I decided to apply for another MA course in the UK when my Chinese colleagues were about to do placements or hunt for jobs in the second year (the final year as well) of my Chinese MA course duration.

I knew what it meant for me, that I would have to do two dissertations in the summer of 2013 before I graduate from both sides. Definitely overwhelming, isn't it? But I am determined to grab possibly the last chance in my student life to push myself to my limit and see how far I can go.

I became an MA Journalism & New Media student at Bournemouth University last September. It took me a couple of months to familiarise myself with everthing in Britain before the new semester.

Despite this, it still felt stressful being overtaken by all the units and assignments.

As an overseas student, we had much work to do in comparison to the natives since we were confronting language problems apart from academic tasks.

However, no pain no gain, it was rewarding.

I found the way of teaching here is different from my country. Students are expected to be more initiative and be keen to their own course, to contact their tutors and enquire about their works.

In terms of what I study in, journalism, I also saw a different news industry here, which is more liberal and diverse.

Above all, I enjoyed the lectures which covered both practical and theoretical things and the University provided sufficient support for our study, we even travelled to London and visited several media in November including BBC, SkyNews and Bloomberg, which definitely extended my vision and gave me a more in-depth expression of the media in the UK.

The hardest time was when the second semester began in January 2013 because I would have to submit my first draft of Chinese dissertation by the end of March.

I set about all the work much ahead of schedule and urged myself to accomplish them in advance, therefore I was able to squeeze out some time for my extra task.

Luckily, as time passed, I felt I could handle my course better and got more used to study in English, as well as more comfortable living here, which helped me to focus on my study.

In the mean time, I cast a wide net to find any possible opportunities for a work experience, which was not compulsory in my course though.

Now my first draft is almost done, what awaits me are my holiday assignments and Chinese dissertation defence, closely followed by starting the BU's dissertation.

I would say it must be the busiest, but most rewarding year, in my life.

It is really meaningful to immerse yourself into a different culture far away your country, which enriches your knowledge as well as promotes your understanding about the diversity and unity of the whole world.

Xisi Chen