Lu Phuong Anh (Alice) Tran, MSc International Hotel and Tourism Management, 2026, Vietnam, Student
“My academic advisor is very supportive whenever we have any questions. She has been very present during our entire course since the induction and up to this point.”
"I'm currently doing my Master’s in Hospitality and Tourism at Oxford Brookes."
When I was researching universities, Oxford Brookes came up as having a strong reputation in Hospitality and Tourism courses. I was supported by an agency to complete my application, and they connected me with a representative from Oxford Brookes who helped me to understand more about the university and the environment there. I also joined some information events and spoke to some Vietnamese students who shared their experiences, so that helped me to make my decision.
"My academic advisor is very supportive whenever we have any questions."
She has been very present during our entire course since the induction and up to this point, and I was able to share my goals, my ambitions, and everything with her. We talk quite often as well, in the academic advisor sessions with her, and if we have any events, then she is there.
"Independent study and critical thinking is encouraged in the UK."
It didn't entirely surprise me because I was preparing for that, and I was aware that it was a focus of the academic environment here. Sometimes I need to try a little bit harder to reach that level, especially in writing academically, but I always find help either from the course module leader or from the library team. I'm going to join an academic English course this semester to refresh my academic language just to make sure that it's up to the standard.
"I applied for a sandwich programme."
It's one year of academic learning and one year of placements. So at the moment I haven't done that yet - I will do it after this semester. Within our Hospitality course we have the BACCHUS society, where we are offered mentoring, so we are mentored by a professional person from the industry. It's a great way to make connections.
"Oxford is very vibrant and I really like it."
Whenever I crave something, I am definitely able to find diverse cuisine. The city itself has a long history, but it doesn't feel too quiet. Everything is very accessible. I stay in Clive Booth, so it's a 15 minute walk to the campus and 20 minutes to the city centre.
"I'm in the process of figuring out my long term goal for the future."
I am hoping that I can become a lecturer or share my experiences in hospitality and inspire the next generation.