Studying in the UK: An Unfiltered International Student Experience

Every study abroad journey begins with a question: why leave home? For Fares Souici, the answer was never just about a degree. It was about growth, responsibility, and becoming someone others could rely on, professionally and personally. In this article, Fares takes us through his experience of studying in the UK, from the motivations behind his decision to the realities of student life, the challenges he overcame, and the experiences that transformed him.

My UK Journey

By Fares Souici

My Decision-Making Process

Choosing to study abroad was never just about getting a degree for me. It was about becoming someone who could add value - someone people could rely on professionally, regardless of background or borders.

I chose the UK because of its global reputation in professional fields and the real opportunities it offers. But it went deeper than rankings. There is something powerful about a country where every city tells a story. From Edinburgh to Cardiff, from London down to Brighton, every place carries history, character, and charm. I felt that wherever I would end up, I would be surrounded by stories, and I believed those stories would shape me too.

I was hungry for opportunity, and the UK delivered exactly what I needed. My goal was always to work alongside people from different backgrounds, to grow through collaboration, and to be seen as a professional who brings value. Seeing people rely on me, trust my skills, and work with me toward shared goals has been one of the most fulfilling experiences of my life.

I chose Kingston University London after deeply researching the program. What truly stood out was the Consultancy in Practice module, which gave me the opportunity to work on an international project in Bangkok, Thailand. That global exposure mattered to me. On top of that, the professional placement opportunity opened the doors of a multinational company and eventually secured my current job with Joivy, something I am incredibly grateful for.

And why London? Honestly, because it’s London. You can never go wrong with London.

As for my course, Master’s in International Business Management, I saw massive opportunities within the program. My Study Abroad Global partners also played a crucial role by answering every question I had and guiding me toward the right decision. I was inspired by successful people who took the same path - students who chose Study Abroad Global, who were one or two years ahead of me, and who were already succeeding. Seeing their progress made me believe: this path works.

The Journey: Making It a Reality

My biggest fear before applying was very cliché - but very real: university and visa refusal. For students from my country, this fear is always present. However, Study Abroad Global handled everything with total professionalism. What started as stress and anxiety slowly turned into enjoyable moments. They made a complicated process feel simple.

My dad supported the idea from day one, and thankfully, I didn’t have to prepare a long PowerPoint presentation to convince him. Instead, I took him to the Study Abroad Global office. A representative explained everything clearly, answered all our questions, and by the end of that meeting, both my dad and I felt confident that this would be a successful project.

Of course, the visa was still a concern - but because everything was done properly, I felt reassured. Study Abroad Global supported me from start to finish: presenting universities and cities, explaining procedures, handling applications, managing paperwork, following up accurately, and staying in touch even after I arrived in the UK. They supported me throughout my journey until graduation, and that reliability made all the difference.

I was inspired by successful professionals working in big corporations - people I followed on LinkedIn and admired. I knew that to walk a similar path, I needed a strong university, elite programs, and real-world experience. Studying in the UK felt like the right step.

The Experience : Life in the UK (Good & Challenging)

Living and studying in the UK opened doors to huge professional opportunities. I travelled, met people from all over the world, and gained massive life experience. I learned how to be autonomous, responsible, and confident. I felt part of a large international community where I could be myself while bringing value to others.

What I love most about the UK is the diversity and clarity. Effort here has visible results. If you are disciplined, you can succeed. Academically, the experience was excellent, high-

tech learning materials, real-life case studies, highly educated professors, and university infrastructure that gives access to unlimited high-value academic resources.

Of course, it wasn’t perfect. Homesickness was the hardest part. The weather didn’t help either. The entire journey was challenging - academically, emotionally, and personally, but it was manageable with seriousness and discipline. And honestly, there are no truly meaningful results without challenge.

What surprised me most - in the best way - was the openness of people and the diversity of the country. Everything I expected became reality, and even more.

The Highlights : Friendships & Anecdotes

I made friends through studying, working, and sharing daily experiences. Having fellow Algerians around gave me a comforting sense of familiarity, but what I appreciated even more was forming friendships with people from different cultures and backgrounds. I also made strong connections at work, which made life in the UK more enjoyable.

My classmates and work colleagues truly made the journey easier.

One funny twist in my story? Before all of this, I was actually planning to pursue a career as a veterinarian in Russia. A complete plot twist. Once I discovered how Study Abroad Global could make studying abroad accessible and realistic, I changed my path entirely - and I’ve never looked back.

Conclusion & Looking Forward

Studying in the UK changed me profoundly. I became more responsible, gained massive knowledge, and shaped myself into a professional who can fit into any major corporation around the world.

I learned that I am far more capable of achieving big things than I ever thought.

My advice to future UK students is simple: never limit yourself, trust the process, and never stop trying. The journey won’t always be easy - but it will always be worth it.