I still remember walking to the Garthdee campus on my first day. The street was tranquil, surrounded significantly by nature, a stark contrast to what I knew.
The campus area was spacious, with modern buildings set among green parkland stretching towards the River Dee. Everything felt so quiet, so open. It was nothing like the crowded, bustling atmosphere of Ho Chi Minh City I’d left behind just days earlier. I pulled my jacket tighter; my thin Vietnamese coat was no match for the Aberdeen wind, and I wondered if I’d made the right decision.
Four months later, I can confidently say that choosing to study Business with Financial Management at Robert Gordon University has been one of the most transformative decisions of my life.
The Decision to Study Abroad
The idea of studying abroad first took root during my final year of high school in Vietnam. I wanted to broaden my horizons and immerse myself in different cultures from around the world. I knew that the classroom could teach me business theories, but only by living and studying internationally could I truly understand diverse perspectives, work with people from different backgrounds, and develop the global mindset that today’s business world demands.
Beyond academics, I wanted to challenge myself to step out of my comfort zone, become more independent, and build resilience by navigating life in a completely new environment. I also saw it as an opportunity to improve my English in a native-speaking country and gain international qualifications that would enhance my career prospects. The UK’s reputation for excellent business education, combined with its multicultural student environment, made it an ideal choice for this journey of personal and academic growth.
Choosing Aberdeen specifically wasn’t random. While many of my classmates aimed for London or Manchester, I was drawn to Aberdeen for different reasons. The city offered a unique blend; it’s international and business-focused, yet more affordable and manageable than larger UK cities.
Robert Gordon University’s reputation for graduate employability and its strong industry connections made it an ideal choice. The Aberdeen Business School offered exactly what I was looking for: a rigorous academic programme with real-world applications and direct links to major companies. The course structure, which combined core business principles with specialised financial management modules, aligned perfectly with my career aspirations of working in corporate finance or investment banking.
Of course, the decision wasn’t easy. My parents were supportive but concerned about the distance and the cost. My friends couldn’t understand why I’d choose a city they’d never heard of over more famous destinations. There were moments of doubt, could I really thrive in a country where I’d never been, in a language that wasn’t my mother tongue, studying subjects that would push me academically? But deep down, I knew that growth happens outside our comfort zones.
Navigating a new world
Nothing quite prepares you for the reality of moving to a different country until you’re living it. My first week in Aberdeen was a whirlwind of new experiences. The weather was the most immediate shock. September in Vietnam means warm sunshine and occasional rain; September in Scotland means layers, waterproof and windproof jackets.
I’ll never forget my first trip to ASDA, completely overwhelmed by choices and British brands I’d never seen before and spending an hour browsing products. But the cultural adjustments went beyond weather and shopping.
In Vietnam, our education system emphasises memorisation and respect for authority in the classroom. Here, I was suddenly expected to challenge ideas, engage in debates, and think critically about everything. The first time a lecturer asked, “What do you think?” I was stunned. Wasn’t he the expert? This shift from passive to active learning was initially uncomfortable but ultimately liberating, demonstrating that students are encouraged to debate and engage with the professor to figure out the right answers themselves. I learned that questioning isn’t disrespectful; it’s how we deepen our understanding.
Aberdeen is not a loud city, and that became one of its strengths for me. The calm environment allowed me to focus, reflect, and build routines. Living independently taught me practical life skills, budgeting, time management, and self-discipline.
Being an international student also meant learning to navigate loneliness. There were days when I missed home deeply. However, those moments taught me resilience. Slowly, I built connections with classmates, lecturers, and friends from different countries. These relationships reminded me that everyone is adapting in their own way. Some of the most meaningful learning happened outside the classroom, through conversations that challenged my assumptions and broadened my worldview.
Making friends at RGU has been one of the most rewarding aspects of my journey. Initially, I worried about connecting with others; would language barriers hold me back? Would I fit in? But those fears quickly dissolved. Through group discussion, I’ve built friendships with students from Ghana, Nigeria, India, and beyond. These friendships have enriched my experience immeasurably, from studying for exams, exploring Aberdeen, to going to Edinburgh on break. They’ve taught me that friendship transcends cultural boundaries and that some of the best connections come from the most unexpected places.
My Academic Journey
The academic experience has been both challenging and rewarding. The MSc Business with Financial Management course is rigorous, covering everything from financial accounting and corporate finance to strategic management and business analytics. What sets it apart is the practical application; we don’t just learn theories; we apply them to real case studies.
The group projects have been invaluable, working with students from Scotland, Nigeria, Ghana, and beyond. These collaborations taught me more than any textbook could about cross-cultural communication, different business perspectives, and the importance of diversity in problem-solving. Initially, I was hesitant to speak up, worried about my English or whether my ideas were valid. However, as I gradually gained confidence through encouragement from my teammates and positive feedback from tutors, I began to contribute more actively.
The biggest academic hurdle was developing my critical writing and analytical skills. Vietnamese education prepared me well for exams, but constructing arguments, synthesising multiple sources, and presenting original analysis in English required intensive effort. Countless hours in the library, sessions with academic support services, and patient feedback from tutors gradually built my confidence and competence. RGU’s focus on employability and practical skills meant every assignment felt relevant to my future career.
Looking Back and Forward
This journey has transformed me in ways I’m still discovering. I’ve become more independent, confident, and globally minded. I’ve learned to manage finances across currencies, cook Vietnamese food from limited ingredients, and navigate visa regulations. But more importantly, I’ve learned to embrace uncertainty, seek out diverse perspectives, and see challenges as opportunities for growth.
For Vietnamese students considering studying abroad, my advice is simple: do it, but do it thoughtfully. Research your destination and course thoroughly. Don’t just follow the crowd to famous cities; sometimes the best opportunities are in unexpected places. Be prepared for homesickness, cultural confusion, and academic challenges, but know that these difficulties are temporary and surmountable. Stay connected to your roots while embracing new experiences. Your Vietnamese identity and perspective are assets, not limitations.
Thanh Nam
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