A conversation with Carol-Ann, Arden University business graduate

From Dubai to a degree

Originally from South Africa, 27-year-old Carol-Ann has been living in Dubai for the past eight years. She works in marketing, DJs in her spare time, plays sport, and has visited 38 countries to date. Recently, Carol-Ann achieved a personal goal - completing a BA (Hons) in Business Management (Tourism) with Arden University.

Can you tell us a bit about yourself?

I’m Carol-Ann, I’m 27, and I’m originally from South Africa but I’ve lived in Dubai for the last eight years. I work for an amazing company in marketing, I DJ, I play just about every sport going, and I’m a total water baby. I’ve been to 38 countries so far. Travelling is a big part of my life.

How did you balance work, study, and travel?

I work ten and a half hours a day, which is normal in Dubai, but it meant I had to plan carefully. I’d dedicate about two hours at a time for studying, whether in the week or at weekends. I also had physio, pilates, and a social life to fit in.

Travelling takes up a big part of my year, so I plan trips well in advance. When I’m away I don’t study, so I make sure my assignments are on track before I go. It’s all about scheduling and planning ahead.

Why did you decide to get a degree?

It was always a personal goal rather than a requirement for work. At school I wasn’t hugely academic and I never imagined myself at university.

I wanted to prove to myself that I could do it, to make ‘little Carol-Ann’ proud. I also wanted to focus on tourism because I’d worked in the industry for years, and I knew my practical knowledge would help me with the theory.

Why did you choose Arden University?

I needed something flexible so I could keep working and travelling. Arden’s online format was perfect, like pre-recorded lectures, realistic deadlines, and enough time between assignments.

Another big factor was the payment plan. I wanted to pay for my degree myself, without a huge deposit up front, and Arden gave me the flexibility to do that comfortably.

How did online study benefit you?

It meant I could study anywhere, whether at home in Dubai or visiting family in South Africa. I liked the independence of working at my own pace without the pressure of competing with classmates in a traditional setting

I also didn’t expect to find a community, but some coursemates and I set up a WhatsApp group. We shared advice, motivated each other, and even compared grades. Meeting two of them at graduation was amazing.

What challenges did you face and how did you overcome them?

Balancing my job, travel, and study could be overwhelming. I also manage diabetes, which can leave me feeling tired. There were moments I doubted myself and thought I’d never finish.

What got me through was support from friends and family, reminding me that just doing a degree was already a huge achievement. Their encouragement kept me going.

What were your biggest achievements during your degree?

During my studies, I was promoted to my dream role in social media marketing, which my degree really helped with.

Academically, I surprised myself by getting high marks on assignments. It boosted my confidence and made me realise I was more capable than I thought.

Has your degree changed the way you see travel?

Definitely. My degree helped me look at tourism from an operations point of view. When I travel now, I notice how hotels and airlines work, how excursions are run, and how problems are solved. It’s interesting to compare different places using what I’ve learned.

What advice would you give someone thinking about studying at Arden?

Have a purpose. That’s where your determination comes from. Arden gives you the flexibility to balance your personal life with your studies, so if you’re considering it – go for it.

And what would you say to someone unsure about doing a degree?

You’re the director of your life. If you want a degree, why not? Just try it. If it’s not for you, that’s fine, but at least you won’t regret not taking the chance.

What advice would you give to international students moving abroad to study?

Moving out of your home country pushes you out of your comfort zone, and that’s the best thing you can do for yourself. It’s scary at first, but you’ll grow so much, especially alongside other students who’ve made the same leap.

Even if you miss home, there’s always the option to visit, but the opportunities and experiences you’ll gain are worth it.

How did it feel to graduate?

Amazing! I never thought the day would come, but looking back, the three years flew by. All the hard work, late nights, and moments of doubt were worth it.

And finally, what’s next for you?

More travel, of course! I’ve just started my new marketing role, and there’s even a chance I might move to another country. I’m keeping an open mind and looking forward to whatever comes next.

If you're also an international student thinking about studying your degree in Business in the UK with Arden University, click on the link here to find out more.