University-funded field trips and their benefits

Study trips at UON

As part of my course, BA International Business Management, students get the opportunity to go on study trips abroad in the first two years. We got the opportunity to go to Spain and Turkey, in the first and second years, respectively. The study trips are built in a way that can benefit students academically and professionally.

Some of the benefits of the trip include:

Learning to interact with other cultures

The world is globalising continuously; therefore, people need to interact with a vast range of people, professionally and socially.  The UON study trips provide the opportunity to practice with people from different cultures, as well as developing the habit of researching professional etiquette before going on a professional trip abroad.

For example, as part of our trip to Turkey, we were scheduled for a project with the students of Yalova University. Therefore, we had to research etiquette in the Turkish culture to build trust with the Turkish students. It was useful in the end because not only did the project go smoothly, but we ended up becoming good friends with some of the students.

Growing your professional network

Another benefit from the trip is that you are able to expand your professional network, connecting with people working abroad. This can mean you are aware of opportunities that can arise, which can be beneficial professionally.

For example, in the first year when I went to Spain, we had a seminar with a local businessman who runs a supply-chain company. One of my goals has been to work in the supply chain sector, and I was able to learn a lot about it from him. In the end, we connected over LinkedIn, and he mentioned to me that if an opportunity arises within his company, I should go for it.

Sightseeing

As a person who loves travelling, getting the opportunity to see historical locations and monuments from the study trips is one aspect I love. In the first year, I got the opportunity to see the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, whereas in the second year, I got the opportunity to see the Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque in Istanbul. Therefore, the study trips can help you improve your mood and after a gruelling academic year, it is a morale booster.

You can find out more about study trips at UON on our website

Find out more about study trips

Ishmam Yaseen Taha

Ishmam is a second year International Business Management student from Bangladesh. In his spare time, he likes to watch football, cricket and Formula 1. He also volunteers as a show producer at NLive Radio.