Every Journey Starts with a Dream
If someone had told me a few years ago that I would be standing in a classroom in China, learning about artificial intelligence alongside students from different backgrounds, I probably wouldn't have believed them.
Yet there I was.
Just a few days after returning to the UK, I've found myself reflecting on everything this journey has given me. Not just academically, but personally. Sometimes, the experiences that change us the most are the ones we never planned for.
My name is Yesi, and I'm originally from Colombia. Today, I'm living in the UK as an international student, but my journey here started long before I boarded my flight to Bournemouth.
I've always been passionate about creativity. I studied Film and Television in Colombia and spent around three years working in the audiovisual industry, creating videos, taking photographs, editing content, and telling stories. Looking back, I realise that storytelling has always been at the centre of everything I enjoy doing.
Later, I had the opportunity to live in the United States, and that experience completely shifted my perspective. Living abroad showed me that there was so much more to discover—not only about other countries, but also about myself. It was during that time that I made a promise to myself: one day, I would study for a master's degree overseas.
That goal stayed with me for years.
Saving the money, choosing the right country, and finding the right university wasn't easy. The UK offered so many incredible academic opportunities that making a decision felt overwhelming. But in the end, Bournemouth University felt right. It had the programme I was looking for, an excellent reputation, and a beautiful location by the sea that quickly became my new home.
Now, almost a year later, I can honestly say it was one of the best decisions I've ever made.
When New Doors Open
Bournemouth University has opened doors I never imagined possible. It has allowed me to build meaningful professional connections, gain work experience through my placement year, and, most unexpectedly, become part of an incredible opportunity through the Turing Scheme: a student exchange at Guangzhou College of Commerce in China.
For sixteen unforgettable days, we explored topics including Digital Business, Artificial Intelligence, AI Marketing, Creative Design, and Nanotechnology. As a Digital Marketing master's student, every lecture felt relevant and inspiring.
But if I'm honest, the most valuable lessons didn't only happen inside the classroom.
They happened while sharing meals with classmates from another culture.
While trying to order food in a language I didn't speak.
While walking through the streets of Guangzhou after class.
While visiting local supermarkets and laughing with friends as we tried to decide which snacks were worth taking home.
While attending a robotics lecture in the morning and having conversations about culture later that evening.
Those small, ordinary moments became some of the most extraordinary memories.
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More Than an Exchange
They reminded me that understanding another culture isn't just about reading books or visiting famous landmarks. It's about everyday life. It's about being curious enough to ask questions, open enough to embrace differences, and present enough to appreciate the little moments that make each place unique.
Academically, the experience was equally inspiring because it allowed us to explore concepts that are already shaping the future of digital marketing in China.
One of the sessions that stood out to me the most focused on cross-border e-commerce live streaming. Before coming to China, I had always thought of live streaming as a tool for entertainment or social media engagement. During this class, however, we explored how it has evolved into one of the country's most powerful sales channels, where content creation, customer interaction, payment systems, logistics, and real-time data all come together in a single shopping experience.
We also learned how much preparation happens behind every successful live stream. From planning the content and selecting products to analysing customer data afterwards, every stage is carefully designed. I was especially surprised to discover that live commerce is rarely a one-person job. Behind every broadcast there is an entire team—including hosts, control operators, assistants, and customer service specialists—working together to create a seamless experience for viewers.
Another fascinating part of the programme explored how AI is transforming brand identity and visual communication. We learned how to use AI not simply to generate images, but to build consistent visual identities by considering elements such as logos, colour palettes, typography, brand personality, and effective prompting. It reinforced the idea that while AI is becoming an incredibly powerful creative tool, strategic thinking and human creativity remain at the heart of successful marketing.
One of my favourite parts of the programme was our final group business case analysis. Working alongside classmates from different cultural and academic backgrounds, we analysed the growth strategy of Delton Technology, a Chinese company specialising in high-performance circuit boards for AI and cloud servers. Together, we evaluated the company's expansion options, balancing innovation, investment, and long-term competitive advantage before presenting our recommendations. Beyond the business strategy itself, the experience taught me the value of collaborating with people who approach problems from completely different perspectives. Seeing how each team member contributed their own ideas made the discussion richer, and I was incredibly proud that our presentation was selected as the best of the programme, earning our team a special award.
Experiencing these concepts in China gave me a completely different perspective on the future of digital business. Rather than learning about emerging trends through articles or case studies, we had the opportunity to experience how they are already being implemented in one of the world's most innovative digital markets.
The People Behind the Experience
None of this would have been possible without the incredible support of the Turing Scheme. From the very beginning, they made what seemed like an impossible opportunity become a reality. Their financial support removed barriers, but their guidance throughout the entire process was just as valuable. They prepared us before the exchange, connected us with the other students, answered every question we had, and made sure we felt supported from the moment we were selected until we returned home.
This experience also wouldn't have happened without Dr Danni Liang, whose dedication made the entire journey possible. She introduced us to the programme, supported us every step of the way, and ensured that our experience (from the UK to China)was not only academically enriching but also personally meaningful. Her commitment and encouragement made a lasting difference to all of us.
As I write this, only a few days after returning, I realise that what I brought back isn't something that fits into a suitcase.
I came home with new friendships, new perspectives, and a much deeper understanding of how people communicate, learn, and innovate across cultures. I gained knowledge that will shape both my master's degree and my future career in Digital Marketing, especially in areas such as artificial intelligence, e-commerce, and digital innovation.
More importantly, I was reminded why I chose this path in the first place.
Every country I've lived in has taught me something different. Colombia taught me where my roots are. The United States taught me to dream bigger. The United Kingdom has given me opportunities I never imagined. And China reminded me that the world is much bigger, more connected, and far more inspiring than we sometimes allow ourselves to believe.
For all of this, I will always be grateful.
Thank you to Guangzhou College of Commerce, Bournemouth University, the Turing Scheme, and everyone who made this journey possible. It is an experience that has shaped me not only as a student, but also as a professional and as a person, and one that I know will stay with me for the rest of my life.
What I Brought Home
