Journey of an International Student: My journey from Kerala to an MBA school in UK
Life of an International Student: Ever since I was a child growing up in Thalassery, Kerala, I have had an undeniable curiosity about the world beyond my hometown. Nestled along the coast, my school, St Joseph’s Higher Secondary, boasts a history that stretched back to the 16th century. Surrounded by the remnants of British and Portuguese influences — old churches, colonial buildings, and the imposing Fort of Tipu Sultan — I often wondered about the lands these cultures came from. My fascination with British culture only grew stronger as I immersed myself in shows like Doctor Who, Monty Python, and the sharp wit of Stephen Fry.
However, my journey toward studying abroad wasn’t just driven by a love for history or television. As I pursued my undergraduate degree in Electronics and Communications at the College of Engineering in Thalassery, I began to realise that I wanted more — more exposure, more global perspectives, and a more hands-on approach to education. That’s when I set my sights on an MBA in the UK. Sheffield University Management School’s Triple Crown accreditation sealed the deal for me, and with my cousin — a proud Sheffield alumnus — vouching for its excellence, I knew it was the right choice.
The application process, though structured, was overwhelming at times. Fortunately, I sought guidance from an external counselor who helped me streamline everything — transcripts, resumes, references, and financial documentation. The process was smooth, and before I knew it, I was on my way to the UK, ready to embark on an entirely new chapter of my life.
Arriving in Sheffield felt like stepping into a different world. Though I had lived independently before, adjusting to student life again — after years of corporate work — was a challenge.
Budgeting became a new reality, and Asda and Aldi quickly became my go-to grocery stores. The residents in Yorkshire were incredibly warm, often ending conversations with a cheerful “luv,” making me feel welcome in this new land.
My first week at university was a whirlwind of introductions, orientations, and settling into a new rhythm. I made friends on my very first day, forming connections that would last far beyond my time at Sheffield. Unlike the theory-heavy approach in India, education here was interactive and hands-on. Professors encouraged us to take the initiative, think critically, and apply our knowledge in real-world scenarios. The London Career Safari, live consulting projects, and business challenges made learning an exciting, immersive experience rather than just classroom lectures.
Story continues below this ad
Arjun Nair with Dr Sabrina Thornton, MBA Programme Director
Balancing my studies and living expenses meant taking up a part-time job. I worked night shifts at the historic Crowne Plaza Hotel from 11 pm to 7 am, sometimes heading straight to lectures after a long shift. It was tough, but my experience as a night owl helped me adjust. I earned the standard minimum wage there, which was £10.42 per hour, which helped offset some of the expenses.
Besides, I did some freelancing work related to my previous career, and I relied on my savings to cover the rest. It wasn’t a complete financial solution, but combining these efforts made managing the cost of living more feasible during my MBA journey.
‘Gained new perspectives, independence and adaptability’
Studying abroad transformed my outlook on life. Immersed in Sheffield’s diverse environment, I gained new perspectives, independence, and adaptability. The hands-on learning approach pushed me to be proactive, while networking and personal growth became essential skills. Unlike structured placement drives back home, I learned to seek opportunities, build connections, and carve my career path.
Arjun Nair with friends
A major shift I noticed was in work-life balance and mentorship. My colleagues have been incredibly supportive, easing my transition from software to scientific instrumentation. Their guidance helped me navigate the learning curve, and exposure to world-class neuroscience labs across the UK and beyond has been an experience I never imagined.
Story continues below this ad
I also observed a difference in how feedback is delivered. While the British are polite, their candid and constructive criticism fostered my professional growth without discouragement. This culture of open dialogue made me more receptive to improvement. Looking back, my time at Sheffield shaped not just my career but also my resilience, adaptability, and appreciation for meaningful connections.
Securing my role at Scientifica
During my MBA, two key projects shaped my career. The Individual MBA Challenge involved collaborating with a media company, conducting a marketing audit, and analyzing customer data. This refined my strategic thinking and data-driven decision-making.
In the 60-Hour Business Project with Grobotic Systems, I worked as a product strategist, conducting customer interviews to inform our product strategy. This marked my transition from software to scientific equipment manufacturing. Understanding customer feedback and market needs, especially in vertical farming technology, proved invaluable in securing my role at Scientifica, a web research journal, as product head.
During interviews, I showcased how these projects equipped me with skills in customer research, product strategy, and market analysis — precisely what Scientifica sought in a Head of Product Development. This alignment was instrumental in landing my role and continues to shape my work in scientific instrumentation.
Story continues below this ad
(This letter is part of a series by The Indian Express where we bring to you the experiences of students at different foreign universities. From scholarships and loans to food and cultural experiences — students tell us how life is different in those countries and things they are learning other than academics)
link
