Sidney Burden
Google
As an American student, I enrolled in the MSc Project Management program at the University of Bristol because of its strong academic reputation, advertised diversity, and collaborative learning environment. However, my experience was not what I expected.
On the first day of class, I immediately noticed that nearly all of my classmates came from the same background — which in itself was fine — but I quickly realized that none of them spoke English proficiently. Out of approximately 50 students, I was the only one who spoke fluent English. Every conversation required a translator, and most students communicated exclusively in Chinese.
By the second day, it became even clearer that communication would be a major barrier. Students were asking questions in Chinese, which had to be translated into English for the instructor. This made it incredibly difficult to engage in the discussions and collaborative activities that are essential in a project management program.
I reached out to Student Services to express my concerns, but I was told there was nothing they could do. The program staff suggested that I work independently — which defeats the purpose of a degree built on teamwork and collaboration.
I chose the University of Bristol because I believed it valued diversity, inclusion, and academic excellence. I never expected that after moving across the world, leaving my family, and investing so much in my education, I would have to withdraw because my peers could not communicate in English at an English-speaking institution.
This school is undeserving of the reputation it has built. It advertises an international and inclusive learning environment, but in reality, it is neither. For anyone seeking a truly diverse, English-speaking, and collaborative academic experience, I would strongly caution against enrolling at the University of Bristol
