Reflections on the study of international students in Manchester University, England
Many times, it often takes time to reflect the value of things.
I have never regretted studying abroad, even though many nights in a foreign country made me feel powerless to be wronged, even if I still didn't have a job with an annual salary of one million after returning home, I don't regret it, because this period of studying abroad has brought me more value that can't be measured by money.
I once heard a friend say that when he collapsed abroad, he squatted behind the door and cried his whole body numb, but after he survived, he felt as if he had become stronger, strong enough to protect his loved ones and fight against those who had hurt him.
So if he wants to choose again, if he still has to experience an unforgettable collapse, he will still choose to go abroad. The "usefulness" of studying abroad can only be realized by those who have experienced it, just as shoes don't fit, only those who wear them know. So, I just want to say a few words.
I studied in a famous 985 university in China for two years, and then I was lucky enough to transfer to Manchester University in England. It can be said that I have had experience in both domestic and foreign universities, which is a special experience for me. What prompted me to make the decision to go out to England was my curiosity. I wanted to see how big the world was, but considering that it was a big expense after all, I thought about it over and over again. In the end, my parents still sold iron to support me. They say it's easy to find a job after studying abroad.
But after returning to China, to be honest, I didn't feel that the status of returnees brought me substantial material value, and the job was still hard to find, so that I often wondered what this "useless" experience of studying abroad had brought me. If I stay in China and finish college, will it be the same as it is now? I even tend to agree with the saying that studying abroad is just a trip.
Later, when I stepped into the society independently and got my first job, when my parents stopped treating me like a child and let me go alone, I suddenly realized that my three years of studying abroad had really changed me a lot.
Studying abroad forced me to learn to live a good life.
After graduation, I will leave my hometown, stay away from my parents and work hard in first-tier cities. My first job was planning in a small film and television company. The work is hard and the salary is not high. Working overtime until late at night has become a common practice, and the takeout around the company is disgusting.
My parents often tell me to "take good care of myself", and I always say "Don't worry, I'm fine". This kind of conversation always reminds me of the day when I first went to England. Unfamiliar environment, strange lifestyle and persistent loneliness make me want to go home and often cry alone in the quilt. Every time my parents call me, there is always worry in their tone, and I have to put away all my grievances and tell them that I am doing well here.
But it's different now. I really have a good life. In those days of "pretending to be good", I learned to live alone, cook, wash clothes, see a doctor, enjoy loneliness and make friends. These skills are still not out of date today, but they have helped me defeat more little monsters and complete the transformation of growth ahead of schedule. I have always joked that I would like to thank the days of studying abroad, so that I can learn a good cooking skill at New Oriental cooking school British Branch, so that I won't lose my blind date in the future.
Studying abroad also gave me the courage to challenge myself.
Working in an advertising company is very challenging. I have to lead the team to handle a whole project, from pre-planning, mid-term implementation to post-production, and I often have to face many unpredictable difficulties. I think if it was before, I must have given up before I heard that I would take over such a complicated case.
Like many young people in society, I used to prefer living in a safe. Making no mistakes is the greatest success, not to mention challenging yourself. But now, I am willing to jump out of the comfortable circle and "work". Every time you put pressure on yourself, you are forcing yourself to grow.
I remember that in my last year in England, the department informed me that the students with the first grade in the previous year could apply for writing their graduation thesis. Many friends around me gave up the application because they were afraid it was too difficult to graduate.
At that time, studying abroad was not just a tourist mentality. I want to challenge it, so I became one of the only 23 students in the whole grade who participated in the graduation thesis.
Doing papers in Britain is too independent. The tutor just ensures that you will not deviate from the direction and will not actually teach you how to do it. Almost everything depends on yourself. I couldn't find the direction of the topic for many nights. I didn't know how to proceed, so I had to talk to my tutor, who said, "Are you considering giving up?" This sentence probably hit my self-esteem and competitive desire, and I crustily skin of head to hold down this course.
That year, I spent a lot of code words late into the night, and I also experienced many times when I couldn't write and cried. I bear a lot of negative emotions alone, but when I saw that my thesis won the first place, a sense of pride and satisfaction came from my heart. Only by thanking yourself for not giving up at that time can you tap your greater potential. Many times people need a little pressure to push themselves forward. Studying abroad gave me a chance to gallop forward.
This study experience in England has made me less timid and more adventurous in my present job. I don't know if I can do it if I don't try, in case I succeed.
Many times, I think that if I hadn't gone to England, maybe I would have graduated from a domestic university, returned to work with my parents and lived an ordinary and simple life. However, this experience of studying abroad forced me to grow up quickly, be independent and strong early, and explore more potential of myself. Today, I have more longing for the outside world, no longer confined to a small well, but longing for the distant sky.
Studying abroad forced me to become a better self.
Thanks to my young self, I once made a decision that I don't regret, to study abroad, live and grow. Later, I can tell myself that although this life is short, I have done what I want to do, and I have tried my best to be what I want to be. I have seen the world, filled my heart with extraordinary yearning with my eyes, and also used my experience to pursue my meaning.
This may be the biggest "use" for me to study abroad.