Exceeded everything I had imagined
My first encounter with Europe was a very special discovery: everything that had once been a story or an image was right in front of me. Since childhood, I had heard about castles, kings, ancient monuments, and magical places, but seeing them in person was something else entirely; it was like stepping into a fairy tale. Europe struck me as a place full of living history and tangible culture, where what had once only belonged to a book or a movie now unfolded before my eyes.
When it came time to choose a destination for my master’s degree, it was the United Kingdom that completely captured my attention and my heart. My decision was a mix of reason and emotion. I had always been fascinated by the British accent for its elegance and subtlety, and I was deeply drawn to the palaces, gardens, historic universities, and that architecture that seems to come from a parallel world. Discovering that many of the Harry Potter filming locations really existed was like proving that magic, in a way, is real.
The weather was also a point in its favor. I like cold days, but I also enjoy when the sun appears and paints the sky a deep blue, with fluffy clouds drifting at different speeds. In Mexico City, we have sun almost all year round, but those clear skies are rarely seen because of environmental and visual pollution. In Oxford, on the other hand, sunny days are spectacular, and starry nights offer a peace that’s hard to describe; looking up and connecting with the immensity of the universe through the sky became an unexpected gift. And of course, I was always fascinated by the way the British value education, culture, and history in every corner of their daily lives.
With that blend of dreams, hopes, and expectations, I arrived in Oxford, and what I found exceeded everything I had imagined. My university experience was profoundly transformative. From the beginning, I was surrounded by classmates from different parts of the world, which not only enriched classroom discussions but also broadened my worldview. I learned that diversity is not just a concept, but a daily experience that teaches you to listen, respect, and value realities different from your own.
Academically, the challenge was constant. The resources provided by the university were key to how much I felt I advanced and learned during this time: from private virtual platforms where we consulted real-world statistics, reports, and analyses, to simulators designed to apply our business knowledge in practice. One of the most enriching experiences was access to a one-week international business simulation. The class was divided into teams, and each group had to create a smartphone company. We organized ourselves to make decisions on logistics, finance, marketing, business strategy, design, and brand identity. The dynamic was to compete for the highest profit possible using the platform’s resources, while maintaining presence in various countries, each with its own challenges. It was an intense and very complete experience, where each decision forced us to think about the realities of the market, and it confirmed how much I enjoy applying theory to practical scenarios.
In addition, the university also offered collaborations with Google, which gave us access to thousands of courses related to artificial intelligence and Google Cloud tools. Exploring this fast-growing field was another major privilege of my education, as I was able to complement my academic learning with cutting-edge technological knowledge, gaining a better understanding of how digital innovation integrates into global business.
Another exercise I remember with special fondness was building a Lego tower with limited time and resources. Although my instinct was to assume leadership immediately, I consciously decided to let go of control and allow the team dynamic to flow. That moment taught me humility, collaboration, and, above all, self-awareness.
On a personal level, I always felt supported. The professors and academic staff were open to answering questions and supporting our learning in a close and empathetic way. I also discovered the importance of emotional well-being in university life: there were spaces designed for comfortable studying, student societies organized by Brookes Union that fostered a sense of community, and a holistic view of learning that allowed me to feel the university not just as a place of study, but as a true home.
Outside the classroom, I also found experiences that left a mark on my life. One of them was volunteering for children with terminal illnesses, where we wrote personalized letters for each child according to their interests. That activity reminded me of the power of empathy and how a small gesture can transform someone’s day. At the same time, my time in the UK strengthened my environmental awareness: I understood that caring for the planet is not a luxury or a trend, but an urgent necessity and a responsibility we all share.
Throughout the whole process, attending and having access to the recordings of all the webinars organized by Across the Pond was key for me, as they gave me a great deal of confidence and clarity. Some things I hadn’t anticipated, but they were minor. For example, I never thought of packing a blanket, and upon arriving late at night in Oxford, I had to improvise with a couple of sweaters. I also found out too late about the wide variety of sports and physical activities the university offered; had I known earlier, I would have taken greater advantage of that opportunity to stay active and meet people with similar interests.
In the end, it’s important to know that not everything can be planned, and that part of the magic lies in the unexpected. The key is to be open to making the most of every moment, even those you hadn’t considered. Studying in the United Kingdom was much more than an academic stage: it was a journey of self-discovery, personal growth, and deep learning. I leave with memories, tools, and values that I know will always accompany me, and with the certainty that, beyond titles and books, this experience gave me a personal and ethical compass that will guide my path.
- Selene