Say Yes to Every Opportunity
I moved from Turkey to Manchester to study an MSc in International Business and Management at Alliance Manchester Business School. I wanted to gain an international perspective, grow professionally, and meet people from different backgrounds, and looking back, Manchester gave me all of that and more.
Moving abroad was exciting, but it wasn't without its challenges. Adjusting to a new city, a different academic system, and a routine away from home took some getting used to. What made the transition easier was Manchester itself, it's diverse, lively, and genuinely welcoming, which made it feel like home almost from the start.
One of the best parts of my experience has been my classmates. Studying alongside people from so many different countries has constantly given me new perspectives, both in and out of the classroom.
I also got involved beyond my course. As a Student Representative, I supported my cohort, shared feedback with academic staff, and felt much more connected to the wider university community as a result. I helped organise a Lake District day trip for our cohort, which turned into one of my favourite memories, a great way to bond outside of lectures and assignments. I was also part of the International Society and Day Trip Society, and travelled around the UK with friends I made through them. Exploring new places together made everything more fun and made me feel even more at home in the UK. I also volunteered at the Academy of International Business conference hosted by the University, where I represented Manchester, sat in on genuinely inspiring sessions, and met academics from around the world.
As a Global Futures Scholar, I also took on ambassadorial roles, which added another meaningful dimension to my time here. Attending the celebration organised solely for scholarship holders felt especially special. Meeting other scholars opened my eyes to just how diverse the experience of studying abroad can be, and how successful every journey is in its own way, it was genuinely inspiring to be surrounded by so many driven and accomplished people.
Together, these experiences helped me build lasting friendships, gain confidence, and develop skills in communication, leadership, and problem-solving that I don't think I would have developed the same way back home. Studying in the UK has made me more independent, more open-minded, and more confident in myself.
If I could give one piece of advice to future international students, it would be this: say yes to every opportunity, even the small ones. You never know which experience, friendship, or moment will end up being the one you cherish most.
Sincerely,
- Nisa Ipek
