Back in October 2023, I shared a series of articles on the “Benefits, Drawbacks, and Tips of Studying Abroad.” Over the past year, I’ve gained more insights that I hope will be valuable to you. With my MBA studies concluding in less than a month and as I work on my thesis, I want to provide an update on my journey of studying and living abroad. Additionally, as the new academic year approaches, I aim to offer a fuller perspective on being an international student and life in the UK from a Vietnamese viewpoint.
This post serves as an update with additional reflections on my experiences rather than a repeat of previous content. If you missed my earlier posts, I invite you to read them here.
Benefits, Drawbacks, and Tips of Studying Abroad:
- Part 1: The Benefits
- Part 2: The Drawbacks
- Part 3: The Tips
A Year of Transformation: Adaptability and Openness
Living and studying abroad demands a high degree of adaptability and openness. This year has sharpened my critical thinking skills and broadened my cultural horizons in profound ways. Previously, I approached problems with a practical mindset, often seeing them in black and white. My understanding of global issues was limited, and I rarely delved deeply into cultural nuances (I was in my comfortable bubble). Now, I tackle challenges with a critical and analytical mindset, combining it with practical experience, appreciating the grey areas, and recognising that multiple perspectives can coexist.
I attribute this shift in mindset primarily to my experiences in the MBA classroom. With encouragement from our lecturers, we’ve learned to listen to the diverse opinions of our cohorts, striving to understand their reasoning.
One of my favourite frameworks learned from the MBA is Scenario Planning, which has been instrumental in my transformation. It has allowed me to anticipate various outcomes and approach challenges with a broader, more strategic mindset. This practice, combined with my appreciation for diverse perspectives, has greatly enriched my problem-solving abilities. By embracing the dynamic of diversity and considering different backgrounds, cultures, and belief systems, I’ve learned to remain open to new perspectives—a choice that has deepened my understanding and benefited me in countless ways.
Beyond the classroom, living in the UK—often described as one of the world’s “melting pots”—has prompted me to question my own beliefs and require knowledge more deeply. I find myself expanding patience, accepting our differences, and having a stronger desire to find ways to work together harmoniously. This growth has also helped me resolve conflicts in a more mature and constructive manner.
Developing Global Awareness
I used to be indifferent to politics, perhaps because I didn’t fully grasp its significance while living in Vietnam, or maybe life was simply too comfortable for me to care deeply about global affairs that seemed distant. However, moving to the UK has profoundly shifted my perspective. My awareness of global issues has grown, deepening my interest in how politics affect businesses, society, and immigration, especially now that I am living here as a guest.
A memorable Consulting Skills workshop with our Dean particularly highlighted the political dimensions of business decisions, sparking my curiosity.
This newfound interest has become part of my daily routine, as I now regularly listen to the BBC Global News Podcast and The FT News Briefing on Spotify to stay updated on world affairs—from business developments and technological innovations to immigration regulations and their potential impact on visa applications and the labour market.
Studying in the UK has exposed me to a vibrant mix of cultures, enriching my understanding and adaptability. Interacting with people from various backgrounds, particularly my MBA cohorts, has deepened my empathy, especially for those whose families have been affected by ongoing conflicts in Ukraine, Russia, Iran, Bangladesh, and beyond. This exposure has made me appreciate the peaceful lifestyle we enjoy in Vietnam, recognising it as a privilege I once took for granted. These shared experiences have led me to realise that, despite our different backgrounds, we all share the same desire to improve our lives through higher education.
Embracing the Unpredictable: Lessons from UK Weather
The journey of studying abroad is as much about personal growth as it is about academic and professional development. This year has been a profound period of self-discovery and personal enrichment. Before, I was content in my comfort zone, surrounded by familiar faces and routines in Vietnam. While I valued independence, my understanding of self-reliance was limited to familiar environments. Now, living independently in the UK has pushed me to discover new facets of myself. I’ve become more self-reliant and confident in my ability to navigate life’s uncertainties.
The ever-changing UK weather has taught me to embrace unpredictability and maintain a flexible attitude. One key takeaway from my studies, as emphasised by our lecturers and guest speakers, is that Change is the only certainty. This lesson feels particularly relevant here—could it be that the UK’s constantly shifting weather has influenced this cultural mindset? Regardless, it’s a perspective that resonates deeply with me, both in the classroom and in daily life. Additionally, this unpredictability has reinforced the value of Scenario Planning, a concept that has taught me to prepare for various potential scenarios, much like I prepare for whatever weather the UK decides to bring each day.
Everything has to do with the Weather (sorry, I have to mention it)
On dull and rainy days, I find comfort in simple routines: I put the kettle on for a cup of tea (or coffee), stay in to read and write, or practice French or Italian on Duolingo. Sometimes, I enjoy spontaneous conversations with my flatmates in the kitchen. I’ve organised my room in a cosy way that lifts my mood on rainy days, making indoor time more enjoyable. And when the sun finally comes out, I appreciate it even more.
Every morning, Siri updates me on the day’s weather, allowing me to plan my activities—whether indoors or outdoors. Regardless of the weather, I’ve learned to enjoy my walks around campus, usually three to four times daily (now that we don’t have lectures anymore, so I have more time to do other stuff), just to appreciate nature and engage in random conversations with people I encounter. It’s amusing how often the first thing we say to each other is, “The weather is lovely today, isn’t it?” followed by, “Enjoy your sunny day” or “Enjoy the sun.” It’s fascinating how the sun can uplift our mood and bring out kindness in everyone.
The UK weather has also changed me in unexpected ways. In Saigon, Vietnam, even a 1- or 2-degree temperature change made me uncomfortable, and I would feel cold when it dropped to 25 degrees. Now, thanks to the sun, I find myself walking around in a tank top at 18 degrees and above. It’s interesting to see how much I’ve adapted, and I can’t help but laugh at myself when I notice these changes.
From Instinct to Structured Professional Development
Before embarking on this journey, I had (or thought I did) a solid foundation in business management with a degree in Business Administration and over ten years of experience in managing and operating my own business. However, my knowledge felt like a grain of sand in the vast ocean—I knew there was still so much to learn. This past year has been an eye-opener in terms of academic enrichment and professional validation. Initially, I relied heavily on instincts and practical experience. While effective, I often questioned if there was a more structured approach to my decision-making processes.
The MBA program has provided the robust frameworks I was seeking, not only to validate and enhance my existing methods but also to expand my business acumen with new strategies. Concepts like Scenario Planning (I know, I’m a bit obsessed with it—I could talk about it all day) have taught me to anticipate various outcomes and think more strategically about the future. Backcasting has helped me start with a clear goal and work backwards to identify the necessary steps. Adopting this approach—viewing challenges through proven frameworks and analysing them critically—has allowed me to connect the dots and recognise patterns more clearly and quickly. As Clayton Christensen, the Harvard Business School professor and father of Disruptive Innovation, suggests, it’s more beneficial for managers and leaders to think through the lens of a framework. By the way, if you’re into strategy, definitely check out his book, The Innovator’s Dilemma.
Strategic Growth: A Journey Beyond Instinct
These frameworks have significantly deepened my understanding and improved my ability to think critically and approach business challenges with confidence. The course has taught me to accept and respect different viewpoints and find pragmatic ways to collaborate while maintaining my integrity. This skill has been invaluable in group projects and everyday interactions, solidifying my confidence in my professional abilities and enriching my approach to business. The internationally recognised MBA qualification from Brunel University London has opened many career doors, boosting my confidence to take on higher roles and greater responsibilities and enabling me to contribute meaningfully to the global business landscape.
Soon, I’ll be embarking on the next chapter of my professional journey, which I’ll share more about in my upcoming blog post. But here’s a sneak peek… Starting this September, I’ll be in Spain for a year-long Traineeship Program at the EUIPO in Alicante. I have many people to thank for their support in helping me make this happen. Exciting times ahead!
Self-Discovery Journey Beyond the MBA Classroom
The MBA program emphasised planning and organisation, skills I’ve integrated into my daily life. Reflective thinking has become a habit, ensuring my actions align with my values and foster ethical decision-making.
Living away from home has been an enriching journey of self-discovery, strengthening my self-confidence and teaching me to hold myself accountable for my choices. Ultimately, we are responsible for the outcomes of our decisions, and it’s important to embrace that responsibility rather than shifting blame onto others.
Success, to me, is about understanding what’s best for myself and thinking independently, free from societal pressures.
Adding to this growth, my part-time job as a Vietnamese interpreter has been incredibly rewarding. It allowed me to explore different places and understand the UK’s social fabric. Whether bridging communication in healthcare settings or assisting social workers, this role has deepened my connection to the community. It’s been a unique way to apply my skills while gaining a deeper appreciation of the diverse society I’m now part of.
Daily interactions with classmates, professors, and various people on campus have been a treasure trove of learning. Everyone has a unique story, and these exchanges have broadened my horizons and enriched my experience.
Final Thoughts: Embracing Growth and Independence
Thank you for making it to (almost) the end of this blog article. My writing reflects my journey, serving as a conversation between my past, present, and future selves. Through this self-dialogue, I hope you find something beneficial, and I encourage you to make it your own. Let my story inspire you to live out your own experience. Don’t compare your growth to others; instead, use them as inspiration and discover your own path. Only then can you truly be free and independent. I would love to learn from you, so feel free to leave a comment or write to me—I’ll get back to you.
As you embark on your journey, I applaud you for embracing personal growth, even when it challenges your comfort zone. Be mindful of the obstacles you might face, but don’t let them scare you (a bit of fear can be healthy). Instead, view these challenges as opportunities for growth. By embracing these experiences, we move closer to becoming the best versions of ourselves.
Finally, learning to enjoy your own company is essential to building self-reliance and confidence. It’s in those moments of solitude that we often find clarity and strength. I wish you all the best and the courage to fully embrace your journey of personal development. Remember, enjoy the process!