My UK MBA year and what I wish I’d known
Twelve years ago, I had my first taste of the UK and loved its academic quality and cultural mix. Coming back for a full-time MBA at Cranfield felt like the natural next step. I wanted a truly international network, a one-year intensive experience, and a global perspective that would expand how I see business and leadership. This year delivered all of that and more.
Why the UK, why Cranfield University
My decision was driven by three key factors: international networking, the focus of a one-year full-time programme, and the confidence gained from having lived in the UK before and being familiar with its academic standards. Receiving the Women in Business Scholarship, which covers 50% of the tuition, became a turning point. It was support and a vote of confidence that shaped how I showed up, the roles I took, and the leader I am becoming.
The programme structure, careers guidance and the ESCP international month are powerful levers, including the chance to specialise abroad and connect with a broad alumni network. Cranfield also promotes funding options for Latin American candidates.
The support before I even arrived
Before moving, Across the Pond guided me step by step. I felt supported because every practical doubt had a human answer. That preparation gave me calm, clarity and momentum. By the time I landed in the UK, I felt ready to start. The rest is history. I want to take this opportunity to thank my advisor for her constant support and willingness, and the entire team as well.
Academic life that changed me
The modules that transformed me most were Negotiation, Strategic Management and Strategic Marketing. Negotiation taught me that there is no perfect formula, only preparation, adaptability and empathy. Strategy sharpened my ability to structure complex problems and make evidence-based decisions under pressure. Marketing helped me connect analysis with customer value and execution.
I leaned into leadership beyond the classroom. I was elected Course Representative for my cohort, which meant turning classmates’ concerns into constructive conversations with programme leadership. I served as Outreach Lead for the Women in Business Club and as a Student Ambassador. These roles stretched my stakeholder skills, helped me embrace healthy conflict and gave me a front-row seat to community building.
A special highlight was specialising in Luxury Management through Cranfield’s partnership with ESCP in Italy. Studying in another country for one month, during the MBA deepened my understanding of global markets and showed me how brand, strategy and client experience align in high-touch industries.
Personal and cultural life in the English countryside
Moving from Bogotá to the countryside surprised me in the best way. Living close to campus meant short commutes, deeper focus and a rhythm that helped me thrive. What the village lacked in city buzz, it offered in community. Shared dinners, study groups and friendships became my anchor. I learned as much from cultural exchanges with classmates as from case studies. Sharing a bit of Colombia through food, music and stories invited others to share their worlds too.
What I learned
• Resilience and adaptability: Changing countries and routines while managing an intense workload forces you to stretch, then stretch again.
• Balancing empathy with results: I care deeply about people, and this year I learned to pair that with critical analysis and firm decisions.
• Comfort with differences: Disagreement is not a threat. When handled with respect and curiosity, it becomes the raw material for better solutions.
• Unlearning and relearning: I let go of habits that no longer served me and built new ones. Ask better questions, test assumptions, iterate fast.
What I wish I’d known before arriving
The academic load is rigorous. If you prepare mentally, seek support early and plan your time with discipline, pressure becomes growth. Stress comes in waves. It passes, and each wave leaves you stronger and clearer about your why. The countryside is a feature, not a bug. Fewer distractions mean more focus and connection. Bring parts of home. A familiar recipe, weekend calls, your favourite playlist. Small anchors make a big difference.
A note for Latin American candidates
Planning from LATAM takes extra logistics, so start early. Look for scholarships, connect with alumni and current students, and ask detailed questions about visas, timelines and finances. In my case, a supportive community and the right information made all the difference. A personalised approach and global outlook can be a strong fit for professionals from our region who want a high-impact one-year MBA.
If my story helps you make your decision or arrive better prepared, it will have been worth sharing.
- Isabella