About Me
My name is Viktorija Manyseva, and I am currently studying
for an MSc in International Management at Bournemouth University (BU). I chose
BU because of its strong reputation for global business studies and its
practical, industry-focused curriculum, particularly in modules like
international business strategy, cross-cultural management, and digital
transformation. While I have always been fascinated by how businesses operate
across borders, it was my academic focus on emerging markets like China that
made me realize how vital first-hand international experience is. I wanted to
move beyond classroom case studies to truly understand different cultural,
digital, and regulatory landscapes. Participating in the Guangzhou mobility
programme was the perfect opportunity for self-development and personal growth,
allowing me to build a global mindset, meet new international peers, and
develop the practical skills needed to enhance my career prospects as a future
global manager.
Preparing for my traineeship
I discovered and applied for the Cantonese Rhyme & Tech
Innovation Guangzhou Study Tour Camp at Guangzhou College of Commerce (GCC)
through Bournemouth University’s global mobility schemes. I chose to accept the
position because the program’s focus on cross-border e-commerce, AI marketing,
and smart technology perfectly aligned with my postgraduate studies and my
interest in the intersection of business and digital innovation. Before
departure, I researched Guangzhou’s role as one of China’s leading economic and
technological hubs, and familiarized myself with GCC’s academic profile. The
application process for the Turing Scheme funding was highly structured and
straightforward, and I felt fully supported by the BU global mobility team
throughout. Receiving the Turing Scheme funding was invaluable; it made the
trip financially viable, removing the stress of travel and accommodation costs
so that I could focus entirely on immersing myself in the intensive two-week
educational and cultural experience.
Settling in
Arriving in Guangzhou was an incredibly exciting yet slightly overwhelming experience. Stepping into a bustling, high-tech megacity so far from the UK initially felt daunting, but the warm welcome from the GCC staff and student ambassadors immediately made me feel at home. Our living arrangements were in a comfortable hotel close to the university campus. It offered a hospitality-focused environment that was a change from typical UK student housing, providing a welcome and convenient space to rest after our packed daily schedules.
Life in Guangzhou is a fascinating contrast to the UK; the city is a fast-paced environment where massive skyscrapers stand alongside serene spots like Fenghuang Lake Wetland Park. Culturally, there is a strong emphasis on community and relationship-building. To help us settle in, we participated in excellent social and cultural activities, from touring the high-tech library and exploring historical areas like Beijing Road, to experiencing Cantonese Opera dress-up and trying traditional martial arts. While navigating the language barrier and adapting to new social customs challenged me, the sheer scale of the city and the friendliness of the local students kept me constantly excited.
To help us settle in, we participated in excellent social activities. During our weekend free exploration, we visited the Guangzhou Zoo and Aquarium, which was an incredible experience - getting to see the giant pandas and walking through the vibrant marine exhibits was a major highlight.The culinary scene was another absolute revelation. Guangzhou is world-famous for its food, and the meals were spectacular. I loved experiencing traditional morning tea (Yum Cha) and sharing delicious dim sum - such as steamed dumplings, buns, and wonton soup with my friends (our favourite). Sampling the unique street food along Beijing Road and Shangxiajiu Pedestrian Street offered a delicious adventure every evening, showcasing a fresh, delicate flavor palette completely different from what I am used to in the UK. Adjusting to these new sights, sounds, and tastes challenged me, but it also made the experience deeply rewarding.
Working life
The study camp was directly relevant to my MSc studies,
bridging the gap between theoretical frameworks and real-world business
practices. The reality of the traineeship was even more interactive than I had
anticipated. Rather than sitting through passive lectures, we were actively
engaged in hands-on projects, such as collaborating in Sino-British teams for a
Smart Robot Challenge and planning live-streaming scripts at a digital business
base. Furthermore, visits to innovations hubs such as CVTE were also very interactive and informative.
Global Outlook & Reflections on my experience
This mobility experience has profoundly shaped my global
outlook. My understanding of cultural perspectives in business has shifted from
theoretical models to lived experiences, especially regarding how high-context
communication and trust-building influence business negotiations in China. I
have become much more self-aware of my own cultural assumptions, realizing the
importance of adaptability and patience when collaborating internationally.
My confidence has grown in every dimension - from linking academic knowledge to the final Business Case Analysis challenge, to communicating effectively across cultures and realizing my own high employability. Experiencing China's digital economy has solidified my career goal to work in international management. Furthermore, learning about Chinese calligraphy, Canton porcelain, and the lion dance has greatly increased my cultural curiosity.
If I could give advice to my past self at the start of this trip, it would be to worry less about the language barrier and embrace every single opportunity immediately. To any student considering studying or volunteering abroad, I would say: do not hesitate. It is a life-changing experience that builds invaluable personal and professional skills. Navigating this program successfully has been my greatest achievement, and I wholeheartedly recommend this opportunity to others.
