Studying abroad gives you experiences, friendships and confidence that you simply can’t get at home.
Dina Kosnikovska
Year abroad in Singapore
BA International Business Management with Study Abroad
Dina developed her confidence, knowledge and skills during a year abroad in Singapore, as part of the BA International Business Management with Study Abroad.
Why did you choose to study this course?
I chose the BA International Business Management because I’ve always been interested in how organisations operate across borders and how culture shapes the way businesses communicate, market and grow. The course felt like the perfect blend of strategy, marketing and global awareness. I also knew I wanted the opportunity to study abroad, and this degree allowed me to build real international experience into my studies. The strong emphasis on employability at Sheffield, along with opportunities to study abroad and complete a placement year, made it the ideal fit.
How did you decide where you wanted to go on your year abroad?
I wanted to be somewhere that pushed me completely out of my comfort zone, both culturally and professionally. Singapore stood out because of its diversity, safety and reputation as a global business hub in Asia. It offered the perfect blend of English-speaking accessibility and exposure to entirely new perspectives. I was also excited by the chance to travel around Southeast Asia and learn in a region I had never experienced before. Studying at Nanyang Technological University (NTU), one of Asia’s top universities, was also a huge attraction.
How did you adapt to life in a different country?
I adapted by fully throwing myself into the experience; joining student events, saying yes to new social opportunities and exploring the city as much as possible. Learning the small everyday things, like navigating public transport or trying new foods, helped me settle in quickly. I also made friends from all over the world, which made Singapore feel like home much faster than I expected.
What was your experience of undertaking a placement?
My placement at The PR Salon in Singapore was one of the most defining experiences of my degree. I worked in influencer marketing and content creation for food and beverage brands, supporting campaigns like the Singapore Food Festival. I learned how fast-paced the industry is, how to communicate with clients, and how to work within diverse teams. It gave me hands-on marketing experience, improved my time management, and helped me understand what kind of career environment motivates me.
What were your top three highlights whilst studying abroad?
- Travelling across East/Southeast Asia - from Vietnam to Bali to Japan, and exploring new cultures with friends from all over the world.
- Working on real influencer marketing campaigns - creating content that reached thousands and even meeting well-known Singaporean influencers through my placement, which made the experience even more exciting and motivating.
- Experiencing daily life in Singapore - the food, the people, the sunsets at Marina Bay, the mix of cultures and the feeling of independence that comes with living abroad.
What did you gain from your year abroad and placement that might help in your future career?
I gained cultural intelligence, confidence and the ability to quickly adapt to new environments, skills that are essential for a global career in marketing. Professionally, I developed practical experience in digital marketing, influencer outreach and content strategy. Personally, I grew more resilient, independent and comfortable stepping out of my comfort zone. These experiences have strengthened my ambition to pursue a marketing career internationally.
What would you say to someone who was unsure about spending a period of time studying abroad?
I would say just go for it. It’s the best decision I’ve ever made during university. You don’t grow by staying comfortable, and studying abroad gives you experiences, friendships and confidence that you simply can’t get at home. Even if you feel nervous, the support you receive from Sheffield and your host university makes the transition so much easier, and you return with a completely new perspective on yourself and the world.
What is the one thing you wish you'd known before you left?
I wish I’d known how quickly the year would fly by. I would have worried less, said “yes” even more, and taken every possible opportunity from the beginning. You don’t realise how much you’ll grow until you’re already back home.
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