From textbook to real world application: life on exchange

Riley Watson, a fourth-year International Business (BA Hons) student at Strathclyde, was an exchange student in Thailand last year and, on his return, helped support Thai students during an entrepreneurial programme at Strathclyde. Here, he outlines his experiences of life both at Strathclyde and on exchange. 

My exchange in Thailand at Mahidol University International College (MUIC) was arranged through Strathclyde Business School and is a compulsory part of the International Business degree. While I was there, I took Management and Organisational Behaviour (MOB), where we had to take what we'd learned in class and apply it in a real business. Our focus was standardisation, so for my project, my group chose a restaurant and we ate there three times. On each visit, we timed how long it took to be served, counted the pieces of chicken in each portion, noted how many staff were on the floor and looked at the layout. 

We found that payment was the weak point because only one member of staff was working the till. We suggested either adding a second till or another staff member or putting QR codes on the tables so customers could order and pay from their seats. We then presented our findings and recommendations to the class. 

The project showed me how textbook theory works in practice. Ideas that had seemed abstract in lectures became tools I could use to understand how a real business operates. 

Internship with Global Partner Locations 

Back in Glasgow, I managed to secure an internship which helped me see things from the other side of an exchange. My main role was supporting the Senior Global Partner Locations Manager at Strathclyde to deliver Student Entrepreneurs for Enterprise Development (SEED), a two-week experiential programme for 10 student entrepreneurs from Thailand. I helped with the administration and preparation before they arrived and engaged with the cohort throughout their time here. 

Upon their arrival, I led a "Welcome to Glasgow" session. I talked them through a welcome guide I'd thoughtfully and carefully put together, covering restaurants, laundry services, day trip ideas and useful apps. I based it on my own experience of moving to Thailand for the exchange programme, thinking about what I'd needed when I arrived in a new city. We finished with a game to learn some Scottish words, and they were surprised to hear that we call groceries "messages"! Amazingly, Mahidol University's President and Vice President for Research - from the university where I did my exchange - were also present. It was exciting to lead a session in front of them. 

One thing I learned about myself is that I'm more of a people person than I thought. I've always seen myself as shy, and it can take me a while to feel comfortable around new people. At the start of the programme, however, the SEED cohort seemed just as shy and unsure as I was but over the two weeks, we grew in confidence together. I spoke up more and found it easier to talk to strangers and make friends. Meanwhile, the Thai students went from being quiet to confidently presenting and pitching in a language that isn't their first. Watching that change in them, and noticing it in myself, was one of the most rewarding parts of the internship experience. 

This internship also showed me how much goes on across the University that I'd never known about as a student. Strathclyde takes global engagement seriously, with dedicated staff working on international connections and partnerships that deliver projects with real-world impact. I also discovered Strathclyde Inspire, which supports the community to become more entrepreneurial and helps them develop their business ideas. Seeing this side of the University for the first time gave me a new appreciation for its motto, "the place of useful learning", and I feel lucky to have been part of it. 

Choosing your university 

As a Strathclyde student, I’m happy to have had these experiences – experiences I might not have had if I had chosen elsewhere.  

I visited several open days across Scotland, and Strathclyde stood out as the best. One of the lecturers talked us through the course and why it was worth studying. It felt factual rather than promotional, and I could make up my own mind based on clear information. Being close to home was a bonus, too.  

If I were to give a prospective student some advice, I’d say: 

Visit before you choose. Rankings and prospectuses only tell you so much. Go to an open day, walk the campus, chat to current students and see if it feels like somewhere you belong. 

You belong here. I struggled with imposter syndrome and - as the first in my family to go to university - the fear of failing felt huge. Some doubts are still there. If you feel the same, talk to someone: university staff, other students or friends. 

Go on exchange. It's the best experience you can have. You'll meet amazing people, live a different way of life and push yourself out of your comfort zone. 

Get an internship. You'll pick up practical skills, see what working life is really like and give your job applications a boost. 

What's next? 

I'm not sure what job I want yet, but I know where I'd like to be: Thailand. After five months there on exchange, it felt like home. In fact, part of me is still there! 

About Riley Watson

Riley Watson is a fourth-year International Business (BA Hons) student from Glasgow. He recently was an exchange student at Mahidol University International College, Thailand.