I have tonnes to talk about on my CV, which will help when applying for graduate jobs.

Why did you choose to study the BA International Business Management with Study Abroad at Sheffield? 

This course stood out to me as it gave me an option of doing both a year abroad and a placement, which I thought to be the best option out of all the universities I applied to. It is a very unique course in this way and provides an unforgettable experience. Despite not even completing my degree yet, I have tonnes to talk about on my CV, which will hopefully help when applying for graduate jobs!

How did you decide where you wanted to go on your year abroad? 

I initially knew I wanted to go somewhere far, so outside of Europe! I had a wide range in my shortlisted options (USA, Canada, Singapore, New Zealand), and made the decision of Singapore as I had never been on that side of the world before and thought it would be a great opportunity for me to explore and experience a new culture. Being English-speaking was a plus! Although Singapore is a small country it's a hub, so it is very easy to travel to other countries in the region. It also seemed like a great option for studying international business when looking at the growing economy of the country. What's more, Nanyang Technological University (NTU) is one of the top universities in Asia.

How did you adapt to life in a different country? 

Having other people around to support me helped most! There were many exchange students going to NTU and I managed to have a great group of friends who were all in the same boat. This meant when we first arrived there were a lot of people looking to buy basic essentials and settle in, which made it a lot easier to connect with others. Interacting with locals can really help you adapt as they know the place. They can provide recommendations and insights, which will make adapting to living in a different country easier. Also, do your research before setting off to make sure you're prepared.

What was your experience of undertaking a placement? 

I am completing my placement at Prysmian in Wrexham, in a Sales and Customer Development role. I found the opportunity I had applied for through the Careers Service newsletter, so make sure you sign up and keep checking for any opportunities that may interest you! The original opportunity I had applied for had been filled after I had interviewed but they offered me an interview for another role in the company, as they felt I had great potential and that is the role I am in now.

I also utilised other services offered by the Sheffield University Management School (SUMS) employability team and received feedback on my CV and advice from the SUMS Placement Officer when I was struggling with decisions. My placement so far has been a great experience. The first two months felt like a lot of learning and I was quite nervous at first about how I would keep up, but now I feel I am much more used to it and my confidence is building every day. 

What were your top three highlights whilst studying abroad? 

1. Making lifelong friends
I connected with so many people from around the world and I learnt a lot from them.

2. Immersing myself into another culture
Singapore is a very multicultural country but seeing how the diverse environment shapes Singaporeans actions and mindsets into their own unique culture was very interesting, and being a part of it during my studies really expanded my horizons. 

3. Travelling around South East Asia and East Asia
I went to many places in between and around my studies, which was simply just amazing! Too tricky to choose one trip in particular because they were all so amazing but the most unique things I did were climbing a volcano; camping and trekking in the Indonesian jungle; motorcycle touring the north of Vietnam; and taking a 12 hour train to see the lantern festival in Thailand.

What did you gain from your year abroad and placement that might help in your future career? 

Having gone through three very different experiences in three years has built up my ability to adapt quickly in different environments, which I believe has made it much easier for me to transfer that in any context. My network has grown massively since my first year in Sheffield as I have connected with many people around the world on my year abroad and locally from my placement, which will be of much help when looking for job opportunities in the future. My placement has given me a significant insight into working life, as I am not treated like a student but as any other colleague, and I am glad to have applied the skills and knowledge I learnt whilst abroad and in the classroom in a practical context.

What would you say to someone who was unsure about spending a period of time studying abroad? 

It's an incredible opportunity to gain invaluable experiences. It will lead you to learning so much about other places and cultures, as well as more about yourself!

What is the one thing you wish you'd known before you left? 

Jump right in and make the most of it! The time will fly by and before you know it, you'll be coming home.