International Week wasn't just another event on the calendar; it was an experience that brought students from every discipline together to celebrate diversity and embrace the richness of cultures from around the world.
The moment I walked into the concourse and saw the vibrant display of 78 different flags, I knew this week was going to be special. There was an undeniable energy in the air, with students eagerly exploring different cultures, engaging in conversations, and soaking in the global atmosphere that truly defines our school community.
From career talks to cultural immersion experiences
The week kicked off with insightful career events, where industry professionals and alumni shared their experiences of working across different countries. As someone eager to work internationally, I made sure to attend sessions focused on the Middle East, North America, the EU, and the UK. Each discussion gave me a deeper understanding of the job market in these regions, the challenges of relocating, and the skills needed to thrive in a global workplace. (Spoiler alert: networking is everything!)
The taster language café: Where I butchered six languages
One of the absolute highlights for me was the Language Café, a two-day event where we got to dip our toes into six different languages: German, Italian, French, Spanish, Arabic, and Chinese. Let's just say I now know how to greet someone in six languages, though my pronunciation might leave much to be desired. But that's part of the fun, right? The best part was seeing how small efforts in language learning can bridge cultural gaps and create instant connections. Now, when I hear someone speaking one of these languages, I can pick up a word or two and feel just a little bit more worldly.
A birthday to remember
As if International Week wasn't exciting enough, it also happened to be my birthday week! And trust me, there's no better way to celebrate than with friends from all over the world. What started as a simple plan quickly turned into a full-fledged global dance party, with music ranging from Vietnamese pop and Indonesian beats to Bollywood bangers. Safe to say, I'll never be able to top this birthday—it was the most international celebration I've ever had, and I wouldn't trade it for anything.
Lessons from an alumnus who's been there, done that
One of the most inspiring moments of the week was the keynote speech from Lucas, an alumnus who shared his journey of navigating an international career. His words hit home as he emphasised the importance of stepping out of your comfort zone, embracing different cultures, and building a strong global network. (Basically, he confirmed that all the networking we were doing over pizza was, in fact, productive.) I even had the chance to chat with him one-on-one, and his advice left a lasting impact on me.
The perfect ending: networking over pizza
Speaking of pizza, the week wrapped up with a relaxed yet incredibly valuable networking session. There's something about bonding over a slice of pizza that makes conversations flow effortlessly. By the end of the night, I had expanded my professional network and made friendships I know will last well beyond business school.
Final thoughts: A huge thank you!
A massive shoutout to Katherine, Stella, and the entire Student Development Team for organising such a seamless and impactful event. The week was packed with learning, laughter, and unforgettable experiences, and I can't wait for the next one. International Week wasn't just an event—it was a reminder of why I chose to study in such a diverse and global environment. Here's to more cultural exchanges, language mishaps, and global connections in the future!