Elim Shanko

University of Oxford (Saïd)

Home City and Country: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia / Chicago, United States

Most Recent Employer and Job Title: Founder, Regenerative Africa

How has studying business in the United Kingdom enriched your learning experience? Studying business in the United Kingdom has been especially enriching through the Oxford classroom, where global perspectives are central rather than peripheral. Classroom discussions consistently draw on international case studies, diverse lived experiences, and global economic and political contexts, pushing me well beyond a domestic frame of reference. Being in this environment has challenged me to think more expansively and to engage confidently with complexity across markets and regions.

Access to London has further deepened this experience. Its fast-paced, globally-connected ecosystem provides exposure to opportunities across finance, consulting, policy, and entrepreneurship. In addition, the presence of thriving African communities across the UK has been deeply meaningful to me, allowing me to stay connected to the continent through professional networks and cultural engagement while grounding my academic work in real-world contexts.

What has been the toughest transition to living in the United Kingdom so far? What have you done to overcome this difficulty? The toughest transition has been adjusting to the weather, particularly the shorter daylight hours and frequent rain. While this was a shift, it was not entirely unfamiliar, as I had been living in Chicago prior to moving to the UK. To manage the transition, I focused on practical solutions, using a sun lamp during darker months, investing in proper rain boots, and always keeping an umbrella on hand. These small adjustments made daily life easier and allowed me to maintain my energy, routine, and overall well-being.

What has been the most interesting cultural nuance of people living in the United Kingdom? Why has this struck you? One of the most interesting cultural nuances has been how inherently global people in the United Kingdom are, particularly within Oxford’s academic environment. Oxford brings together individuals from across the world who are deeply engaged in scholarship, debate, and intellectual exchange, creating a culture that’s both diverse and intensely academic. Global awareness, of cultures, histories, and cuisines feels seamlessly woven into everyday life rather than treated as something separate.

This is paired with a strong culture of politeness and consideration, which shapes how people interact both socially and academically. The combination of intellectual rigor, diversity, and mutual respect has been especially striking and has made Oxford a uniquely welcoming place to learn and live.

Are you seeking a Visa to work in the United Kingdom after graduation? If so, what obstacles have you faced and how did you overcome them? Yes, I am seeking a visa to work in the United Kingdom after graduation. I plan to use the Graduate Visa as an initial pathway and am hopeful that long-term employment opportunities will allow me to remain and continue building my career in the UK. The main challenge has been navigating visa timelines alongside recruitment processes, which I have addressed by staying informed, planning early, and leveraging university guidance to ensure I understand my options clearly.

What have you done to make it easier to make friends with people from outside your home country at business school? I have intentionally placed myself in multicultural settings by participating in student leadership roles, academic group work, and cross-cultural events. I also make an effort to ask thoughtful questions, listen actively, and learn about others’ backgrounds and perspectives without comparison. Hosting small gatherings, attending college dinners, and collaborating on shared projects have helped me form genuine friendships rooted in curiosity and mutual respect rather than familiarity.

What piece of advice would you give to an international student looking to study in a UK graduate business program? My advice would be to approach the experience with openness and patience. The UK academic and social environment rewards reflection, listening, and intellectual curiosity. Rather than trying to replicate familiar systems, lean into the differences, academically, culturally, and socially. Build relationships early, ask questions freely, and remember that adaptation is a strength, not a weakness. The more willing you are to learn from the environment, the more transformative the experience will be.

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