2025 MBAs Abroad: United Kingdom

Imagine being far away from home. A different language and peculiar food. You hardly know anyone – and you’re not sure where to go. Everything takes longer and costs more than you expect. All the while, you’re wondering: Did I just make a mistake coming here?

Last summer, Mariana Rocca experienced the same stress and homesickness when she moved from Peru to London. A McKinsey analyst, Rocca took a leap of faith and joined the MBA Class of 2026 at the London Business School. Here, she found diving head-first in activities was the best way for an international student to adapt to a new environment. Rocca became the social officer for both the Student Association and the LATAM Club and headed up logistics for the Women in Business Club’s EQUALL Conference. These roles required Rocca to organize events, a role that enabled her to build goodwill, expand her network, and bring her classmates together. For recreation, she played basketball and touch rugby.

To Rocca, it is natural for international students to feel uncertain when they come to the United Kingdom. After all, she says, everyone is feeling the same way. “It’s easy to arrive and feel the need to pretend you’ve got everything figured out, especially when you’re surrounded by so many talented people who seem to have their lives sorted. Believe me, no one does—and the beauty of this experience is that we all get to learn how to figure it out together.”

MEETING PEOPLE BY TAKING A PERSONAL TOUCH

Like Rocca, many international MBA students bonded over activities. At the Cambridge Judge Business School, Australia’s Elana Mulvay participated in everything from speaker series to fitness classes to formal dinners. At the same time, she expanded her connections by getting involved with the wider university.

“I tried to keep up choir and rowing for my college, and my involvement in the Energy and Environment Special Interest Group (SIG) at Cambridge Judge,” Mulvay tells P&Q. “These three activities, specifically, have allowed me to connect with global students who share similar interests to myself, which has transitioned into great friendships!”

At the University of Glasgow’s Adam Smith Business School, international students approached community-building at a more personal level. Ayushi Sharma, a finance and business development manager from India, made friends by inviting peers over to eat meals and watch sports. Her classmate, Sasinaree Wanyen, took an even more strategic approach that started during the school’s induction week.

“I made the most of the opportunity to meet new people by changing seats every day, allowing me to interact with a diverse group of classmates,” writes Wanyen, a native of Thailand who last worked for Johnson & Johnson. “I make it a point to smile warmly, greet others, and remember their names, creating a friendly and inviting atmosphere. I also ask my classmates to teach me a few simple words in their language, like “hello” and “thank you,” and make an effort to use them in conversations. It’s a wonderful way to break the ice and show my appreciation for their culture.”

Those weren’t the only gestures that Wanyen exercised to start discussions with her classmates. “I enjoy noticing the little details that reflect their personalities, such as cartoon characters they use to decorate their phones, laptops, or keychains,” she adds. “Commenting on these touches often sparks fun conversations and helps us connect over shared interests. Sharing food has also been a meaningful way to bond. I love offering snacks or letting classmates try my lunch box, often filled with local recipes from my home country. It’s a heartfelt way to share a piece of my culture and create a moment of connection.”

A VIEW OF THE WHOLE WORLD

Ask international MBA students about the best part of studying in the United Kingdom and they’ll point to their programs’ diversity. Imperial College’s Dotun Oni, an entrepreneur from Nigeria, notes that his cohort boasts 26 nationalities. At Cambridge Judge, there are 49 countries represented in the class, adds Wesley Hu, an American who previously a strategic operations manager at Uber Technologies. This diversity is also reflected in the coursework, Wu adds.

“The cases we study at Cambridge Judge often include examples from European companies, which is a refreshing change from my undergraduate experience in the USA, where 90% of the case studies focused on American businesses. This diverse representation has given me a deeper understanding of European markets, consumer behaviors, and regulatory environments, which are critical for my aspirations to work in the region post-graduation.”

At London Business School, Mariana Rocca has enjoyed cultural events like Diwali Dance and Ethiopian New York. She also observes that there is a person from each continent in her study group. This diversity, she says, has reinforced the importance of listening and being open to new viewpoints. It also creates another advantage, adds Michal Pyka, Rocca’s classmate and a native of Poland. The wide range of backgrounds of faculty and classmates lends itself to seeing the whole picture across various industries, roles, and issues.

“No matter the topic, there’s always someone who has tackled a similar challenge or brings a unique cultural or professional perspective,” Pyka explains. “These discussions bring business concepts to life and create a truly enriching learning environment.”

Even more, Ayushi Sharma emphasizes that studying in the UK exposes her to the “inner workings” of the UK marketplace. For example, she cites the Adam Smith Business School bringing “industry leaders and experts through workshops, networking, and guest lectures.” And then there is the cultural aspects of the United Kingdom, whose global influence run the gamut: William Shakespeare, John Locke, The Beatles, and Doctor Who. If anything, says Sasinaree Wanyen, such touchpoints can enrich international student life during downtimes.

“Living in a developed country like the UK provides a better quality of life, with clean air, green spaces, and excellent public services,” she asserts. “It’s also an incredible destination for movie and series lovers, with iconic locations featured in productions like Harry Potter, Game of Thrones, Skyfall and Notting Hill. Exploring these famous spots during weekends and holidays adds a magical touch to your experience, letting you immerse yourself in the cultural and cinematic charm of the UK.”

DRAB FOOD AND SOGGY WEATHER?

That’s not to say the transition to UK life is easy for international MBA students. Take food. The best-known dishes – fish and chips, meat pies, roast beef – lack the flashy presentation and zesty seasonings of French and Italian fare. More than that, many are time-consuming to make. Snazy Goley, who grew up in Delhi, India, was accustomed to tangy buttered chicken and sweet jalebis before enrolling at the Birmingham Business School. To adapt, Goley found herself embracing local foods while taking the initiative to explore the intricacies of her native dishes.

“I’ve learned to cook some traditional dishes from my homeland, which has provided a sense of comfort and familiarity. At the same time, I’ve expanded my palate by exploring local cuisines, which has helped me develop an appreciation for British food.”

Another big change involves the weather. Accustomed to Mediterranean cool or Tropical heatwaves? Well, you’d better invest in a coat and umbrella. Picture year-round rain, with mild summers and cold winters (punctuated with an occasional heatwave or snowstorm). It’s cloudy and foggy – rarely extreme and always wet, with the conditions changing by the hour.  The grey skies were quite an adjustment for Birmingham Business School’s Shrimat Joshi, who grew up in northwest India that enjoyed long summers and short winters. To adjust, Joshi was given medication (with Elana Mulvay citing Vitamin D as a must-have). To break through the doldrums, Imperial College’s Sofia Baldomir leaned into her surroundings.

“Adapting to the UK’s weather has been one of the biggest challenges, especially coming from Uruguay, where sunny days and blue skies are the norm,” she admits. “However, the wide range of social activities offered by Imperial and London has made the adjustment easier. I’ve participated in various activities, such as joining the running club, where we explore a different park in London every Sunday. I’ve also attended technology events and visited British pubs and theatres across the city. These experiences have made the transition smoother and have helped me embrace life in the UK.”

SCHOOLS PROVIDE A SAFETY NET

In some cases, the adjustments were driven by the surroundings. In London, Michal Pyka felt overwhelmed by the sheer size, long commutes, and fast pace of London. After living in San Francisco and New York City, Wesley Hu didn’t immediately gel with Cambridge and its pastoral surroundings and centuries-old traditions. In the case of Sasinaree Wanyen, English was a second language, As a result, she sometimes struggled with the “pace, colloquialisms, and nuances of everyday conversations.” However, Waynen quickly found an informal source of support: her classmates.

“Participating in group discussions or networking events often required me to think quickly and express my ideas clearly. Additionally, my classmates were patient and understanding, often repeating themselves or explaining things in simpler terms when needed.”

To further master English, Wanyen took advantage of language support services provided by the Adam Smith Business School. In fact, she credits the school for supplying an array of informational and counseling services to international students.

“They provided me with essential tips, such as information on student discounts, which made managing my budget much easier. Additionally, they recommended local cafes and restaurants, helping me explore the area and feel more at home. They also provided advice on maintaining health in the UK, particularly regarding the colder weather and reduced sunlight…This guidance not only made adapting to life in the UK more enjoyable, but also helped me feel more connected to the local community. These thoughtful recommendations eased my daily life, allowing me to focus more on my studies and less on the challenges of settling into a new environment.”

The University of Glasgow wasn’t alone in catering to the needs of its international MBAs. At the University of Birmingham, there is the Guild of Students, which delivers invitations on everything from theater performances to yoga sessions to small get-togethers says Snazy Goley. At the Cambridge Judge Business School, the MBA Orientation focused heavily on daily activities ranging from opening bank accounts to using public transportation. In the process, says Wesley Hu, the school helped to reduce many of his anxieties. The London Business also integrates a Stream model to help students get accustomed to life in the United Kingdom. Used during the first term, each Stream consists of 85 students who take the same classes together and quickly develop deeper bonds.

“The stream is a mirror of what the whole class looks like in terms of diversity,” explains Mariana Rocca.  “I’ve grown very close to the people in my stream and have truly enjoyed getting to know each of them. It’s been comforting to realize that we are all experiencing similar challenges and fears, whether it’s being far from our families or navigating transitions into new careers. As a result, we are all keen to help and keep each other company. For me, the relationships I have formed and knowing that I have good friends who I can rely on makes me feel at home.”

Next Page: Profiles of 12 International MBA Students Studying in Great Britain