Embarking on a postgraduate degree as an international student at AMBS is a transformative journey for me. During my time in Manchester, I have found massive exposure to both academic knowledge and rich cultural experience. It is one of the best decisions I have made so far which provides an opportunity to shape my professional future and personal growth during this year of study.

One of the most significant advantages of pursuing a Postgraduate degree as an international student at The University of Manchester is the exposure to diverse perspectives. Students studying at AMBS come from different parts of the world, backgrounds, and experiences. Interacting with classmates enriches discussions, fosters critical thinking, and broadens my understanding of different cultures. This is crucial to one’s future development as such experiences enable students to develop their communication and problem-solving skills, which is beneficial to personal growth and career. It also encourages the development of a global mindset, a crucial skill in today’s interconnected world.

Living in a foreign country also offers a chance to develop resilience and adaptability. It is very different between travelling and living abroad, even if that is a destination which you familiarise with. Studying abroad provides you with a once-in-a-lifetime experience to live in a place which has a different culture, language, and lifestyle from your home country. Such experience enables students to develop a sense of independence and self-reliance. At the same time, overcoming language barriers and cultural differences fosters a level of resourcefulness that is invaluable not only in academia but in life.

However, the language barrier is one of the most worrying issues when deciding to pursue study overseas. Even if they pass the language requirements or attend language classes before departing to another country, students may feel uncomfortable talking to other people in a language that is not their native tongue. To better assimilate into another country and culture, you need to be brave to speak up to improve yourself. The more you try, the sooner you can overcome the barrier. This can also improve your language ability which enables you to stand out from the crowd during job hunting in the future.

Another consideration is finances. International students often face higher tuition fees and additional expenses related to accommodation, visa requirements, and health insurance, even for those who are scholarship holders. There are different part-time and casual working opportunities around and near the school campus which can alleviate some of the financial burden, but careful financial planning is essential.

Although there are lots of challenges and considerations when studying overseas, the benefits of studying for a postgraduate degree as an international student far outweigh the drawbacks. The experiences offered and challenges faced are beneficial to one’s personal and career growth. Therefore, gaining access to overseas postgraduate study is an investment that shapes your personal and career growth.

Written by Cyrus, current MSc Business Analysis and Strategic Management student at AMBS

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