Moe Ikeda
- Position
- From: Japan
Studying: Bachelor Degree with Integrated International Foundation Year (Arts and Social Science) - moe-link@leeds.ac.uk
- I speak
- English and Japanese
- Studying
- Bachelor Degree with Integrated International Foundation Year (Arts and Social Science)
- From
- Japan
- Website
- Chat to Moe
I was born in Japan and studied there until I moved to Leeds in September 2023. My English teacher encouraged me to apply to universities in the UK, in addition to those in Japan. I first learned about the University of Leeds while researching schools in England where I could study journalism. I chose to pursue journalism in the UK because I’ve long been inspired by programs produced by the BBC and am particularly interested in how mass media influences society, especially in terms of gender bias.
When I discovered the University of Leeds, I was impressed by the School of Media and Communication's professional-standard facilities, including TV and radio studios. I was also excited to learn that the university has a large community of Japanese students and others interested in Japan. I saw this as a great opportunity to connect with fellow Japanese students and gain new perspectives on my own culture.
Before I entered International Foundation Year in University of Leeds in last September, I took a gap year to move to Tokyo and studied about journalism at Sophia University in Tokyo. As I have previously had no experience of studying in English in a foreign country, I thought it better to get a good grounding in journalism and media in my mother language before starting them in my second language, and get used to life as a university student. Deciding to study in a foreign country for four years was one of the most challenging decisions of my life. Now, I look back that period while I considered and I would like to praise myself. Thanks to that gap year, it felt easier to start living in a new city, join in new communities, and start to study in a university.
During the last academic year, while studying in the International Foundation Year, I was able to develop my academic skills in English. The 'Academic Study Skills' module, tailored to each pathway, was especially helpful in adapting to studying in English. Other modules, related to future undergraduate courses, provided a strong foundation in various subjects. Throughout this experience, I not only became more comfortable studying in English but also adjusted to life as a university student in Leeds
As an international student who had taken a break from studying, I feel that the content of classes in International Foundation Year are useful to study the undergraduate course next year. Through lectures and seminars, students can study the basics of subjects. Especially in the class of Academic Study Skills for Arts and Social Sciences, students can learn academic skills which they need to acquire as university students. Furthermore, the event “Cake and Catch Up” for students in Foundation Year is held every week to chat with students on the course.
University of Leeds is friendly for international students. After I came to Leeds, I have been helped many students, staffs, flat mates, and people who just met on the street in this city. Please do not be afraid of studying abroad and moving out from your country. Making the decision to study abroad and take action one step at a time will enrich your life! If you want to chat or have a question, please feel free to email me at moe-link@leeds.ac.uk or message me on Unibuddy.
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