Hi everyone! My name is Linh, and I am currently a Master’s student in International Education at the St Luke’s Campus at the University of Exeter.
I can almost hear what you’re thinking: “International Education: what even is that?”
And you’re not alone 😀. That’s literally the first question I get from almost everyone: my family, my friends back home, and even my classmates. So while this blog isn’t a module-by-module explanation of the degree, I promise that by the end of this, you’ll know exactly why studying here at the University of Exeter, especially my course, has blown my expectations out of the water.
Imagine a classroom that feels like… the United Nations
Imagine this: you walk into class, and instead of just taking notes quietly, you’re walking into something that feels like… a mini United Nations simulation. There are debates, questions, and real-world policy issues, etc., all centered around education on a global scale.
Each class session is a “meeting” in which we dive deeply into topics such as global citizenship, gender inequality, inclusion, diversity, access to education, or educational justice etc. The conversations don’t feel distant or overly academic; they are curious, personal, and connected to your life and your perspective. It doesn’t feel like reading a textbook. It feels like thinking for the first time about why education truly matters beyond your own classroom or country.
Coming from Vietnam, a country with its unique challenges and inspiring stories, I thought I would never have to think about those big global issues so intensely, at least not so soon. But the teachers here have a way of showing you that the big picture is made of tiny, real-life human experiences, and that makes everything feel relevant and alive.
And honestly? That’s rare. I don’t think many places do this well. It’s something I’ve grown super proud of about the subject I study here at this university.
When English is not your first language
I come from a country where English is not the first language. There was a time when I felt that studying alongside native English speakers was a bit unfair.
But that feeling completely faded within the first few weeks of term, because I realised, the uni doesn’t care about where your language starts – they care about where your thinking goes.
Every week, there are helpful Academic Writing workshops where you learn how to make your voice clear, confident, and respected in academic conversations. There are also Academic Reading sessions that help you unpack challenging texts, understand arguments, and engage with them in your own way.
What makes this truly exceptional is that this support is completely free. You can book one-on-one appointments with academic skills advisors who will patiently work through your writing with you, line by line, idea by idea. There is no judgment, only guidance. For anyone unfamiliar with academic reading and writing in English, this kind of “hand-holding” support is not a luxury; it is a lifeline.
And then there’s the career support, which is actually real
Let’s talk about something that actually matters after graduation: careers.
Uni life isn’t just about books and theories – there’s this weekly programme called Success for All, and it’s exactly as helpful as it sounds. Each week, we meet professionals who guide us through career planning: how to build a strong CV, how to network authentically, which programmes to apply for, and which platforms are actually worth your time.
In fact, the very blog you are reading now is part of my part-time work provided through the university. This opportunity has helped ease my financial worries during my studies and given me real-world experience in communication and storytelling. So no: Exeter doesn’t just help you learn. It helps you prepare to thrive.
For the extroverts, the curious, and the joy-seekers
I am an extrovert, and yes, I love having fun (haha). Without a vibrant social life, even the best academic environment would struggle to win my heart. Fortunately, Exeter excels in this area as well.
During my first term, I joined several activities that were both heartwarming and memorable. Back home, I have two dogs, and leaving them behind was genuinely painful. So I joined the Walking Dog Project through the University’s Volunteer Club. And guess what? I instantly became best friends with a cute, fluffy dog named Griffin.
Every week, I go out with Griffin and meet many other furry friends along the way. It was comforting, grounding, and joyful in ways I never expected. And this is just one of many volunteering projects I plan to explore.
There’s one event I absolutely have to mention: the Winter Ball.
It’s usually held around Christmas time and organised by different societies across the university. I went with my friends, and for one night, we all swapped our everyday hoodies and backpacks for elegant dresses, suits, and a little bit of sparkle. The venue was Reed Hall, a historic building on campus which already feels magical in its own right. There was a welcome drink, genuinely good food (yes, that does matter), music filling the hall, and of course, plenty of dancing by the end of the night. At some point, spinning around the dance floor with my friends, I suddenly felt like I was 18 again, back at a school prom, straight out of a movie like High School Musical. It was slightly cheesy, very joyful, and completely unforgettable.
One final event I really want to mention is the Global Scholars Reception.
This was a special reception held for students who received scholarships, and it turned out to be one of those quietly meaningful moments that stay with you. Being in that ceremony, talking to people with completely different backgrounds but similar journeys, felt incredibly encouraging. For anyone who might be working towards a scholarship right now, I hope this serves as a reminder that these moments do exist, and when they come, they can be a powerful source of motivation to keep going. We were encouraged to wear traditional outfits, and I felt incredibly proud receiving my certificate in an áo dài – Vietnam’s traditional dress.
A home within St Luke’s Campus
If you are or will be a student at the School of Education, you will quickly discover that you have a home in both the literal and emotional sense.
Tucked away in a cozy corner of St Luke’s Campus lies Staff House – a gathering place for both lecturers and students. I often call it “the bird’s nest.” With its warm brown tones and welcoming atmosphere, stepping inside feels like coming home.
From welcome events to Halloween, Christmas, and campus anniversaries, this house hosts celebrations that blend the lines between staff and students in the most human way possible. And even on ordinary days, you can stop by to study, only to find your lecturer sitting nearby, quietly sipping tea, ready to greet you with a smile.
This is one of my favourite photos of the campus – a moment I was lucky enough to capture after an afternoon class, just before winter quietly settled in. You won’t be able to spot Staff House from this angle, though. I’ll leave that as a little discovery for you when you get here.
Exploring England with Exeter Students’ Guild
I cannot end this blog without mentioning Exeter’s Students’ Guild: the heart of student life at the University.
Through the Guild, I joined an unforgettable trip to Bath at a price that felt almost unreal. At first, we were suspicious how it could be so cheap? Only later did we realize that this was Exeter’s quiet way of ensuring that students could explore, connect, and experience life beyond the classroom.
Trips to cities like Bristol, Plymouth, and Bath are regularly organised, making it wonderfully easy to fall in love with the UK – one city at a time.
And sometimes, on a perfectly ordinary good day, you’ll be handed a free, very cute donut from Exeter’s Guild. All you have to do is just fill in a short survey to help the Guild improve their activities and bring even more joy to student life.
So… will you join me?
Next semester, I’m planning to participate in more volunteering projects, try out some dance classes with the University’s Dance Society, and explore more of the uni’s vibes… maybe even write about them too! 🥰
Because at the University of Exeter, education is not confined to lecture halls. It lives in support that reaches far beyond the classroom, in friendships that grow naturally across cultures, and in community spaces that always seem to say, ‘you belong here‘.
And that, to me, is the true meaning of International Education.
So… will you join me on this journey?