I remember it as if it were yesterday. At the end of 2018, I was at the point in my life where everything came together in a way that allowed me to move abroad and pursue my MBA. For a while, one of my professional aims had been to study abroad (I am from Peru), however, what is equally relevant to me is to remain with my family.

When searching for universities, it was important to me to find somewhere I could balance the three aspects of my life: my family, myself, and my studies. Later on, I would learn from one of my advisors; this is also known as the balance of the three marriages. Therefore, being able to choose the correct place was essential.

My decision to choose Lancaster University for pursuing my MBA was based on the fact that the program actively promotes diversity, and the university has an excellent reputation in the UK and globally. And finally, it was located close enough to larger cities so I can access them if I need to, however, it is also quiet enough for enjoying a more peaceful day to day life.

After having all the support from the admission and MBA team, I got a place in the 19/20 cohort. Soon enough after getting my acceptance, I was flying to London to finally take a train from London to Lancaster. I have to admit that whenever I needed help or felt lost, there were friendly people able to help.

Even when my single friends began to get bored of the city, I continued to and am still enjoying everything Lancaster has to offer, given that I am here with my family. It is indeed a warming and convenient town for me. I can find almost everything I need for enjoying my leisure time with my family.

We are regulars in a particular tasty Italian restaurant, where after asking for some little changes on a dish, they now include our suggestion on the menu for everyone to enjoy. There are some quite big parks to play with my two daughters and when it is raining (which is frequent in autumn and winter), there are some indoor playgrounds to attend. Actually, nothing prevents my family from enjoying the city.

For balancing my 'marriages', I chose to live in Lancaster University accommodation because I can work on my assignments as some of them require me to work overnight. There is a bus service to take my daughters to school (again the city Council were so friendly, giving me clear explanations and options before and after arriving in the town). My daughters love their teacher and classmates. The educational system in the UK works for my daughters, especially in primary school, because it involves learning through games and entertaining activities.

Regarding having my family around me through my MBA program, I cannot be happier. I really feel at home after finishing all my lectures and assignments every single day. The schedule is very tight -so be prepared- but being at home every day is priceless. My multiple academic teams, the MBA team, and above all my wife have actively supported me through my academic and family duties.

If you are pursuing a professional progression through an MBA program, and like me, you want to stay close to your family, make sure you choose a place that allows you to balance your ‘three marriages’. For me, Lancaster is and will be the best decision of my life. Even in this pandemic and lockdown, my family is still in campus accommodation, far away from crowded cities, with a supportive team from my MBA program and university. My lectures are switching online; I am ready for the new challenges to come, as I learnt from a wise professor in Lancaster ‘deal with the world as it is not how you’d like to be’.