Hi everyone, I am Angelina, I am originally from Belarus, and this September I moved to Manchester to pursue a 1-year Masters of Science degree in International Business and Management course at the Alliance Manchester Business School (AMBS). Having completed my Undergraduate studies in the United States, with exchange programs in Singapore and South Africa, as well as a Semester at Sea experience visiting 12 countries across three continents, I was eager to step out of my comfort zone once again. Manchester was a leap into the unknown, but the city gave me a warm welcome with an unusual amount of sunshine and countless opportunities to connect and grow.

As a 1-year Master’s student, I felt the need to make the most of every day I get here, so I really tried doing it all from day one. My first semester at AMBS has been a whirlwind of learning, growth, and connection. Balancing classes, a part-time job, extracurricular activities, and graduate scheme applications has taught me the importance of time management and adaptability. From the induction week, AMBS provided so many resources and opportunities to get involved in projects that match my interests, in and outside the classroom. I signed up for different clubs and societies to have a mix of commitments that would develop my passions but also the ones where I can try something completely new, from joining the Management Society for professional development to going on trips and exploring the UK with the International Society.

One of my primary goals in pursuing the Master’s program was to expand my professional network. While I came in expecting to meet people from diverse backgrounds, reality turned out to be even better. I have coursemates from over 20 countries, whose diverse stories provide first-hand insights into the international business ventures we discuss in class. There are also exchange students joining our classes just for one semester, further increasing our exposure to cultures from around the world. The diversity of the course is also great to connect with aspiring global leaders from all over the globe, and I feel like my lectures and seminars, with all the presentations and discussions, are preparing me well to enter the ever-changing globalised world and be a successful professional, managing people from diverse backgrounds.

One of the things I love the most about AMBS is how easy it is to feel at home here, which is especially important as an international student when home is far away. My favourite study spot is in the chairs overlooking Oxford Road — you get plenty of natural light and a great city view to keep you motivated. During breaks between lectures, I grab lunch from the Hive Cafe and spend time with friends at the Cozy Campus room. Whenever I need advice regarding my job applications, I can just book a 1-1 appointment with personalised Postgraduate AMBS Careers Service that are always there to help. These little things make all the difference, turning AMBS into a home away from home.

Overall, the first semester at AMBS was filled with meeting new people, learning a lot in and outside the classroom, attending societies’ events, and exploring the beautiful Manchester.

If you’re considering studying at AMBS, my advice is to go all in — embrace the challenges, seize the opportunities, and enjoy every moment of the journey.

Written by Angelina, current MSc International Business and Management student at AMBS

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