Paulina Lopez Gonzalez

Hi! I am Paulina Lopez, a Mexican student who came to Leeds to pursue a MA in International Educational Management at the University of Leeds in 2014. Due to a wonderful experience lived here, in 2023 I am back and pursuing a Med in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages thanks to the School of Education International Excellence Scholarship.  

My experience at the university has been so far amazing, I have met many people from all over the world in my programme.

I heard about the University of Leeds many years ago from a teacher colleague and later from a friend who was pursuing her research degree at the university. Hence, when I decided to do a degree abroad, I decided to come to Leeds University because of its excellent international reputation, excellence in research and teaching, a solid degree programme that fit my needs as a learner, in addition to its award-winning union which just has an option for everyone who is part of the community.  

One of the best things about my studies are the faculty who are doing research and are up to date with current learning trends.

My experience at the university has been so far amazing, I have met many people from all over the world in my programme, in my accommodation and through the activities promoted by the university. I have enjoyed Leeds as a city since it has a great offer for entertainment and cultural activities. My favourite place in the city, without doubt is Roundhay Park where you can take a walk, eat at one of the restaurants nearby, make a picnic or simply relax. I currently live at a Unipol accommodation and what I like about it is that I enjoy spending time with my flatmates, and that it is a residence especially for postgraduate students within walking distance from local supermarkets and shops.  

I have enjoyed my studies and one of the best things about it are the faculty who are doing research and are up to date with current learning trends. Besides my studies, Leeds University has given important opportunities to me being one of them having the chance to collaborate in 2015 in Better Leeds Community, a local NGO, as assistant to the programme leader in which we organised trainings to develop leadership skills for local community leaders. 

I would say that the University of Leeds has thought of everything to include everyone.

What I enjoy the most about university life has been being able to attend the activities of the clubs and societies that I am part of, for instance we have been able to make a day trip to Whitby, have a quiz and pizza night among other celebrations and gatherings. Finally, I would say that the University of Leeds has thought of everything to include everyone, therefore it is a fantastic opportunity to come and live the experience.  

You can chat with Pauline on UniBuddy or send her an email here Paulina-link@leeds.ac.uk