I studied at Northumbria University during the first semester of the academic year 2018/2019.
Finance and Investment Management.
When I was 15 years old, I spent a year living with a host family in the USA. During this time, I visited the local High School and experienced all of the social and academic benefits of studying abroad. Thus, I never really had to decide “whether” I want to study abroad or not. I only had to solve the “how”. However, to answer this question more precisely, there are of course some more specific intrinsic and extrinsic motivators.
On the one hand, I wanted to expand my personal horizon, learn more about other cultures and desired to compare my foreign experiences to another English-speaking country. Once again, I wanted to get away from my well-known homeland (and out of my comfort zone) to meet people from many different countries with their very own cultural backgrounds, to collect memories and make lifelong friendships.
On the other hand, I wanted to expand my knowledge and improve my academic as well as my practical skills at a globally respected business school. Last but not least, also to differentiate myself from the mass of business students in the competitive work environment.
Northumbria University is one of my home institution’s most longstanding partners and enjoys a very good reputation among former international students and our alumni. The University’s vision to be research-rich, business focused and globally known for academic excellence appealed greatly to me, as I am constantly striving to merge theory with practice and seek to apply my theoretical knowledge in a day-to-day business context. Due to its size, the modern campus, the diversity of nationalities amongst the students and its outstanding location in Newcastle upon Tyne (which allows for amazing short trips to Scotland, the coast or the lake district for instance), Northumbria University seemed - and turned out - to be a fantastic choice for me.
Although this may not be the standard answer, I have to admit that I really enjoyed spending time at the Business School's Bloomberg Lab - one of Northumbria University's key differentiators. Apart from the academic aspects, I definitely miss the great (karaoke) nights at the university's Habita bar. Something an international student should not miss!
Compared to living in Germany (Frankfurt), the cost of living in Newcastle is in my opinion somewhat higher. However, most staple foods and daily necessities are priced affordably. Ultimately, everything depends on the personal lifestyle and the (very subjective) standard of comparison.
As I am currently working in the industry, I can already report and confirm that much of my experience at Northumbria provides significant value for my future and current career. I will definitely take this experience into account when choosing a Master's programme in the future. From a more practical perspective, however, I use the knowledge and experience I gathered in Northumbria to solve everyday business problems. Thus, while trying to exert a positive influence on business and society, I am ultimately using my experience to take on tomorrow.
If you are looking for an exciting semester abroad that meets the highest academic standards and allows you to broaden your social and cultural horizons, Northumbria is definitely your go-to university!
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