When Raihan Afif decided to study abroad, he knew he wanted an international experience that would push him out of his comfort zone. Coming from Jakarta, Indonesia, he chose to pursue an MBA in International Business at Bangor University, Wales. "Postgraduate programs in the UK are slightly different from those in other countries because they offer a one-year master’s program. That was a big factor for me," he explains. "And, of course, the UK is home to some of the top universities in the world."
Choosing Bangor University
Raihan’s decision to study at Bangor University was shaped by both academic and lifestyle considerations. "I studied Economics in my undergraduate degree, so I wanted to continue in that field, and an MBA in International Business seemed like the logical next step." But beyond academics, Bangor’s natural beauty was a huge draw. "It’s a lovely city with mountains and the sea everywhere. It’s very close to nature, and that really appealed to me."
Unlike some students who have access to alumni networks before studying abroad, Raihan had to navigate the application process alone. "I didn’t have any access to Bangor University alumni, especially from Indonesia, so I had to figure everything out by myself," he recalls. "I didn’t even use an agency, I just applied and handled all the paperwork on my own." The lack of guidance led to some unexpected surprises, including a longer-than-necessary journey upon arrival. "I didn’t know that the closest airport to Bangor was in Manchester, so I ended up flying into London and had to take a much longer journey to get to North Wales!"
Adjusting to Life in the UK
Moving to a new country comes with challenges, and for Raihan, one of the biggest cultural differences was independence. "In Indonesia, we tend to hire professionals for things like painting our walls or fixing household issues. But in the UK, people just do it themselves. I was really surprised by how independent everyone was."
Another major adjustment was the food. "I’m not gonna lie, the food was a huge culture shock for me. In Southeast Asia, we use so many spices in our cooking, and the flavours are bold. In the UK, it was mostly just salt and pepper! It took time for my taste buds to adjust."
Despite these differences, Raihan found the UK’s multicultural environment incredibly enriching. "One of the most valuable things I gained from studying in the UK was meeting people from all over the world. It wasn’t just about different nationalities but also different perspectives. That diversity was eye-opening."
Academic Experience and Career Impact
One aspect of studying in the UK that surprised Raihan was the structure of lectures. "In Indonesia, once a lecture starts, you sit through it for hours with no breaks. But in the UK, every hour, there’s a 10 to 15-minute coffee break. I found that really refreshing, it gave me time to refocus and absorb the material better."
Graduating in 2020, right at the start of the pandemic, posed an additional challenge. "Finding a job wasn’t easy at the time, so my friends and I started our own business. I’ve always been interested in digital fields, so we worked on that for about two years," he shares. "Eventually, I realised I needed to learn more from industry experts, and the best way to do that was by working alongside them."
Raihan’s MBA played a crucial role in helping him transition into his current career as a digital marketer and consultant. "My degree was focused on economics and business, which gave me a strong foundation. In my role, I need to understand both the industry and the business landscape, and my studies at Bangor have been invaluable in that."
"It helped me think globally while acting locally. I now have a broader outlook, but I’ve learned that implementation doesn’t have to start big, you can begin with small steps."
Returning to Indonesia and Workplace Culture
Having a UK degree set Raihan apart in the Indonesian job market. "Employers definitely view a UK degree positively. There aren’t many Indonesians who study in the UK and then come back to work here, especially in startups. People are always curious about it. Sometimes during lunch breaks, colleagues ask me about my experience, and I can tell that it inspires them."
In terms of workplace culture, Raihan noticed key differences between the UK and Indonesia. "When I worked part-time in the UK, I learned that if you don’t understand something, you just ask. But in Indonesia, people tend to figure things out on their own first, and sometimes they’re hesitant to ask for help. That UK experience helped me become more comfortable speaking up when I need clarification."
Advice for Future Graduates
For students preparing to study in the UK - or those returning home - Raihan has a simple but important piece of advice: "Keep the mindset that it’s okay to ask questions and make mistakes. Everything is a process, and that’s something I really learned in the UK. Just take things step by step, and you’ll get where you want to be."
Now back in Indonesia, Raihan is applying the knowledge and experiences he gained abroad to his career. The ability to think globally while understanding local contexts has given him an edge. "I want to use what I’ve learned to contribute to the growing digital landscape here in Indonesia. There’s so much potential, and I feel equipped to take on new challenges with confidence."
His journey stands as proof that studying abroad is not just about earning a degree, it’s about growing as a person, developing a global mindset, and bringing those experiences home to make a difference.
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