I enjoyed my Erasmus experience in Leeds so much that when I went back to my home country I felt like I had to return to Leeds just to make the most of the excellent learning and studying facilities available in Leeds. The members of staff at the University of Leeds really know how to get the best out of every student through the tailored teaching experience offered.
Those people have inspired me massively and that is what encouraged me to continue studying at the University of Leeds: firstly, my Masters and then my PhD, that I have recently been awarded. During my doctorate I have also been teaching in the department and I am currently a Teaching Assistant in Linguistics and Translation Studies.
Applying for that single semester exchange in Leeds essentially changed my life and my career and I owe all of my academic success to the staff in the School of Languages, Cultures and Societies.
During my exchange semester, I took one module in the English department and one module in the Linguistics and Phonetics unit. This last course, in particular, introduced me to important linguistic theories that then formed the basis for both my MA and PhD dissertations. I love the sense of community that the University of Leeds campus provides, the many events organised and the city itself. I even joined the photography society during my Erasmus months! The city has a real up-and-coming feel to it, especially considering all the new developments that have taken place in the last few years! I really cannot see myself living anywhere else in the UK.
I love Leeds city centre. In particular, I love walking near the canal and river area and looking out at the stunning scenery. I visited most of the big cities in the north during my exchange, including York, Manchester, Liverpool, Bradford and Sheffield. I also visited a few other villages in and around Yorkshire: Whitby, Scarborough, Ilkley and Harrogate. I am also a bit of a foodie so I must say I have tried many restaurants in Leeds. I particularly enjoy the diverse range of cuisines available in the Leeds area, from Indian and Japanese dishes to Chinese dumplings and American burgers.
For all of your out there who are considering studying abroad in Leeds, I highly recommend it. You won’t regret it!