Beyond Borders: What This Student Learned at University College London

When Parveen Sultana didn't clear her medical entrance exam in India, she didn't give up on her dream of contributing to healthcare. Instead, she found a different path through biomedical engineering, which eventually led her to pursue an MBA at University College London's Global Business School for Health. Her story shows how determination and persistence can open unexpected doors when our original plans don't work out.

But Why Study Abroad?

Parveen chose to study abroad not just for the degree but for the exposure to new perspectives. She wanted to hone her leadership skills and build a global understanding of healthcare management.

"The real value of studying abroad lies in exposure to new ideas," Parveen explains. She saw London as the perfect location: a global hotspot for healthcare innovation with ties to major medical technology companies, pharmaceutical firms as well as health policy institutions.

The Application Journey

Getting into UCL took Parveen a few months of meticulous planning. Parveen researched program details, faculty backgrounds, and experiences of former students. The most challenging part was crafting her statement of purpose, which took weeks to refine. She chose people who had witnessed her growth for recommendation letters: mentors, managers, and professors who could speak to her leadership potential. 

First Days in London

Arriving in London brought both excitement and challenges for Parveen. Finding accommodation near UCL's campus was straightforward, but grocery shopping presented new experiences - from navigating unfamiliar stores to managing currency conversions.

Financial management took on new importance in an expensive city like London. Parveen learned to use student discounts effectively and balance social activities with budget constraints. Though the MBA program's intensity made part-time work impractical, she found value in volunteering and gained new perspectives while giving back to the community.

Campus Life at UCL East

The UCL East campus in Stratford impressed Parveen with its modern design. "The entire campus has a very open, airy feel, with big glass windows and collaborative spaces," she describes. The executive suite provided excellent study facilities, while surrounding amenities like Westfield Mall and Olympic Park offered convenient breaks.

Parveen also could not help but notice how education was largely different here than what she had gotten used to in India over the years. "Back in India, undergraduate studies were more structured: lectures, notes, and exams that tested how well you could absorb information," she explains. At UCL, the focus shifted to discussions, debates, and real-world application of concepts, with no single ‘right’ answer.

Looking Forward

Parveen plans to return to India after completing her MBA and sees her international education as preparation for creating a meaningful impact in the healthcare sector. "Studying abroad isn't about just leaving, it's about learning how things work on a global scale, understanding best practices, and then adapting those insights to create something valuable back home," she says.

The Bottom Line 

Stories like Parveen's inspire us at UniNxt Study Overseas to help more students transform their academic and career paths through international education. From university selection and application guidance to visa assistance and pre-departure preparation, our expert counselors simplify every step of your study abroad journey.

Book a free consultation today to discover how we can help you find the perfect program that is in line with your career goals. For more personal guidance on studying abroad, book a session with us today. Please call us at +9196540 23759 or send an email to info@uninxt.com