For many international students, studying abroad is a life-changing experience that offers fresh perspectives and opportunities for growth. For Weiyun Chen, an established curator and visual artist from Taiwan, her time in the UK shaped her creative philosophy and inspired her to establish a successful art-focused social enterprise after returning home.
In this article, Weiyun Chen shares her journey - how studying in the UK challenged her, inspired her, and helped her create a career that blends art with storytelling.
Studying in the UK: Finding Inspiration in the Process
Weiyun chose to pursue her master’s degree in Illustration at the University for the Creative Arts (UCA), drawn by its hands-on, practical approach to learning. The smaller class sizes and close interaction with tutors offered her a chance to fully engage with her studies.
One of the most striking lessons she learned in the UK was the emphasis on the creative process over the final outcome. She explains:
“In Asia, we tend to place more importance on the end result and expect things to be very clear and separate. But in the UK, I realised that the process itself is what truly matters. The process is where you learn, and it serves as the foundation to reach the results you desire.”
This change in perspective stayed with her and became a central philosophy in her work.
Of course, the journey wasn’t without its challenges. Preparing her portfolio for UCA was one of the hardest parts, especially as she didn’t have a formal background in art. “I didn’t know what kind of material to include or what outcomes were expected,” she recalls.
There were also cultural adjustments. Though she loved the UK’s climate and cultural atmosphere, food was an unexpected source of surprise:
“The biggest cultural shock for me wasn’t the language—it was the food. Even the rice they use was different! Although it’s still technically Asian rice, it’s the longer type, more like Thai rice, compared to the shorter Taiwanese or Japanese rice that I’m used to - everything seemed new!.”
Despite these challenges, Weiyun embraced the differences, finding inspiration in new experiences and perspectives.
Returning Home: Turning Inspiration into Action
After a happy time studying and subsequently graduating, Weiyun returned to Taiwan and decided to take the knowledge and skills she had gained to create something new. She established an art-focused social enterprise that blends curation, installations, and consulting with a deep focus on storytelling.
“Art is more than just a visual experience—it’s storytelling. At UCA, I learned how to tell a good story and bring illustrations to life by combining different materials. This inspired me to start my company, where we offer art solutions that help brands and individuals tell their stories in unique ways.”
Rather than seeking traditional employment, Weiyun found fulfilment in building her own projects and supporting other artists.
“Instead of finding work from others, I started creating work for myself. Over time, I’ve learned more skills, and my UK experience has shown clients that I really can do this.”
Redefining Work-Life Balance and Building the Right Team
One of the biggest changes Weiyun made after returning to Taiwan was rethinking how work and life could coexist. Inspired by the UK’s balanced approach, she wanted to create a working environment where creativity could thrive.
When building her team, Weiyun looks for people who are not only skilled but also passionate and open-minded. She values the importance of aligning their goals with the vision of her art-focused enterprise.
“When I’m looking for colleagues or co-workers, I want to see how passionate they are about their work. They don’t need to be working all the time, but I want to know that what they’re doing aligns with what we are doing as a company. That’s the most important thing.”
To ensure this alignment, Weiyun conducts one-on-one conversations with prospective team members, creating a space to understand their aspirations and how they might fit into the company’s goals.
“I believe in today’s world, everyone has the opportunity to create their own path, and that’s important. I want my team to feel like they can grow, explore, and develop new skills while working with us.”
The Value of Studying Abroad
Weiyun credits her time in the UK with more than just technical skills- it also gave her credibility and confidence in her field.
“People trust my expertise more because they can see that I’ve studied and worked in the UK. It helps when people see that I’ve been involved in similar projects abroad and that I’ve studied a master’s in this profession.”
She also emphasises the importance of a strong portfolio, which she built with help from UCA. The professional documentation of her work made it easier to showcase her capabilities to potential clients and collaborators.
Advice for Returning Graduates
Weiyun offers thoughtful advice to those preparing to return home after studying abroad, highlighting the importance of preparation. "By being prepared, I mean understanding that things may not always go as smoothly as you expect. But always remember the experiences you gained while studying abroad and remember that deciding to study abroad was a brave decision, and you should hold on to that courage.”
She likens these experiences to seeds planted in soil:
“Coming back and starting anew is never easy, but the experiences you gained will serve as nourishment for you, much like a seed in the soil. With good care and patience, that seed can grow into a beautiful tree in the future.”
For anyone preparing to return home after studying abroad, Weiyun’s experience offers valuable insights on how to turn challenges into opportunities and build a future grounded in creativity and passion.
Are you ready to turn your UK degree into a career back home?
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