Hi! I’m Giang Chu, an international student from Vietnam currently pursuing an MSc in Sustainable Business Management at the University of Exeter’s Penryn Campus in Cornwall. It feels like just yesterday that I embarked on this journey, travelling halfway across the globe to start my studies. As my first term comes to a close, I want to share my experiences of settling into life in Cornwall, an unforgettable field trip to the Eden Project, navigating life as an international student, and my festive plans for Christmas.
Starting Out: Arriving in Cornwall and Settling In
Moving to Cornwall was an adventure from the very beginning. After a long-haul flight from Vietnam to the UK, I made the journey down from London to Penryn with three large suitcases – essentially my entire life packed into bags! Navigating train transfers and switching platforms with all that luggage wasn’t always easy, but I was incredibly lucky to meet kind strangers who offered their help along the way. It was a reminder that even in the midst of challenges, there’s always support to be found. The University of Exeter really tries to help out international students too, as they also offer an Airport Collection Service (selected days only) which you may be able to take advantage of depending on when you arrive, and where you enter the country.
Arriving at The Sidings, my student accommodation, felt like a huge milestone. I was both nervous and excited about starting this new chapter. Coincidentally, another Vietnamese student studying on the Penryn Campus lives in the same flat as me. Having someone from home nearby gave me a sense of comfort and familiarity, and we quickly became each other’s support system.
Settling into life in Cornwall has been a unique experience. The lush greenery, quaint villages, and proximity to the ocean make it feel like living in a postcard. Though being far from home has its challenges, the friendliness of the people here has made the transition much easier. It’s hard to believe how fast the first term has flown by!
A Highlight of My Term: The Field Trip to the Eden Project
One of the most unforgettable experiences this term was our field trip to the Eden Project, a world-renowned centre for sustainability and education. This wasn’t just a typical excursion – it was an opportunity to work on a real consultancy project with a diverse and dynamic team, tackling challenges that mattered.
Our group was a melting pot of cultures and perspectives, with members from England, Vietnam, Argentina, Nigeria, and Germany. Collaborating with such a diverse team was both enriching and eye-opening. Each of us brought unique ideas, experiences, and problem-solving approaches to the table, which made our discussions vibrant and our solutions innovative.
For instance, one team member’s local knowledge helped us understand regional sustainability challenges, while others offered insights into how similar issues were tackled in their home countries. My Vietnamese background added a perspective on community-focused development, and together, we created a well-rounded approach to our project.
This experience taught me invaluable lessons about teamwork and cultural sensitivity. Communicating effectively meant listening carefully and being open to different viewpoints. I learned the importance of patience, adaptability, and the power of diverse perspectives in crafting sustainable solutions.
Our day at the Eden Project was packed with meaningful interactions. We interviewed teachers, the Head of Education, and other stakeholders to gain insights into their community engagement initiatives. These conversations provided a deeper understanding of how the Eden Project inspires young people to think critically about sustainability and equips educators to bring these ideas into their classrooms. By combining the insights from our interviews with our own research and analysis, we proposed strategies to enhance the Eden Project’s impact, particularly in engaging with underrepresented communities. Presenting these ideas as a team felt incredibly rewarding, knowing that our work could contribute to meaningful change.
Looking back, this field trip was much more than just a learning opportunity. It was a chance to step out of my comfort zone, work with incredible teammates from around the world, and apply what we’ve learned in class to real-world challenges. The experience not only strengthened my skills in collaboration and problem-solving but also deepened my passion for sustainability and education.
Here’s a photo from the day:
Navigating Studies as an International Student
Starting postgraduate studies in a new country has been a mix of excitement and challenges. Back in Vietnam, the academic system was more structured and ridgid. Adjusting to the independent learning style at the University of Exeter required some time, but it has also been incredibly rewarding as it nurtures responsibility, improves time management, and offers flexibility for extra-curricular activities. It’s also great preparation for real-world challenges requiring self-motivation. Preparing thoroughly for classes by diving into reading lists has helped me understand the material better and contribute confidently to discussions.
When it comes to assignments, I’ve learned the importance of starting early. I always begin planning and drafting essays weeks before the deadline, giving myself time to refine my arguments and ideas. I also make a point of reaching out to my professors to ask for feedback on my outlines and to clarify their expectations. These conversations have been invaluable, providing me with insights that help me improve my work and feel more confident in my approach.
One of the highlights of this term was attending the Global Scholars Reception at the Sustainability Café. It was a wonderful opportunity to meet other Global Excellence scholarship recipients (now called the Exeter Excellence Scholarship) and academic staff in a celebratory atmosphere. I was proud to represent Vietnam at the event and enjoyed engaging with peers who shared similar academic ambitions. The evening was a reminder of the value of stepping out of my comfort zone to connect with the Uuniversity community, which has been a significant part of my journey as an international student.
Coping with Homesickness and Embracing Winter
Like many international students, I experienced homesickness, especially during those first few weeks in a new country. I missed my family, the familiar taste of home-cooked meals, and the comfort of my usual surroundings. My mum, as always, found a way to make things better – she would call me randomly just to check in. Sometimes it was a quick chat, other times it was a long conversation filled with advice and stories from home. Her care always made me smile, and those moments reminded me how lucky I am to have such a supportive family.
To cope, I turned to cooking Vietnamese dishes in the shared kitchen. There’s something about the aroma of familiar spices and flavours that instantly lifts my mood. Sharing these meals with friends in my accommodation made it even better. It felt like a little piece of home had followed me all the way to Cornwall. Luckily, I’ve been able to find some ingredients at a small food shop in Falmouth and a bigger one in Truro, which makes recreating these familiar dishes much easier.
The British winter, though, took some getting used to! The shorter days and seemingly endless rain were a challenge – I quickly realised I didn’t enjoy rainy days as much as I thought I might! However, Cornwall’s natural beauty became my saving grace. On clear days, I made a point to head outdoors, whether it was for a walk to Gyllyngvase Beach or exploring nearby trails. The stunning coastlines and fresh sea air worked wonders for my mood and gave me a renewed sense of energy.
Despite the dreary weather, most of my time as a Masters student is spent in the library, balancing assignments and reading. The warmth and quiet of the library has become a bit of a refuge – a place where I can focus and feel productive. Even though it was busy, finding those moments of connection with my family, my friends, and nature helped me navigate the challenges of being far from home during the winter months.
Getting Festive: My Christmas Plans
This year, I’ve decided to spend Christmas a little differently – and I couldn’t be more excited! I’ll be travelling to Albania, a trip that came about rather spontaneously. I’ve always wanted to visit, especially since two of my Albanian friends I met during my Erasmus Exchange last year live there. It feels like the perfect opportunity to reconnect with them, and I’ve heard so many good things about the sunny weather and delicious food. My friends have already promised to take me to their favourite local spots, and I can’t wait to explore the country through their eyes.
After my time in Albania, I’ll be heading back to the UK and spending the Christmas holidays in Edinburgh with friends from the Vietnamese Society. Edinburgh is known for its festive charm, and I’m looking forward to soaking up the holiday spirit, enjoying some traditional meals, and celebrating with familiar faces. It’s such a joy to be surrounded by people who share a sense of home and culture, especially during the holidays.
This Christmas will be a mix of adventure and comfort – travelling to a new place and returning to a warm, familiar community. I’m grateful for the chance to embrace both experiences, creating memories that will make this festive season truly special.
Reflecting on Personal Growth and Lessons Learned
Looking back, my first term at Exeter has been nothing short of transformative. From the moment I arrived in Cornwall with my three suitcases in tow to diving into group work at the Eden Project, every step of this journey has taught me something new about resilience, adaptability, and the power of connection. Moving halfway across the world wasn’t easy, but it pushed me to step out of my comfort zone and embrace the unfamiliar with an open mind.
The field trip to the Eden Project was a standout moment, reinforcing my passion for sustainability and showing me how theoretical concepts can drive real-world change. Working with a multicultural team to tackle a meaningful project reminded me of the importance of collaboration and diverse perspectives. Beyond academics, simple moments – like sharing Vietnamese meals with friends, walking along Gyllyngvase Beach, or exchanging stories with classmates – have enriched my time here and reminded me to make the most of every opportunity. Saying yes to new experiences, whether it’s travelling to Albania for Christmas or learning from my peers, has made my first term incredibly rewarding.
Looking Ahead: My Plans for Next Term
As I prepare for the next semester, I’m excited to build on everything I’ve learned so far. A key focus will be tackling my final dissertation – a task that feels both challenging and exciting. To stay on track, I plan to approach it step by step, starting with thorough research and regular consultations with my professors.
Outside of academics, I can’t wait to explore more of Cornwall’s stunning landscapes and continue building friendships. I’m especially excited to host some of my friends from Bristol when they come to visit. Sharing the beauty of Cornwall with them – whether it’s the breathtaking coastline, charming villages, or hidden trails – will be a highlight of the term. The second term feels like a fresh opportunity to grow further, both personally and professionally, and I’m eager to embrace whatever comes my way.
Final Thoughts
My first term at the University of Exeter has been an incredible mix of growth, learning, and connection. It has taught me to embrace challenges, cherish moments of connection with people from all over the world, and find joy in new experiences. For anyone considering Exeter, my advice is simple: take the leap. It’s a chance to discover who you are, grow in ways you never imagined, and create memories that will last a lifetime. Here’s to an exciting second term ahead!