Embarking on a new and unfamiliar academic journey in a foreign land is truly exhilarating. As an international student, my first semester of pursuing a Masters degree involved a gradual process of adaptation, mainly due to the significant differences between the educational approaches in the United Kingdom and what I was accustomed to in China.

The most striking contrast I experienced was the level of student engagement in the classroom. In China, the traditional teaching model primarily involves the instructor imparting knowledge during lectures, while students are expected to listen and take notes. However, at the University of Manchester, the classroom experience encompasses a variety of teaching styles beyond lectures, including seminar, workshop and so on. This means that I need to actively participate in class discussions, express my own viewpoints, and engage in meaningful interactions with both professors and fellow students. Additionally, at the end of the semester, besides examinations, we are required to give presentations together with group members. These activities demand the transformation of passive input into active output, presenting a considerable challenge for me.

Fortunately, I have encountered kind-hearted teachers and classmates. In the “Assurance and Credible Corporate Reporting” course, Professor Chris always patiently encourages students to speak and affirms their contributions. This greatly boosted my confidence and motivated me to engage in original and critical thinking. I believe this mode of thinking is a gift from the University of Manchester that will benefit me for a lifetime.

Now I have fully adapted to studying and living in Manchester. I wake up at 8 o’clock every morning, leisurely walk along Oxford Road to AMBS to start my day of learning at 9. In the classroom, I engage in enjoyable intellectual discussions with my classmates. After class, I sometimes socialize with friends to relax, and other times, I return to my apartment to prepare a delicious meal for myself. Before going to bed, I review and summarize the day’s class content. I thoroughly enjoy this way of life. Oh, and living in Manchester, please always remember to keep an umbrella in your bag, as the weather is quite unpredictable.

To make the most of this academic year, I have set the following plans for myself:

1. Make good use of the resources provided by the university, such as interacting with professors and fellow students, attending various lectures to stay updated on the latest industry developments. At the same time, I will make frequent visits to the university and AMBS libraries, drawing insights from their extensive collections of books and literature to enrich my understanding.

2. Prepare for my job search by utilizing the Career Service to clarify my career direction, learn how to craft a CV and cover letter, and develop strong interview skills. I hope to leverage the Career Service’s platform and my own efforts to secure an ideal position in the accounting and finance field in London, a prominent financial hub, applying the business knowledge I’ve learned from textbooks into practical situations.

3. In Manchester, we can encounter people from diverse racial and cultural backgrounds, making it an open and inclusive city. I also aspire to broaden my international perspective, make friends from different cultures, explore more diverse ways of thinking, and uncover additional possibilities during my time here.

4. Explore the city of Manchester and various regions of the UK to delve into the country’s rich history and experience its breath-taking natural landscapes. So far, I have visited the bustling international metropolis of London and the serene city of York, both of which left a profound impression on me, heightening my anticipation for future exploration adventures.

Written by Ke, current MSc Accounting student at AMBS

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