Communicating Without Borders
Bringing My Experience Back to the Classroom
Before arriving in the UK, I had worked for more than ten years in communication, marketing and content. Returning to education did not mean starting from zero, but finding new ways to understand everything I had already experienced professionally.
I have always been passionate about corporate communication, but I wanted to explore it from a broader perspective. I was interested in understanding global processes, discovering how other professional environments operate and learning to navigate international spaces more effectively.
I was also looking for a programme connected with my personal interests. I love cultures, languages and travel, so the MA in International Communication allowed me to bring together my professional experience and curiosity about the world.
Viewing Communication Through Culture
One of my favourite modules was Media, Culture and Globalisation. In class, we analysed how culture influences numerous social processes, how the media participate in the construction of meaning and how identities are transformed within a globalised world.
These subjects interested me not only academically, but also personally. Studying outside Mexico constantly encouraged me to reflect on my own identity, the ideas I carried with me and the way other people perceived my culture.
One of the assignments I enjoyed most was an essay about my cultural identity. Relating the programme's theories to my own experience made learning feel relevant and close to me. I was not memorising concepts simply to receive a mark; I was using new tools to understand myself better and analyse the world around me.
The diversity of the group enriched these conversations even further. My classmates came from different countries, cultures and language backgrounds, so the same topic could generate completely different perspectives. Listening to those interpretations was one of the most valuable parts of the programme.
Learning in a Different Way
The main difference between studying in Mexico and completing a postgraduate degree in the UK was the level of independence. Classes were only the starting point. Afterwards, I had to dedicate many hours to reading, researching, preparing comments and developing my own ideas.
Nobody was constantly reminding me of deadlines or telling me every step to follow. I needed to understand my responsibilities, organise my calendar and begin assignments well in advance. That freedom could be very positive, but it also required discipline.
The greatest challenge was readjusting to academic texts and writing numerous essays in advanced English. At first, I needed a great deal of time to organise my ideas and ensure that I met the expectations of the UK system. By my final assignments, however, researching and developing arguments had begun to flow much more naturally.
The lecturers also played an important role. Our relationship was always respectful and cordial, and we had office hours and email communication for resolving questions. Although learning was independent, that did not mean we were alone.
Finding My Own Voice
Participating in class was one of the ways I began to recognise my progress. When I shared my ideas, the lecturers began to remember me and make positive comments about my contributions. Those moments helped me understand that my professional experience had a place in the classroom. I could connect theories with real situations, participate confidently, take the lead and contribute a different perspective.
As I finish the programme, I am taking away much more than academic knowledge. I strengthened my analytical skills, time management, intercultural communication and confidence in expressing my ideas. I also discovered a deeper interest in areas such as diplomacy and cultural communication.
I would recommend this programme to anyone curious about communication, culture and globalisation. It is an especially enriching experience for those who want to question their own perspectives and learn to see the world from many points of view.
- Karla
