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Gael Fort

Position
From: Peru
Studying: International Foundation Year (Social Science Pathway)
Email
gael-link@leeds.ac.uk
I speak
English and Spanish
Studying
International Foundation Year (Social Science Pathway)
From
Peru
Website
Chat to Gael

Hey! My name is Gael Fort from Peru! 

I am currently a first-year BA Politics student. I completed high school in Lima, then came to Leeds for an International Foundation Year, which I finished in June. I progressed onto my degree this September.

I am really enjoying my course; the modules are interesting and provide plenty of space for research, allowing me the freedom to support my essays with well-evidenced arguments. It’s a diverse and critical degree that covers various fields such as economics, law, sociology, and social policy. I would definitely recommend studying Politics at the University of Leeds to learn about legislation, government systems, and how they shape our world!

Outside of my studies I am a member of the Leeds University Union Horse Riding Team, participating in trainings and competitions whenever I am needed. It has helped me to make new friends and continue doing a sport I really love here in Leeds. The university and Leeds have an amazing social environment. Whether you like going out or not, there is always something for you to do. If you are worried of socialising, fear not. There is every kind of environments for you to meet people. There is a phrase I really liked that my parents told me before leaving home, “Whether they are locals or internationals, everybody is in the same position.” It is true, everybody is in the same position, but we are all here to support each other, achieve our goals, and have fun. Everybody is open to meeting new people and enjoying their university experience, so you will too!  

My favourite areas of Leeds are Hyde Park, it has great green areas to do picnics or just walk around and enjoy the fresh air. There are various shopping centres as well, my personal favourite is “The Light” which has a really good dessert restaurant called “Haute Dolci Leeds”. The type of desserts really brings me back home and are incredibly good! Inside the campus, the Roger Stevens duck pond is a nice area to sit and relax. If you have luck, you might see some ducks hanging around. There are various cafes around the campus as well as hangout places where you can meet with your friends or meet new people, my favourite one is the café in Parkinson Building. I have my majority of lectures and classes there, so it is a great stop before going to classes. Not to mention, it is also right next to the Brotherton Library, so if I want a quick snack after studying or taking a break, I can get it from there.  

The university is a family. A community in which you feel welcomed into and know that whatever happens you have them.

My favourite part of the university is the student environment that has been created. The university is a family. A community in which you feel welcomed into and know that whatever happens you have them. For international students, moving to a new environment and normally, a place you have never been to can be quite hard. But both in your course and in the university, you can always feel the support and the fun. The Leeds University Union (LUU) is always a good place to look for support, advice, or events to integrate into the community. It has over 300 societies (not necessarily sports!) and inside there are various shops, advice points (personal and even IT!), etc. It is really the heart of the university and its community.  

I have stayed in university accommodation in the past, specifically in Charles Morris Hall, and it was a very positive experience! It is located on campus and offers both en-suite and shared bathroom options, as well as catered and non-catered services. It also has common areas and a reception that can answer any kind of question you may have.

If you have any questions, want to know more about my experience or just want to chat feel free to contact me! You can contact me through UniBuddy or by email at gael-link@leeds.ac.uk.  

Chat to Gael