A Transformative Journey: My Summer Exchange At The University Of Liverpool

My summer story unfolds, revealing a tapestry of experiences that have forever changed me. I knew my summer exchange experience would be something special the moment I stepped onto the vibrant campus of the University of Liverpool. I had no idea that the next three weeks would be a blur of enriching academics, breathtaking adventures, and meaningful connections with students from all over the world.

The University of Liverpool's dedication to creating a welcoming and supportive environment was clear from the start. Student coordinators greeted us with warm smiles, making us feel at ease in unfamiliar surroundings. This instant connection paved the way for long-lasting friendships, not only among my fellow exchange participants, but also among the local students who were eager to share their culture and experiences.

The academic courses for exchange students were carefully curated to go beyond textbooks, fostering an environment of active engagement and experiential learning. The courses—Group Psychology, Business Strategy, and Contemporary Leadership—brought learning to life through hands-on activities and real-world applications, demonstrating the university's commitment to our holistic development.

Group Psychology deciphered the complexities of human behaviour through interactive self-assessments and cross-cultural discussions. The classroom became a global microcosm, with students representing South Korea, the Netherlands, China, Australia, the United States, and other countries. What truly distinguished it was the innovative teaching approach, in which active participation was not only encouraged, but was essential to the learning process. I delved into my own behaviours through genuine self-assessments, while engaging discussions with classmates from various backgrounds provided new perspectives on group dynamics. This hands-on learning style was evident in courses such as Strategy and Leadership.

We weren't just studying theories from textbooks in the Business Strategy course; we were tasked with developing long-term strategies for hypothetical home businesses. This practical application of knowledge required us to think critically, strategize effectively, and collaborate effectively across our diverse teams. Meanwhile, the Leadership course took us on an introspective journey, allowing us to discover our individual leadership styles through interactive exercises. These experiences went beyond traditional classroom learning, leaving us with skills that go far beyond the classroom.

The University of Liverpool continued to provide us with unforgettable experiences outside of the classroom. Trips to the Lake District and the Castle of Wales were both breathtaking and educational. The breathtaking landscapes of the Lake District left us speechless, while the historical magnificence of the Castle of Wales transported us back in time. These trips not only showcased the picturesque wonders of the United Kingdom, but also encouraged participant bonding as we marvelled at the sights together.

What truly distinguished the University of Liverpool's exchange programme was its adaptability. We had plenty of time to explore the UK beyond its borders thanks to the university's thoughtful scheduling. The lectures were meticulously planned to give us opportunities to embark on our own journeys. Personally, I visited over ten cities in three countries, soaking in the bustling streets of London, delving into the rich history of Edinburgh, and savouring the tranquil landscapes of Chester. Each city left an indelible imprint on my summer, painting it with a palette of diverse cultures and experiences.

However, it was the bonds formed with fellow students that truly distinguished this exchange programme. Constant interaction with peers from all over the world broadened my worldview and deepened my appreciation for various cultures. Befriending people from different backgrounds exposed me to new perspectives and broadened my understanding of global issues and perspectives.

In retrospect, my time at the University of Liverpool was life-changing. Academic rigour, combined with engaging teaching methods and real-world applications, provided me with invaluable skills and insights that I will take with me throughout my academic and professional journey. Furthermore, the friendships formed and memories made will always have a special place in my heart.

As I reflect on my summer exchange, I am grateful to the University of Liverpool for organising such a memorable experience. My only hope is that future exchange programme participants will find my detailed write-up, which captures every aspect of this journey, useful in making their decision. Just as I was fortunate to embark on this adventure, I am confident that the University of Liverpool's exceptional summer exchange programme will broaden and enrich the lives of others.

Navnidhi Nagar
Sales and Marketing,
MBA 2022-24

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BSEL Exchange Program Testimonial

Shitij Mahajan, SCMHRD MBA HR 2021-23

The International Business and Consulting master’s program at The Berlin School of Economics and Law (BSEL) had two specialisation tracks - Strategy Track and Human Resources Track. Both have around 20 students each with some common courses and some specialisation-based courses. The entire group was fairly diverse with students from Germany, France, Spain, Netherlands, Italy, Croatia, Turkey, Zambia, Malaysia, and India. Some of the common courses included Consulting Skills and International Project Management, while the specialized courses in the the HR track included Industrial Relations, Training and Development, Strategic Human Resource Management, Performance and Reward Management. The academic environment in master’s programs in Germany is highly research oriented. Most courses involve thoroughly reading and discussing complex journal articles, evaluations also involve more academic writing over the duration of a course, rather than written examinations. Lectures are well planned and of rather long duration with many group discussions and presentations. The teacher-student ratio being high in management programs, there is a great amount of interaction between all students and professors. There is a good amount of group work that involves presentations, academic papers, reports, student-led teaching/ training sessions, and other practical work. There is frequent contact with professors and peer evaluations to ensure high involvement of all members in a student group. During my two semesters at BSEL, which was essentially my first ear of MBA, I was able to collaborate with most of my colleagues there and now have a good network of future consulting and HR professionals, along with highly accomplished economics and management faculty. There were many accomplished program alumni who delivered guest lectures at the university and were happy to connect with us. There is a great amount of cooperation between all the public universities in Berlin. They offer very good library facilities at multiple locations in the city, sports courses (indoor, outdoor as well as water-sports) are offered, and there are housing and mess facilities throughout the city at subsidised rates, as are medical facilities. I took the opportunity to take up Yoga classes and a Kayaking course leading up to award of a licence. The student body is very robust and frequently conducts cultural activities and student parties. European students undertake exchange studies in multiple countries throughout their programs. Interacting with a lot of students at the university, participating in student events, through my travels, and working closely with most of my colleagues provided me with opportunities of learning from their experiences and sharing our cultural similarities and differences. Travel in Europe is safe and convenient because of robust public transport systems and minimal border controls. I took the opportunity to travel and explore many different places over 11 different countries during my semester break and holidays. Germany itself has a lot to offer with their picturesque small towns, forest hiking trails, museums displaying their historical engineering might, life during the European wars, their open acceptance of the horrors of the Holocaust, and the division and subsequent reunification of the country. Overall, it was a great program, something that I will always cherish throughout my life. I returned to India having had a variety of experiences in my studies, extra-curricular, travels, social and personal life. Living in a completely different environment with a different culture and language can surely be challenging, especially so during a global pandemic, but eventually overcoming those challenges to thrive in that environment and successfully completing the program, I feel a greater sense of confidence in myself. I thank everyone who made it possible, supported me throughout and also helped me in fitting back into the program at SCMHRD

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