What I Learned in the UK
What motivated me to study in the UK?
Mainly the prestige of the Museum Studies program at the University of Leicester, combined with the school's proximity to London and its wide variety of museums. It was the perfect opportunity to observe theory in practice. Furthermore, the UK has a culture and lifestyle very different from Mexico, yet they are similar in that both share a deep history filled with world-changing moments.
How was my academic, personal, and cultural life?
Academically, the most complex adaptation was the assessment system and learning the citation format. Another thing that felt different was having one supervisor throughout my course and another for my thesis; I think this was advantageous because, for my research, I had the option to choose the professor who best fit my topic. Overall, my academic life was very good—I became the student body president for my cohort, participated in extracurricular activities, and enjoyed learning more about the country through the school trips we had during each module.
Personally and culturally, I was able to broaden my worldview, meeting people not only from the UK, but also from other European and Asian countries, as well as Latin America. It was interesting to experience the local social culture and learn what it is like in places other than Mexico. Finding those similarities was also important to me, as it allowed me to connect with people who came from elsewhere and were experiencing life abroad for the first time. Something interesting that happened while I was here was the World Cup, specifically the Mexico vs. England match. That was a surreal experience—the friendly rivalry between my English and Latin American friends, and seeing people from other countries supporting Mexico and wishing me good luck, was something I never expected to experience.
What key takeaways or lessons am I bringing home?
The most important thing I take with me is a new appreciation for Mexico and a fondness for England, as it was my home for a year. I learned to understand English culture beyond media clichés, as well as how their vision of culture impacts the world and vice versa.
Since my study program focused on museums, I had the opportunity to visit quite a few during this process, learning how they interpret and narrate both their own history and that of other cultures, the care they put into conserving objects, and their efforts toward decolonization so that it becomes a space where everyone feels included.
At the same time, I gained personal insights, such as navigating a country that not only operates in a different language, but also uses systems I had never encountered before. I also learned to adapt my mindset to express myself effectively within this culture.
What would I have liked to know before arriving?
I would have liked to know more about the NHS system, the procedures for booking an appointment or transferring prescription medication from Mexico, and the public transportation network for traveling around the country, as there tend to be quite a few disruptions or changes, and finding alternatives can be confusing if it is your first time hearing about them.
- Ana
