Six months in San José: How studying abroad boosted my degree 

Brunella Gaviria, BSc Marketing 

I didn’t always plan to study marketing – I actually wanted to be a nurse! But after taking a marketing module in college, I fell in love with the subject and decided to pursue a BSc in Marketing at Roehampton. 

The marketing course has been eye-opening; I’ve learnt that I am the brand – it’s all about presenting yourself, building networks, and creating opportunities. The hands-on projects and real-world case studies have given me the skills and confidence to succeed beyond university. 

Roehampton has been incredibly supportive, especially with the one-to-one coaching I received for my dyslexia. Plus, the campus is beautiful and surrounded by nature, which I love. 

As part of my degree, I chose to study abroad. I wanted to explore global market techniques and immerse myself in a new culture. It was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made! I spent six incredible months studying abroad in San José, California. 

The application process was straightforward, and the Roehampton Study Abroad Team were extremely helpful and supportive throughout.  

The most rewarding part of my experience was getting to know a completely different culture and working with people in America. It was eye-opening to see how business and communication styles can vary across countries. The most challenging part, surprisingly, was adapting to American English and humour – it’s quite different from British English! Americans tend to be warmer and more expressive, while we in the UK can be a bit more sarcastic and reserved. It took some getting used to, but I loved learning from those differences. 

One big thing I learnt is that I can truly rely on myself – I discovered a new level of independence and maturity I didn’t know I had. This experience has also opened doors for my future career, giving me valuable international connections and opportunities to collaborate with people I met abroad. 

If you’re thinking of studying marketing, go for it! You’ll gain valuable experience, learn from great lecturers, and be part of an amazing community. I would 100% recommend studying abroad; it’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience that helps you grow both personally and professionally. 

You can find out more about our BSc Marketing course and studying abroad on our website. 

The University of Roehampton changes lives by helping our students to develop the confidence, knowledge and values they need for a successful and fulfilling life. We produce world-class research that helps us understand the world and change it for the better.

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