Yashi Wu
BA (Hons) Business and Management, 2020
China
Be courageous and strive to get out of your comfort zone to learn about people from different places and backgrounds.”
Ever since I was a child, I dreamt of seeing the world beyond China. Learning English and discovering foreign cultures sparked my curiosity, and I longed to experience life abroad. While studying Business English at Guangdong University of Technology, I discovered a partnership with UWE Bristol that offered students the chance to complete a top-up year in Business and Management in the UK. Out of nearly 200 eligible students in 2019, I was the only one who chose to take this path. For me, it was more than just a programme — it was an opportunity to broaden my horizons, immerse myself in a new culture, and challenge myself in ways I had never imagined.
Of course, I had doubts. UWE wasn’t well known in China, and I worried about adapting to a new environment on my own. Would my English be good enough? Would teachers and classmates be patient with me? Still, I wanted to step outside the “frog in a well” perspective described in a Chinese saying and see more of the world.
The university supported me from the very beginning, even awarding me a £3,000 scholarship. My parents were surprised by my decision to study abroad during my undergraduate years rather than waiting for a master’s, but I felt it would be easier to adapt gradually to a new academic system.
Before travelling, I connected online with other Chinese students heading to UWE so we could fly together. Even so, it felt like a huge adventure — the UK was only the second foreign country I had ever visited and my first time in the West.
Arriving early for a pre-sessional course helped me settle in and meet new people. At first, I was nervous about speaking English with native speakers, but I pushed myself to practise — asking supermarket staff for help, chatting with international classmates, and joining an international student centre in Bristol. Through the centre, I met a local host family who welcomed me into their lives. We shared meals, celebrated Christmas together, and stayed close even after I graduated. They became like family to me.
The teaching style at UWE was unlike anything I had experienced in China. Tutorials encouraged discussion and teamwork, while lectures demanded independent preparation. Academic writing was tough at first — referencing and essay structure felt overwhelming — but with persistence and guidance from my teachers, I improved. My dissertation supervisor was especially supportive during the Covid lockdowns, and with their encouragement I eventually graduated with First-Class Honours, a moment of immense pride.
Life outside the classroom was just as enriching. I joined the Hiking Club, explored Bristol’s countryside, and travelled to cities like Oxford, Bath, Birmingham, and Cardiff. Each trip brought new friendships and cultural experiences, making my time in the UK unforgettable.
After graduation, I returned to Guangdong and worked as an executive assistant at a listed company. My UWE degree opened doors, allowing me to use both my business knowledge and English skills. Later, I returned to the UK to pursue a master’s in public policy, eager to understand how the public and private sectors interact.
Looking back, I would encourage other Chinese students to embrace local culture rather than staying only within Chinese communities. Practising English, being open-minded, and stepping outside your comfort zone can build confidence and create meaningful cross-cultural connections. Those experiences don’t just enrich your studies, they make life more colourful and rewarding.
