Chuandong Li
BA (Hons) Business Management
with Accounting and Finance, 2021
China
Many of the local students and assistants were so willing to help us international students, leaving me with a warm feeling toward UWE life.”
I was first inspired to study abroad by one of my father’s friends, who earned a master’s degree at Lancaster University in the UK and later became a partner at a major accounting firm. His experience motivated me to pursue higher education in the UK as a way to broaden my horizons and gain an internationally recognised degree. I also wanted to meet people from different countries, understand diverse perspectives, and learn how to collaborate with others, skills I believed would be valuable in my future career.
At Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, there was a joint programme that allowed students to begin their studies in China and complete their degree at UWE Bristol. After hearing many positive accounts from students who had attended UWE, I decided to apply. The process was smooth, and before long, I was preparing to spend two years studying in the UK.
One of the biggest challenges I faced was adapting to spoken English. In my first lesson at UWE, the lecturer spoke so quickly that I was taken aback. At first, it was difficult and nerve-racking to follow people speaking at a natural pace. However, being immersed in an English-speaking environment gradually improved my listening and communication skills. The university also provided English support classes and assistance with practical matters such as registration, while local students and staff were always patient and willing to help international students settle in.
Although my conversational ability was still developing, I made every effort to communicate in English with British and European classmates. At the same time, I naturally spoke Chinese with friends from my home country, especially those living with me in student accommodation. Outside of class, joining the UWE fencing club helped me make more friends and gain confidence. It was my first experience of fencing, and I enjoyed both the sport and the friendly atmosphere. The club members were very supportive and often slowed down their speech so that I could follow conversations more easily.
My teachers at UWE were kind, patient, and encouraging. During my dissertation, I was required to collect primary data rather than rely on secondary sources, which was challenging. I interviewed the owner of a company about cash flow information as part of my research, and my lecturer guided me throughout the process. Thanks to this support, I achieved a strong result in the end.
I also enjoyed living in Bristol. The city had clean air, a pleasant environment, and many interesting places to visit. Although the winter was colder than I was used to in Guangdong, I enjoyed exploring the city on foot and travelling at weekends.
After graduating, I returned to China and applied for a position at one of the Big Four accounting firms. During the interview process, I was required to communicate in English, and my experience studying at UWE gave me the confidence and language ability to succeed. I later received a conditional offer as an auditor.
Studying abroad taught me not only English skills, but also how to collaborate with others and step outside my comfort zone. Looking back, I am very glad that I chose to study at UWE Bristol.
