?
"Unquestionably, I have to appreciate the nearby long sandy beach Bournemouth coast has. This partly due to not having as a sandy beach back home, but also because it is a well-developed and a comfortable beach to spend long days at during the summer. The friends and the people that I have met here are most definitely my greatest reason to enjoy the life in Bournemouth."
What are your ambitions for the future?
"My long-term ambitions would be to combine my greatest desires in life, which includes experiencing the world and being a director of my own day. In more specific terms, I would love to work internationally in many countries, for different lengths of times. Ideally, where sports chiropractic fits into the picture. Europe, Asia, America and Oceania, you name the continent, I would love to be there. After I have achieved this, I would love the opportunity to build a connection with a local community, to develop my own clinic and build a practice."
What would you say to school/college-leavers who are thinking of studying abroad?
"Don’t overthink the pros and cons of going abroad. If you want to move to study overseas, then you should prepare and commit fully to it. The journey of studying overseas has been truly transformative. Not only does it provide an incredible opportunity to step out of your comfort zone, but it opens a world of endless exploration and personal growth. With careful planning and a thoughtful approach to mapping out this journey, it’s a testament to the privilege it is to study abroad. The decision to embark on this adventure may come with its risks, but the rewards far outweigh any uncertainties. I highly recommend it for an experience that will enrich your life in ways you never thought possible.”
- Danny