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Experience the Language Groups Programme

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The University of Leeds community is very diverse and there are many opportunities for students to interact and get to know other cultures, and to develop new skills and learn new things. As Leeds students we have access to short workshops organized by the library which can last up to one hour, and where we get some tips to improve our writing and verbal skills in English. This is a great help to perform better in our studies.

In addition to this English help, the Language Centre offers an online system to learn any language for free and at your own pace. Additionally, there are language courses, free to access books, magazines and audiovisual materials to learn or practice the languages ​​you are interested in.

One of the activities promoted by the Language Centre and one of my favourites, is the Language Groups Programme. This consists of a student, who is a native speaker of either English, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Mandarin or Spanish to lead five classes to other students interested in learning or practicing that language. These courses are free, and their objective is to promote cultural exchange and facilitate friendly relaxed conversation sessions on another language.

I had the opportunity to join three Spanish classes led by Spanish-native students: Anna Campayo from Spain, José Erguera from Mexico and Laura Herrera from Colombia. Students from different cultural and academic backgrounds take part on these language groups, which facilitates to have a cross-cultural experience, learn interesting facts about from the group leaders’ culture and language. For example students can learn from their volunteer language teachers about local legends and myths, slang, music and important historical facts, famous fiction and comic characters of those countries. The creativity of each volunteer gives a special and unique atmosphere to these classes.

Language group leaders feel motivated to run these sessions and having the opportunity to share from their cultures while helping others improve their language-skills. They recognize that studying another language is challenging and the most important way for improving is through practice. In addition, this volunteering opportunity has allowed the group leaders to improve their public-speaking skills, contributing to their own professional development. Some of them already had experience teaching English in their countries but this is not a must for becoming a language group leader, the most important thing is motivation and willingness to make a positive impact on others.

These language groups are a great opportunity for students to speak in Spanish with other people that have the same language level, therefore not afraid to make mistakes. Also, these groups are small, which means students make new friends and feel comfortable speaking another language. Students also get help with conversational situations they may find whilst traveling or having a type of conversation where they can express their opinion on a topic.

The University of Leeds invites all international students to take part on this programme and help others to know their language and culture. As a recognition for volunteering with language groups, they qualify for receiving a Higher Education Achievement Record that accompanies their degree certificate. If you still are not convinced, here is some advice from Anna, José and Laura:

"Whether you are interested in being a group leader or participant, this opportunity is great for teaching a language or practicing it. You can meet different people, and everybody is very friendly”.

- Ana Campayo García from the northeast of Catalonia, Spain. Studies English Literature at the University of Barcelona. She is part of the ERASMUS exchange programme.

"Take part in every opportunity that the university provides you to promote your culture and country, like leading a language group. It is a great opportunity to make new friends."

- José Joaquín Erguera Guerrero from Cozumel, Mexico. Studies masters in Teaching English for Speakers of Other Languages, Information, Communication and Technology (TESOL and ICT).

"I would like to recommend future students to take this opportunity. You can meet new friends, help people who wants to learn another language, and share something about your own culture. Also, you will gain work experience (which is important for your professional career)."

- Laura Herrera Lara from Bogotá, Colombia, studying conference interpretation.

Come to the University of Leeds and be part of this diverse community!