Meet the Exchange Ambassador – Deeksha

Name: Deeksha Venkatesh

School and Degree programme: MLANG And BA of Modern Languages and Translation

Host University: Shandong university

Host Country: China

Tell us about why you chose to study abroad 
I always wanted to explore and learn more about China

What are you looking forward to the most about your upcoming exchange placement?
I am most looking forward to immersing myself in a new culture while experiencing a different academic environment. I am excited to meet people from diverse backgrounds, build international friendships, and learn from perspectives different from my own. I also look forward to challenging myself outside my comfort zone, improving my independence and adaptability, and making the most of opportunities for personal and academic growth.

What’s something from your home culture you’re excited to share abroad?
I am excited to share aspects of both Indian and UK culture during my exchange. From India, I would love to introduce people to our diverse traditions, festivals, languages, and food. From the UK, I would enjoy sharing my experience of student life at Cardiff University, as well as the multicultural and welcoming environment that makes the UK a unique place to study. I believe sharing both perspectives will allow me to have meaningful cultural exchanges and build connections with people from different backgrounds.

How would you describe your personality in three words?

Curious, adaptable, enthusiastic

What is the one thing you think you will miss most about Cardiff/home?
The one thing I think I will miss most about Cardiff is the sense of community and familiarity. Cardiff has become a place where I feel comfortable and connected, whether through my friends, university life, or the city’s welcoming atmosphere. While I am excited to experience a new environment, I know I will miss the people and everyday moments that make Cardiff feel like home.

What do you like about Cardiff – as a city and University?
What I like most about Cardiff is that it combines the friendliness of a smaller city with the opportunities of a larger one. The city is welcoming, diverse, and easy to explore, with a great mix of culture, history, green spaces, and student life. At Cardiff University, I value the supportive learning environment and the opportunities to meet people from different backgrounds.

What’s one goal you hope to achieve during your time abroad?
One goal I hope to achieve during my time abroad is to step outside my comfort zone and become more confident and independent. By adapting to a new culture, meeting people from different backgrounds, and navigating unfamiliar situations, I hope to grow both personally and academically. I also want to build meaningful international friendships and gain a broader perspective that will help me in my future studies and career.