Cantonese Rhyme & Tech Innovation: My Guangzhou Study Tour Experience

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.

The highlight of the academic side was utilizing AI tools for brand visuals and participating in a simulated international contract negotiation. Working on complex legal and business cases in English with our Chinese counterparts was challenging, but we overcame communication barriers by practicing active listening, structure-mindful discussions, and patience. The working environment was similar to the UK in its emphasis on teamwork and presentation, but differed in the rapid speed of digital integration. Though the working language was English, being immersed in an environment of Mandarin and Cantonese allowed me to pick up basic Chinese phrases and learn local etiquette, which greatly helped in building rapport with the local community.

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.