2025 MBAs Abroad: United Kingdom

OVERCOMING VISA ISSUES

Along with adapting to UK logistics and academic demands, the Graduate VISA process ranks among the biggest hurdles facing international MBAs. Wesley Hu specifies the difficulty in finding a company sponsor as one issue. This difficulty is compounded by the VISA fee, which Sasinaree Wanyen describes as a “financial strain” for already-strapped international students. To navigate the process, Wanyen has leveraged resources at the Adam Smith Business School.

“I scheduled one-on-one discussions with the administration team to share my background and career aspirations. These meetings provided personalized guidance on aligning my skills with potential job opportunities and navigating the job market. The university’s Professional Development and Employability sessions also helped me improve my CV, enhance my LinkedIn profile, and develop strategies for approaching employers effectively. Additionally, I’ve been actively building my professional network through events, workshops, and online platforms like LinkedIn.”

In contrast, Imperial College’s Dotun Oni has been growing his startup venture to qualify for a Global Talent VISA. “This requires building a strong case to demonstrate my qualifications as global talent, which I’ve been working towards with the launch of my company’s new web app. By developing and presenting a digital working product and highlighting the impact of my work, I aim to make a compelling case for my eligibility.”

A DIFFERENT WAY OF COMMUNICATING

Alas, some adjustments carry a whimsical bent. Look no further than the British sense of humor. Call it what you will – self-deprecating, absurdist, restrained, and dry. In the end, British humor and its droll delivery takes time to appreciate, even if it is more subdued than exaggerated Monty Python Black Knight or Ministry of Silly Walks skits.

“It’s fascinating how humor is seamlessly woven into everyday conversations, even in professional settings, explains Birmingham Business School’s Shrimat Joshi. “This lighthearted approach to communication fosters a sense of approachability and camaraderie, which I find refreshing and effective in breaking the ice.”

This sense of humor is an extension of the British communication style. Maya Tanous, who came to the University of Oxford’s Saïd Business School from Israel, describes Britons as “polite and considerate” – almost to a fault. Ayushi Sharma is accustomed to regularly hearing phrases like “sorry” or excuse me.” Even more, she is sometimes stunned by how patient Britons can be, whether it is waiting their turn in line or downplaying embarrassing situations.

“I recall an instance where, after a minor car accident, the elderly driver simply smiled and reassured the younger driver, saying, “It’s okay, it’s just a soft hit,” Sharma writes.

That said, British understatement and indirectness can confuse international students who are accustomed to more blunt communication. Just ask Michal Pyka, who was comfortable with speaking his mind in Eastern Europe. That resulted in a bit of a culture shock when he arrived in London.

“People in the UK value politeness, sometimes at the expense of getting the message across. This is particularly noticeable when giving or receiving feedback—it can take time to interpret the subtle meanings behind seemingly mild phrases. For instance, being told you’re doing “quite alright” is rarely a reason to celebrate.”

PUB CULTURE

The Saïd Business School’s Aisha Raheem also grew accustomed to a direct style in Nigeria. For her, studying in Great Britain provides a daily refresher on the importance of recognizing context and nuance – and being respectful and courteous in every interaction.

“[The British approach] has taught me the importance of adapting my style for clearer collaboration. As I advance in my academic and professional experiences, soft skills are increasingly more important than technical skills.”

That said, you can throw some of these qualities out the window in British ‘pub culture’ – with the drinking hole being the spot where locals drop their guard and unwind over spirits and snacks.

“Going to the pub is a big part of people’s lives in the UK, and essential for catching up with friends and family, watching sport, or simply enjoying life when there is nothing else to do,” observes Elana Mulvay.  “Pub food is also important, and I am slowly making my way through trying the whole traditional menu. My favorite pub food experience was having a Sunday roast.”

ADVICE TO INTERNATIONAL MBA STUDENTS

What advice do current international MBA students have for applicants hoping to land a spot in a British business school? Wesley Hu, for one, recommends new activities like cricket or rowing to make friends. Along the same lines, Mariana Rocca urges students to say ‘Yes’ to all the opportunities – particularly in a large metro like London.

“[It] offers incredible opportunities to connect with people from all over the world, and it’s up to you to leverage the city to organize fun activities with the amazing new people you’ll meet. Yes, it’s far from home, it’s scary, and sometimes emotionally draining, but remember the majority of your classmates are going through this too. You will find your tribe, the people who will help you along this journey.”

On a more practical note, Michal Pyka cautions international MBA to never forget to dress like a local. “I’d recommend investing in a sturdy rain jacket and a good pair of boots—you’ll need them to explore London, often accompanied by a light drizzle!”

Click on the MBA student links below to learn more on how they overcome their toughest challenges in moving to the United Kingdom for business schools and the advice they’d give to candidates hoping to follow in their path. 

MBA Student	Business School	Home Country	Last Employer
Snazy Goley	Birmingham University	Delhi, India	GroupM
Shrimat Joshi	Birmingham University	Jaipur, India	Entrepreneur (Construction and Mining)
Wesley Hu	Cambridge Judge Business School	San Francisco, CA	Uber Technologies
Elana Mulvay	Cambridge Judge Business School	Perth, Australia	BHP
Ayushi Sharma	University of Glasgow (Smith)	Khurja (Uttar Pradesh), India	Consero Global Solutions
Sasinaree Wanyen	University of Glasgow (Smith)	Bangkok, Thailand	Johnson&Johnson
Sofia Baldomir	Imperial College Business School	Montevideo, Uruguay	Blend
Dotun Oni	Imperial College Business School	Lagos, Nigeria	Living Lagos
Michal Pyka	London Business School	Warsaw, Poland	McKinsey & Company
Mariana Rocca	London Business School	Lima, Peru	McKinsey & Company
Maya Tanous	University of Oxford (Saïd)	Israel	Deloitte
Aisha Raheem	University of Oxford (Saïd)	Lagos, Nigeria	Farmz2u

DON’T MISS: 2024 MBAS ABROAD: UNITED KINGDOM