Studying abroad in the UK has been an enriching journey filled with self-discovery and personal growth. This reflection delves into the highs and lows of my experience and the valuable lessons I learned.

What Went Well:

• The study abroad journey enhanced my experience, broadening my perspective.
• Self-discovery played a significant role, allowing me to uncover new aspects of myself.
• The development of valuable skills was honed through practical experiences during the journey.

What Didn’t Go Well:

• Challenges in finding sustainable part-time jobs impacted my experience.
• Mood fluctuations affected my focus and productivity.
• The cold weather in the UK adversely affected my physical and mental well-being.

Areas for Improvement:

• Embracing gratitude as a daily practice to foster a positive mindset.
• Cultivating mindfulness to stay present and grounded in challenging situations.
• Recognising that continuous learning is the key to personal and professional development.
• Uncertainties are viewed as opportunities.

Exploring Critical Thinking

One standout takeaway from my MBA study abroad journey is the critical skill of self-reflection. Let’s clarify the distinction between Critical Thinking and Criticism.

Cultural differences often lead to misunderstandings between being critical and giving criticism.

According to the British Cambridge Dictionary online, to criticise means to give an opinion about something, usually directed at someone. While criticism is often viewed negatively, critical thinking is a valuable skill set involving the disciplined process of actively and skillfully analysing and evaluating information.

Among the various skills acquired during my study, I focus on Critical Thinking because we generally struggle with criticism and receiving feedback positively. Instead of immediately assigning blame, it’s crucial to understand the root cause of mistakes and seek ways to improve. In many cultures, including Vietnam, there’s a fear of losing face, which leads individuals to hide their mistakes to protect their reputation. However, embracing critical thinking involves setting aside ego, analysing information, and embracing feedback for personal growth.

Linking critical thinking to personal growth amidst the array of skills honed during my study, the emphasis on critical thinking stands out due to its transformative impact on how I perceive feedback and navigate challenges.

In-depth Reflection 

Over the past three years, daily journaling has become a habit. Since starting this MBA journey, I’ve witnessed profound changes in my thought processes and, once again, openness to feedback.

Revisiting my journal entries revealed substantial personal growth and an enhanced ability to accept constructive criticism. By openly acknowledging mistakes and welcoming feedback, I’ve fostered a continuous improvement mindset.

Challenges in finding sustainable part-time jobs impacted my experience studying abroad. Initially, I was thrilled when I landed a few part-time positions. For a brief period, I worked as a front-of-house member at a restaurant at Heathrow Airport. I genuinely enjoyed the work and thought it would provide a stable means to support my student life in the UK. Unfortunately, this hope was short-lived due to unforeseen issues with the required documentation from my home country, which never arrived, forcing me to leave the job.

In the meantime, I’ve worked as a Vietnamese interpreter, a fascinating and insightful role. This job involves real-time translation between healthcare providers and patients, offering me a unique perspective on the UK’s healthcare system. It was an unexpected opportunity to work as an interpreter, translating between English and Vietnamese for various scenarios, including assisting Vietnamese teenagers via video calls with their social workers. This role has significantly deepened my understanding of a segment of UK society.

Despite the fulfilling aspects of interpreting, the demands of the job—especially the extensive travel—are not sustainable for the long term. On average, it often requires from an hour and a half to sometimes two and a half hours of travel to reach a hospital for an assignment and another trip returning to my university campus on the outskirts of London.

Through my interpreting job, I have had the opportunity to explore various regions of the UK, from North to South and East to West. Among the places I’ve visited, Oxford—with its stunning architecture—has captured my heart as my favourite place, and Brighton, which is perfect for short holidays.

After completing my exams and coursework in the second term, I took a weekend trip to Brighton to unwind and explore a different side of England. Brighton’s vibrant, individualistic culture captivated me, reigniting my love for the UK.

It’s the Weather, you know. It’s the Weather.

My relationship with the UK has undergone fluctuating phases, experiencing both love and hate, primarily influenced by the weather. The unpredictable climate, a constant topic of conversation in the UK, significantly impacts my mood. Coming from a tropical climate like Vietnam, living in the cold weather has been particularly challenging for me. Recognising the impact of Vitamin D deficiency on mental and physical health, I have incorporated Vitamin D supplements and sunlight exposure (as much as possible)  into my routine to uplift my mood.

I recall many conversations with my flatmates in the kitchen, during which we complained about how the UK weather affects our mood and productivity. Some days, we are so in love with the UK; others, we absolutely hate it. (Haha) But hey, life is all about balance, and you need to deal with it. There will be days you are super happy and hyperactive, and be mindful when you encounter challenges to motivate yourself to get anything done. And it’s okay to pause, rest up, and then bounce back. 

Embrace the Uncertainties

As I near the end of my MBA journey, with the Business Dissertation Project and various workshops ahead, the reality of visa expiration and the job hunt looms large. Being an international student presents unique challenges, and I commend all those who have embarked on this journey. Pursuing higher education in a Western society requires courage and resilience, regardless of background. It’s time to embrace the upcoming challenges, knowing that our decision to study abroad reflects our determination and commitment to personal and professional growth.

In my MBA course, I have two favourite modules that have significantly shaped my understanding and application of critical thinking. The first is Strategy, which provided a foundational grasp of essential thinking concepts, enriching my analytical skills. The second, Managing for the Future (M4F), offered practical applications of these skills, which was especially evident during my coursework. While writing essays for M4F, I encountered the theories of Scenario Planning and Backcasting, which proved instrumental in analysing personal and professional situations and envisioning my future pathways. I made two short videos talking about these techniques on my social media. If you are interested, feel free to check them out here. If you want me to share further what I learned about scenario planning and broadcasting, drop me a message or email. 

My critical insights from these studies include the importance of considering diverse possibilities and embracing flexibility over rigidity. Taking a simple example in our daily activity, I learned to assess various transportation options to determine the most efficient choice when planning a journey to a specific location. Moreover, another critical lesson was learning to welcome changes and uncertainties. Instead of fearing the unknown, I now view each new challenge as an opportunity for adventure—an exciting chance to discover, learn, and develop. This mindset shift has encouraged me to step out of my comfort zone and engage with life’s broad spectrum of experiences.

Final Thoughts (for now)

Dear reader, thank you for joining me on this journey to the end of this blog post. This digital space serves as my diary, a canvas where I’ve shared my journey of self-discovery while studying abroad in the UK. My goal has been to recount the lessons learned and the skills acquired that have profoundly shaped my life, illustrating that solutions exist and possibilities are boundless.

However, it’s crucial for you to critically engage with what you’ve read here. We all come from diverse backgrounds and carry unique perceptions. Remember, there are no absolute right or wrong answers—just different viewpoints. More importantly, no single solution fits every situation universally.

I encourage you to take ownership of your decisions and thoughtfully apply the insights from my experiences to your own life. We are all capable, mature individuals responsible for navigating our paths and making informed choices. I value your presence here and wish you a fruitful journey of self-discovery, hoping it enriches your life as much as it has mine.