Garrett Bucklin, Master of Business Administration, USA

I recently finished my undergraduate education in the United States where I have lived for most of my life. There were a few main reasons why I took my post graduate education outside the country, and more specifically at Bournemouth University. I have always enjoyed travelling, I have seen a few different places in my time but had never been to England. On my first visit out here I was pleasantly surprised. Everyone was so nice and helpful, they were very welcoming and made me feel right at home. Also the area is beautiful, I have always loved the beach, and mixing that with a lively town you can walk around in and enjoy makes for a very nice combination.

Another main reason would be the MBA course, I am enrolled in the masters of business administration program. It is rather prestigious and is one of the longest standing programs in BU’s history. The program is also rather extensive, it only takes one year to complete rather than in the states where it would take a minimum of two.

My new family in Bournemouth

One of the real main factors that ultimately finalised my decision was the volleyball team. I had only heard about this university because I was actually recruited to play out here. Volleyball has always been a big part of my life and I wanted to continue playing if I had the right opportunity. Bournemouth gave me far more than I could have imagined. They have an indoor team that is consistently at the top of their league and always looking to improve. I have always played indoors, however my real passion is beach volleyball. Bournemouth University has one of the only collegiate beach volleyball programs in the UK, and I have never heard of one in the US either. On the beach they have a proper coach and an indoor sand facility for us to practice in when the weather is less than ideal.

Bournemouth University gave me a package where it would have been simply unwise to decline such an opportunity. I have been over here for a few months now and I can say with certainty that I am happy and don’t have an ounce of regret about my decision to pursue this. Of course there was doubt in the beginning, it is somewhat a scary move and definitely put me outside my comfort zone. However with BU being right there helping me along the way and having my team right by my side I no longer feel away from home because I am here with my new family.