Ben Devere White

I chose to study Thai at the University of Leeds because I love learning languages. I studied Thai alongside linguistics (Joint Honours) and graduated in 2011. The language classes at Leeds are always small and intensive; I was able to communicate in the target language sooner than I'd imagined. Whilst learning to read a different script was challenging, the sense of satisfaction in achieving this goal was immense.

After graduation I was successful in my application for a scholarship from the Royal Thai Embassy (London) to read for a Masters by Research at Leeds. This involved 5 months in Thailand collecting data on my chosen topic, and supervision at Leeds with analysis and writing-up.

Since graduating from my MA I have taught at an international school in Thailand. Studying Thai at Leeds has meant that I have the appropriate language skills to succeed in a Thai-speaking environment. I know I made the right choice!