What were your first impressions when you arrived at Essex Business School, and how did those early days shape your experience abroad?
When I first arrived at Essex Business School, my first days were exciting but also genuinely challenging. One of the biggest adjustments was studying entirely in English. I wasn’t used to listening to lectures, processing ideas, and taking notes at the same time in another language, so at the beginning everything felt slower and more demanding. I had to concentrate twice as hard just to keep up, but that challenge pushed me to improve very quickly.
The campus itself also surprised me. It is much bigger than what I was used to back home, so during the first weeks, I was constantly checking maps and getting a bit lost between buildings. Still, once I got familiar with it, I realised how great the facilities are. The library, study spaces, and common areas really make you want to stay on campus and be productive.
At the same time, those early days were also about meeting new people. Being surrounded by students from so many countries encouraged me to step out of my comfort zone, start conversations, and build new friendships. That mix of academic challenge, independence, and international exposure shaped my experience from the very beginning and helped me grow much faster than I expected.
How has studying at Essex Business School challenged or surprised you, both academically and personally?
Studying at Essex Business School has definitely pushed me to work harder, especially because of the language. Following lectures, participating in discussions, and taking notes in English requires much more focus than studying in my native language. Sometimes it feels like running a mental marathon during class. Because of that, I often need to review the material again after lectures to make sure I fully understand everything. It makes the experience more demanding, but also more rewarding, because I can clearly see my progress over time.
At the same time, something that really surprised me was how familiar some of the academic content felt. Before coming here, I assumed everything would be completely different from what I had studied in Argentina. However, I found that many concepts, frameworks, and even core textbooks are very similar to the ones we use back home. Realising that the foundations are shared across countries gave me confidence in my previous education and showed me that business knowledge is truly global.
Have you had any work experience or volunteering experience?
In terms of work or volunteering experience on campus, I haven’t been directly involved in any university-based roles yet. However, alongside my studies, I have been completing a remote internship for almost a year in a private sector company focused on private equity.
This experience has been extremely valuable because it allows me to connect theory with day-to-day business functions. Many of the concepts we discuss in class, such as financial analysis, risk assessment, valuation, and strategic decision-making, are things I actively see and apply in real business situations. Instead of learning them only from textbooks, I get to understand how they work in live transactions and investment processes.
The topics I learn in class are closely connected to the work I do in my internship. In these classes, I can clearly see the link between theory and practice. That connection makes the learning process much more meaningful. Instead of studying concepts in isolation, I can immediately understand how they apply in professional contexts, which keeps me more engaged and motivated. It’s in these subjects where everything feels more tangible and practical.
Balancing the internship with my academic responsibilities has also helped me develop stronger time management and prioritisation skills; while giving me a clearer idea of the professional path I want to pursue after graduation.
Can you describe a moment at Essex, in class, on campus, or in everyday life, that made you realise how much you were growing through this experience?
I don’t think there was one single, specific moment that made me realise how much I was growing. Instead, it was the accumulation of everyday experiences. Living in another country, far from home, studying in a different language, and navigating daily life on my own made the progress very clear over time.
Simple things like attending classes in English, managing my routine independently, and building friendships with people from different cultures showed me how much I was developing both personally and academically. Each day required small adjustments and decisions that, taken together, represented meaningful growth.
Rather than a single turning point, it was the overall experience of adapting, learning, and becoming more comfortable in an unfamiliar environment that made me realise how much I was progressing through this exchange.
In what ways has being part of such an international community influenced your perspective on business, culture, or your own goals?
I am still in the process of absorbing information and learning from the experience, so my perspective is continuing to evolve. That said, one of the most valuable aspects so far has been the opportunity to see and hear real examples of businesses that operate successfully in Europe and particularly in the UK.
Being exposed to these cases has really broadened my mindset. It made me think about business models, regulations, and market dynamics that either work very differently or are not yet implemented in Argentina. Seeing how these ideas function in practice helps me imagine what could potentially be adapted, what would not translate well, and why.
Looking back so far, what does this study abroad experience at Essex Business School mean to you, and what would you say to someone considering taking the same step?
Looking back, despite all the fears and doubts that naturally come with moving to another country, I believe it is always worth stepping out of your comfort zone and choosing experiences that truly challenge you. Growth rarely happens when everything feels easy or familiar.
For me, this exchange has been a challenge that pushed me academically, personally, and professionally. Living alone, studying in another language, and adapting to a new culture forced me to become more independent, resilient, and confident in myself.
I genuinely feel this has been an incredibly enriching opportunity, and one that will leave me with far more than what I was able to contribute. Without a doubt, it’s an experience that has helped me move closer to the best version of myself, and one I would strongly recommend to anyone considering it.
Inspired by Agustin's story? Find out more about joining us at Essex as an exchange student.
