I’ve fallen in love with the city

“If you reject the food, ignore the customs, fear the religion and avoid the people, you might better stay home” -James Michener.

Hi there! My name is Amelia and I’m writing to share my student experience after using Across the Pond to help connect me to my graduate school in the UK. I study International Business and Intercultural Communication at Oxford Brookes University.
 

Why I Studied Abroad

I always knew that I wanted to study abroad. In my undergrad, I participated in a few study abroad programs and interned abroad. Going abroad allowed me to experience a new culture, learn from different perspectives, and challenge myself in ways that I could not do at home. I got a global management minor as part of my bachelor’s and learned about culture theory, Hofstede, The Culture Map, etc. When I discovered Across the Pond, I knew that this was the perfect opportunity for me to continue my education abroad, but at a higher level.
 

Across the Pond was Incredibly Helpful, in Every Step of the Process

I couldn’t believe it when I realized that Across the Pond was a completely free service! My advisor helped me in every stage of the process, from finding the universities with my program of interest, to refining my resume and submitting applications. I ended up applying to several universities and my advisor made sure I stayed on top of all the communications and deadlines from each of them. Furthermore, once I was accepted and accepted my placement, Across the Pond was able to connect me with other students who had recently studied in the UK, as well as students from the US heading to my university, so I could hear their experiences.
 

Choosing Oxford Brookes University

When I was considering which university to attend, Oxford Brookes stood out to me because of the program’s personal touches. Their program director reached out to me individually to discuss the program and my options. When I arrived, I was impressed by the campus and the facilities, including the library, computer labs, and sports facilities. I also appreciated the supportive and welcoming environment that the university provided. The staff and professors were always available to help and answer my questions, which made me feel comfortable and confident in my studies. We had a small cohort in my program, so I got a lot of personal attention from the professors with my projects.
 

Accommodation and Student Life

One of the things I loved about student life in the UK was the variety of social activities. From week one I was involved in a variety of activities with the International Student community at Brookes. From sports clubs to cultural events, there was always something to do and explore. Through these activities, I made friends from all over the world and learned so much about different cultures and perspectives. For instance, we had an international student's traditional English Christmas dinner and got to learn about how they celebrate Christmas with specific foods and traditions like Christmas Poppers!

Balancing studies and sights is no easy act, but Oxford Brookes recognizes the value of experiences outside the classroom. From my first (jetlagged) day strolling through the streets of Oxford to the ISAT trips I’ve taken, my experience here would not be nearly as valuable without the opportunities I’ve had to see what makes the UK, the UK. I’ve been surprised by how much I love tea, and how much I dislike fish and chips. I’ve learned to navigate the politeness of British culture, and I’ve met people whom I hope to have lifelong friendships with.

I had never been to Oxford before studying at Oxford Brookes University, but in just the last two months I’ve fallen in love with the city. Oxford has more depth than I ever could’ve imagined. To walk through the streets of Oxford is to walk where Kings, Queens, and some of the most brilliant minds have walked for the last thousand years. I hope to one day be considered one of those brilliant minds, but for now, I’ll soak up as much of Oxford as I can.
 

The MA International Business and Intercultural Communication Program

The International Business and Intercultural Communication program was everything I hoped for. The courses were challenging but engaging, and the professors were knowledgeable and passionate about their subjects. I appreciated the variety of topics we covered, such as EU laws and regulations, business skills, and intercultural communication. One of the highlights of the program was the opportunity to complete an internship with a local company, which gave me practical experience and helped me to understand the local business environment.
 

Career Goals and Post-Graduation

My long-term goal was to find a job locally, and I'm pleased to say that I was able to achieve this. Thanks to the skills and knowledge I gained from the program, I was able to secure a full-time job in London. The education I received was comparable to what I could have received in the U.S., but the people I met and the experiences I had were irreplaceable. Furthermore, as a communications professional, understanding different cultures and how to work with them has been key to my career.
 

Conclusion

Studying in the UK was a life-changing experience for me. Through Across the Pond and Oxford Brookes University, I was able to gain new skills, make lifelong friends, and achieve my career goals. I highly recommend this opportunity to anyone who is considering studying abroad and I always recommend to those looking to study in the UK to utilize Across the Pond and your advisor. Their help is invaluable! Thank you, Across the Pond, for helping me to make this dream a reality.

- Amelia